Step Back in Time: PAHS History
Earth-friendly is Animal-friendly. Read more about PAHS' understanding of the interdependent relationship of people, place and animals and how this inherently supports a natural humane ethos.
With Gratitude
We thank the many community partners who generously contributed to our new Earth-friendly PAHS center and Animal Art Gallery. We simply could not have done it without you. Thank You
About PAHS
100 Years of Compassion
The Palo Alto Humane Society is a 501(c) 3 nonprofit, charitable, volunteer-supported organization. PAHS is one of the few humane societies nationwide with no animal shelter. Instead of managing animals inside a shelter, we work to keep animals out of the shelter through humane programs in intervention, advocacy, and education. For a century, our mission has been to alleviate the suffering of animals, increase public sensitivity to animal issues, and elevate the status of animals in our society.
Animal Companions
Looking to adopt an animal companion? That is wonderful news, and important, as many animals of all ages are needing good homes, especially in today’s economic climate. As PAHS is not a shelter organization, please visit Palo Alto Animal Services which serves as the local shelter and low cost clinic:
Palo Alto Animal Services
3281 East Bayshore Road
Palo Alto, CA 94303
Main line: (650) 496-5971
Clinic line: (650) 496-5933
Open: Monday – Saturday 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Being an animal caregiver is an immense responsibility so we at PAHS urge you to thoroughly consider the time, energy, consideration, and money it takes to care for all kinds of pets – cats, dogs, hamsters, mice, rats, rabbits, birds, reptiles, fish, etc. – during their entire lifetime. Click here for important information about parenting an animal.
ADVISORY BOARD
Joe Camp is a celebrated Hollywood director and producer of the Benji film series and author of Soul of a Horse. Joe is passionately devoted to the welfare of animals and has generously supported PAHS’ work in advocating for their humane treatment.
Peter Drekmeier, Mayor of Palo Alto in 2009, is a passionate advocate for the preservation of natural spaces. Peter is a conservationist and environmental educator and serves as Bay Area Program Director of the Tuolumne River Trust.
Philip Giffin is an Emmy-nominated composer and is the producer/director of “If Animals Could Speak For Themselves,” a still-life movie about the work and history of the Palo Alto Humane Society.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Al Platt has served as a board member for PAHS since 2005 and is currently acting as president. Al was formerly director of the Centre for Living with Dying and, having served many philanthropies, brings a depth and breadth of experience and wisdom to the organization. Al and his wife Barbara are the proud parents of Cheerio, their cockatiel.
Amy Cornell was elected to the PAHS Board in 2010. She has worked at the Santa Clara County District Attorney's Office as a Public Information Officer for the last three years. Recently, she created and launched a multi-agency anti-animal abuse project to help raise awareness in the community about the seriousness of animal abuse cases, and the link between animal cruelty and violence against humans. Amy has worked with animals since she was very young, including volunteering at a wild animal museum, where she led tours and educational programs. Amy is the proud parent of two rescue chihuahua mixes, Busta and Eddie.
Carole Hyde serves as the organization's Executive Director and an ex-officio board member. Carole has been an integral part of PAHS since 1991, giving a constant, compassionate voice to animals in our community. She is a founding member of the Stanford Cat Network and creator of Mow Wow Animals, an innovative humane educational program for California schools.
Dolores Arnold has shown a lifelong dedication to the welfare of animals. She is a founding member of the Stanford Cat Network and has been involved in PAHS' programs for many years. Dolores also has a passion for animal photography; her photographs can be found throughout our website, in our magazine Compassion, and in our Animal Art Gallery.
Jennifer Knapp was elected to the PAHS board in December 2008. Jennifer has been an attorney at Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati for over 7 years, where she focuses on corporate and securities law and provides pro bono legal counsel to a number of organizations, including PAHS. She volunteers her time on a number of animal-related issues, and is dedicated to promoting veganism and compassion towards all animals, including humans.
STAFF
Ben Davidow is a contracted partner who heads up our emerging ChooseKarma program (details to come!).. Ben is a recent graduate of Earlham College who served as Head Organizer of Students for Animal Rights, a nationwide coalition of collegiate animal advocacy groups. He advocates for a broader understanding of what it means to live humanely that accounts for how our consumption and lifestyle choices impact all sentient creatures, including farmed animals, companion animals, and wildlife. Contact
Carole Hyde serves as the organization's Executive Director. Carole has been an integral part of PAHS since 1991, giving a constant, compassionate voice to animals in our community. She is a founding member of the Stanford Cat Network and creator of Mow Wow Animals, an innovative humane educational program for California schools. contact
Christy Wishon is Assistant to the Director and manager of PAHS' veterinary help programs. She has worked with animals for many years, and more recently as an animal technician and as a volunteer at local zoos. She holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology from California State University at Bakersfield with cum laude honors. Christy aspires to live humanely as often as possible. contact
CATWORKS AND SPAY/NEUTER PROGRAM
Ann Nussbaum is a long-time homeless cat rescuer, a former PAHS board member, and our current volunteer CatWorks program manager. Ann is dedicated to the welfare of homeless animals and provides countless hours of communication and rescue to address the increasing needs of the community. contact
PARTNERS
Dolores Arnold: Events committee member
Evelyn Castaneda: English-Spanish translation of disaster preparedness documents
Leonor Delgado: English-Spanish translation of disaster preparedness documents
Marilyn Kanes: Accounting services and centennial year event chair
Patty Winter: Grant writer and events committee member
Sharan Daniel: Writing, editing and marketing
Stephen Hollingsworth: Creative and technical contributor
Susan Stienstra Vance: Events Committee member