Rent safe and private dog parks hosted by locals

Dog Training Dog Reactivity Dog Enrichment Sniffspot Community Top Dog Trainers City Dog Parks Dog Breeds Dog Names Dog Rescues & Shelters

Home

Blog

Dog Rescues & Shelters

California

Santa Rosa

The Humane Society of Sonoma County

David Adams

March 19, 2025

Dog Rescues & Shelters

The Humane Society of Sonoma County

#80 in United States, #14 in California, #3 in Santa Rosa

5345 Highway 12 West, Santa Rosa, CA 95407

https://humanesocietysoco.org

info@humanesocietysoco.org

Service areas:

Sonoma County

The Humane Society of Sonoma County is a donor-supported nonprofit organization dedicated to kindness. With the generosity of our supporters, we save lives and enhance the well-being of pets and their people through kindness, innovation, and leadership. Programs like our Community Action team, Community Vet Clinic, and Free Vaccine Clinic provide vital support to our community.

Mission and Vision

To save lives and benefit the wellbeing of pets and their people with kindness, innovation, and leadership.

Adoption Policy

Adopters must be at least 18 years old and present valid photo ID.If you have a dog and want to adopt another, we ask that you leave your resident dog at home for the initial greeting. Once you've decided that you've met your match we may schedule an introduction between the dogs.Animals and people are all unique. We will make every effort to help you find the companion animal who is most appropriate for your lifestyle. If we cannot find the right match, we reserve the right not to complete an adoption.

https://humanesocietysoco.org/available-animals/?_pet_type=dog

Testimonials

See all testimonials

"It’s wonderful seeing all the love and caring given by all staff and volunteers. All the animals have their own rooms and are given positive reinforcement. It’s heartwarming hearing from forever home parents who keep us posted on how they’re enjoying their new friends and thank us for the care we’ve shown them ."

— barbara w.

Volunteer / foster

"This shelter is amazing, not just because it is a no kill shelter, but because of the fact that every staff member is truly an animal lover, and advocate of their safety and concerns with placement. I love working there."

— royalene m.

Volunteer / foster, Supporter

"HSSC gets involved with animals in their care to find a home that is a fit for all. They are the best."

— marsha g.

Volunteer / foster

"Humane society of Sonoma county has been fun to volunteer at so far. It seems like they are getting a lot of cat and dog adptions."

— nikki s.

Volunteer / foster

"The Humane Society of Sonoma County is a haven for animals (and humans)! One major feature of this establishment that sets this shelter apart from others is their Behavior and Training (BnT) center. I have witnessed countless dogs (and humans) be evaluated for behavioral "issues", a unique protocol put in place to accommodate their needs, followed by rehabilitation at the BnT center. I have seen so many dogs come in with excessive mouthiness, barking, etc. and be gently trained out of less preferred behaviors and united with a loving home. This is a truly transformative place that trains without pain and makes humans better listeners."

— danielle z.

Volunteer / foster

"HSSC is a terrific space for the 4 and 2 legged! It is welcoming, clean and best of all they take amazing care of the animals. I couldn't give a higher recommendation for anyone looking to adopt! We have a terrific community clinic & grooming onsite which engages the surrounding area and is a great resource for our animals."

— linda h.

Volunteer / foster

"All the animals are very well cared for. They have large rooms equipped with a crate, raised beds, lots of toys and blankets. Volunteers and staff take them out into large play areas several times a day and give them lots of loves. Volunteers also spend time giving them treats including stuffed kongs, eggcarons filled with tasty nuggets. The dogs seem mostly happy and well acclimated to the environment. I highly recommend this shelter. Great job!"

— martha g.

Volunteer / foster

"The humane society is a wonderful organization that truly cares for the animals that they shelter. They provide ample training to volunteers to minimize stress to the dogs, and are incredibly well organized."

— hailey n.

Volunteer / foster

"The Humane Society of Sonoma County truly cares about the animals they are housing. They work really hard to get the animals adopted as soon as possible and they ensure that while the animals are staying with them, they all get treated like they are part of a big family. We have an enrichment program to keep the animals entertained in their rooms and we have an extensive list of volunteers to spend time and help socialize and take care of all our friends. Animal's rooms are always kept clean and toys/bedding/towels are routinely washed to make sure the animals are getting treated as fairly as possible. Everyone really does try their best to show the animals love and compassion, and it is overall a very heartwarming shelter."

— alessa s.

