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. 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. Cute Guy is the kitty keeping her couch warm when Carole is away from home. contact
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.
Benji Davidow, a student at Earlham College, advocates for animals through programs promoting vegetarianism, healthy eating and farm animal welfare. Benji is dedicated and works tirelessly toward making the world a better place for our animal family. contact
STAFF
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 Sablan is Director of Humane Education. She has many years of experience in teaching and incorporating humane education into the classroom. Christy brings a passion for teaching children and a love of animals to the job of developing humane education curricula for the schools. contact
Erin Scott is Manager of Organizational Development and Curator of PAHS’ Animal Art Gallery. Erin brings a background of corporate experience and creative pursuits, a knowledge of natural systems, a passion for educating about the web of life, and the goal of bettering the lives of all to which we are accountable - animals, people and planet. contact
Christy Wishon is Assistant to the Director and manager of PAHS' veterinary help programs. She has worked with animals for many years, as an animal technician and a presenter at the Palo Alto Junior Museum and Zoo. She holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology from California State University at Bakersfield with cum laude honors. contact
CATWORKS AND SPAY/NEUTER PROGRAM
Ann Nussbaum is a former PAHS board member and a long-time homeless cat rescuer. 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