Volunteer / foster

"As a staff member here, who organizes our 300+ volunteers, I see the incredible love and compassion that motivates both our staff and volunteers. We are able to provide an very high level of care to our animals, thanks to our volunteers and staff. I see the care they all put into feeding animals, cleaning habitats, walking dogs, working with potential adopters to find the perfect fit, and it amazes me constantly. In addition we provide a wealth of services and support to the community, focusing on helping people keep their animals, where they might have otherwise had to give them up. We provide FREE pet food o people in need, we travel to locations where pet owners in need may be, in order to reach people who can't get to us (homeless camps, mobile showers, food banks, etc.). We offer low-to-no cost medical care for the pets of people in financial distress, we have a free vaccine clinic open to anyone, and a low-cost spay and neuter clinic, open to anyone. These are just a few of the features about our shelter that make it an incredible place for both animals and humans."

— katie m.

Staff member

Get safe exercise for your dog by renting a private dog park near you

See The Best Dog Rescues & Shelters By Specialization In Santa Rosa

See The Best Dog Rescues & Shelters In Santa Rosa

See The Best Dog Rescues & Shelters In Other Cities Near Santa Rosa

Get your dog the safe enrichment they need by renting a Sniffspot

David Adams

March 19, 2025

Dog Rescues & Shelters

David Adams

About the author

David Adams is a man of many passions, but his love for dogs stands above all. He is not only a dog lover, but also the founder of an innovative platform called Sniffspot. This unique platform connects dog owners with private property owners who are willing to rent out their space for off-leash playtime. While the idea of Sniffspot was initially conceived by his wife, Rebecca, David has been the driving force behind its remarkable success, tirelessly overseeing its growth and development. David's dedication to providing safe and enjoyable spaces for dogs to play, explore, and socialize is evident in his unwavering commitment to Sniffspot. He strongly believes that dogs need ample space and opportunities to stretch their legs and have fun. As a result, he has worked tirelessly to build a network of private property owners across the country who share his vision and are willing to offer their space for the benefit of dogs and their owners. Despite his busy schedule, David always finds time to indulge in his passion for the great outdoors. He loves nothing more than exploring new hiking trails and embarking on thrilling outdoor adventures. Whenever he is not working on Sniffspot, he can often be found hiking or visiting multi-acre fenced sniffspots with his two beloved dogs, Soba and Toshii. He is an avid outdoorsman who enjoys the fresh air, breathtaking scenery, and the sense of freedom that comes with being in nature. David is based in Salem, MA.

All testimonials

— barbara w.

Volunteer / foster

— royalene m.

Volunteer / foster, Supporter

"HSSC gets involved with animals in their care to find a home that is a fit for all. They are the best."

— marsha g.

Volunteer / foster

"Humane society of Sonoma county has been fun to volunteer at so far. It seems like they are getting a lot of cat and dog adptions."

— nikki s.

Volunteer / foster

— danielle z.

Volunteer / foster

— linda h.

Volunteer / foster

— martha g.

Volunteer / foster

— hailey n.

Volunteer / foster

— alessa s.

Volunteer / foster

— katie m.

Staff member

About Sniffspot

Sniffspot is a community marketplace that enables anyone to rent land by-the-hour as a safe and private dog park.

Find Sniffspot on your favorite social media

Big Dog Runs in Philadelphia: Public & Private Options

Portland Dog Parks: Sniffspot vs. Public Options

15 Best Dog Parks in the US: Public & Private

All categories

Dog Parent's Guide to Separation Anxiety

German Shepherd Dog: Breed Facts, Experience and Tips from 9K+ Owners

Most recent articles

Big Dog Runs in Philadelphia: Public & Private Options

Portland Dog Parks: Sniffspot vs. Public Options

15 Best Dog Parks in the US: Public & Private

20+ Best Enrichment Toys for Dogs: Ultimate Guide

Sniffspot: Private Dog Parks in San Diego

How to Become a Dog Trainer in Washington State

Big Dog Runs in Philadelphia: Public & Private Options

Portland Dog Parks: Sniffspot vs. Public Options

15 Best Dog Parks in the US: Public & Private

Top dog guides per area

Dog training guides

My Dog Is Food Aggressive With Other Dogs: What To Do
Does your dog ever growl when you walk by their food dish? Maybe they get possessive of treats, carrying them far away and giving you side-eye when you start to approach — or snarling at your other pets or children if they get too close.
Scent Training for Dogs: A Beginner's Guide
As almost every dog owner is aware, the nose of a dog is an amazing thing. Just as they can pick up sounds we can’t hear, their sense of smell and ability to pick up scents is well beyond ours. In fact, dogs have 40 times the number of olfactory receptors as humans.
Service Dog Training Costs: DIY vs. Pro
More than 80 million Americans rely on their service dogs to help them navigate the world. Task-trained assistance animals perform a huge range of life-changing—in many cases, life-saving—services: These dogs act as eyes for visually impaired handlers, provide mobility support, alert to seizures and blood sugar crashes, interrupt anxiety attacks, remind their people to take medications, and so much more.
What is and How to Handle Potty Training Regression
You thought your dog was house trained. Your home was clean from puddles of pee, those dreaded middle-of-the-night bathroom breaks were behind you, and you loved every minute of dog ownership… until your four-legged best friend started using the bathroom inside again. What’s going on?
Coprophagia: Why Does Your Dog Eat Poop?
Ah, poop. We humans think it’s disgusting… but many of our dogs seem to love the stuff. If you’re wondering why your canine companion tries to eat feces (either their own or that of other animals) you’re not alone!

Dog enrichment guides

Top 10 Dog Water Parks in the US
Do you have a water-loving dog looking to burn some energy? There are countless dog parks to visit throughout our country — but some of them become far too hot in the midday sun to be safe for your pets to play. That’s why we’ve put together a list of some of the best dog water parks throughout the United States! At these locations, your pup can frolic, splash, and swim to their heart’s content.
Best Toys for Herding Dogs: A Trainer's Guide
* All Sniffspot articles are reviewed by certified trainers for quality, please see bottom of article for details *
Ultimate Guide: Dog Toys for Aggressive Chewers
Does your dog destroy every toy you give them? Is your house littered with remnants of fabric and stuffing of all different sizes? Are you tired of investing in “indestructible” toys only for your pup to still dismantle—or worse, get bored of—them in just a few days?
Daily Exercise Calculator: How Much Exercise Does Your Dog Need?
Everyone knows dogs need exercise, but how much is enough? Walks are great, but creating a truly balanced fitness plan means understanding your dog's specific needs. This post helps you develop a daily exercise calculator for your dog, considering breed, age, and lifestyle. We'll cover fun activities, understanding exercise intensity, and recognizing when your pup has had enough. Let's create a plan that keeps your dog happy and healthy!
Complete Guide To Herding With Dogs
* All Sniffspot articles are reviewed by certified trainers for quality, please see bottom of article for details *

Dog reactivity guides

Rottweiler Aggression: Truth vs. Myth
Many dogs have gotten a bad reputation over the years for being "dangerous breeds." Rottweilers are among them. Like pit bulls and other large, blocky-headed types of dogs, these powerful and beautiful animals are often assumed to be aggressive.
What Is a Reactive Dog? A Practical Guide for Owners
Does your dog suddenly transform into a barking, lunging Tasmanian devil on walks? It's stressful for both of you. If this sounds familiar, you might have a reactive dog. Understanding what is a reactive dog is the first step to calmer walks. We'll explore the common triggers and give you actionable strategies to manage and modify this behavior. Let's turn those stressful walks into enjoyable outings.
How to Socialize a Reactive Dog: A Step-by-Step Guide
Does your dog display reactivity to other pets or people? Maybe they’re a new rescue pup and are still settling into your home. Or they were sick growing up, so you missed their critical socialization period. Possibly they’ve had a bad experience after being raised as a normal puppy.
What Is a Reactive Dog? A Comprehensive Guide
Do you have a reactive dog or suspect you may have one? You’re not alone!
The 9 Best Online Communities for Reactive Dog Parents
* All Sniffspot articles are reviewed by certified trainers for quality, please see bottom of article for details *

Sniffspot community guides

Top dog trainers in the US

The Best Dog Trainers in the United States of 2025
This is a list of the top dog trainers in the United States, based on votes from the Sniffspot community and the general public.
The Best Dog Trainers in Seattle, WA of 2025
This is a list of the top dog trainers in Seattle, WA, based on votes from the Sniffspot community and the general public.
The Best Dog Trainers in Portland, OR of 2025
This is a list of the top dog trainers in Portland, OR, based on votes from the Sniffspot community and the general public.
The Best Dog Trainers in Los Angeles, CA of 2025
This is a list of the top dog trainers in Los Angeles, CA, based on votes from the Sniffspot community and the general public.
The Best Dog Trainers in New York, NY of 2025
This is a list of the top dog trainers in New York, NY, based on votes from the Sniffspot community and the general public.

City dog parks guides

Dogs breeds

Top dog names in the US

Top 1,000 Most Popular Dog Names
Looking for the perfect dog name for your new pup? We have created filterable lists of dog names from our database of hundreds of thousands of Sniffspot users. You can filter by gender, breed and state to find the most cute, unique and creative dog names.
Most Popular Male Dog Names
Looking for the perfect dog name for your new male pup? We have created filterable lists of male dog names from our database of hundreds of thousands of Sniffspot users. You can filter by gender, breed and state to find the most cute, unique and creative male dog names.
Most Popular Female Dog Names
Looking for the perfect dog name for your new female pup? We have created filterable lists of female dog names from our database of hundreds of thousands of Sniffspot users. You can filter by gender, breed and state to find the most cute, unique and creative female dog names.
Most Popular Golden Retriever Names
Welcome to our comprehensive list of Golden Retriever dog names, curated from our vast database of Sniffspot users. Filter through hundreds of thousands of options by gender, breed, and state to discover the most adorable, original, and imaginative names for your beloved Golden Retriever.
Most Popular Labrador Retriever Names
Welcome to our Labrador Retriever dog names page! Here you can browse through filterable lists of names for your beloved furry friend, ranging from cute and classic to unique and creative options. Our database of hundreds of thousands of Sniffspot users ensures you'll find the perfect name for your Labrador Retriever, whether you're seeking a name for a male or female, based on breed or state.

Top dog rescues in the US

The Best Washington Dog Rescues & Shelters in 2025
This list showcases the top dog rescues & shelters in Washington. These remarkable organizations have been recognized for their unwavering dedication to the well-being of countless dogs.
The Best Oregon Dog Rescues & Shelters in 2025
This list showcases the top dog rescues & shelters in Oregon. These remarkable organizations have been recognized for their unwavering dedication to the well-being of countless dogs.
The Best California Dog Rescues & Shelters in 2025
This list showcases the top dog rescues & shelters in California. These remarkable organizations have been recognized for their unwavering dedication to the well-being of countless dogs.
The Best Florida Dog Rescues & Shelters in 2025
This list showcases the top dog rescues & shelters in Florida. These remarkable organizations have been recognized for their unwavering dedication to the well-being of countless dogs.
The Best New York Dog Rescues & Shelters in 2025
This list showcases the top dog rescues & shelters in New York. These remarkable organizations have been recognized for their unwavering dedication to the well-being of countless dogs.

About Sniffspot

Sniffspot provides the best experiences and fun for you and your dog. Our dog parks are designed for the ultimate dog exercise. Our private spaces help you minimize distractions or triggers and maximize time with your dog. We provide off leash enrichment - exploration and activities you can't get anywhere else; wear your dog out for days. We make it easy to have playdates. Socialize your pup in a controlled, private spot - it's great exercise and it's fun for you and your dog.

The Humane Society of Sonoma County

Mission and Vision

Adoption Policy

Testimonials

See The Best Dog Rescues & Shelters By Specialization In Santa Rosa

See The Best Dog Rescues & Shelters In Santa Rosa

See The Best Dog Rescues & Shelters In Other Cities Near Santa Rosa

David Adams

About Sniffspot

Follow us

Related articles

All categories

Most recent articles

Related articles

Top dog guides per area

Dog training guides

Dog enrichment guides

Dog reactivity guides

Sniffspot community guides

Top dog trainers in the US

City dog parks guides

Dogs breeds

Top dog names in the US

Top dog rescues in the US

About Sniffspot

Browse by top cities

Atlanta

Austin

Boston

Calgary

Chicago

Columbus

Dallas

Denver

Edmonton

Houston

Las Vegas

Logan

Los Angeles

Milwaukee

Minneapolis

Nashville

New York

Old Toronto

Omaha

Ottawa

Philadelphia

Phoenix

Portland

San Antonio

San Diego

San Francisco

Seattle

Tampa

Washington

Westminster

Browse by top states

Alabama

Alaska

Arizona

Arkansas

California

Colorado

Connecticut

Delaware

Florida

Georgia

Hawaii

Idaho

Illinois

Indiana

Iowa

Kansas

Kentucky

Louisiana

Maine

Maryland

Massachusetts

Michigan

Minnesota