Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA (formerly Wildlife Center of Silicon Valley)

I left a voicemail at 8:00 am this morning because I wanted to check status of a mom raccoon & her 3 babies that were taken there late yesterday. The person that called me back at 9:24 am was so rude and seemed extremely annoyed that I was calling them. When I explained what I was looking for, she said this sounds like another voicemail I got. I said, I'm sorry, I think my daughter may have called as well because I was really concerned that this family might be euthanized. She had ZERO empathy and told me not to keep calling and it takes 72 hours for an update and she hung up on me. I'm just trying to get information to make sure this animal doesn't get euthanized just for being in my house. Now I feel terrible after reading the reviews that this place just seems to be a kill place for these wild animals. I wish I would not trusted what was told to me and researched a bit more. I would have just tried to relocate them myself if I knew. I feel so bad for the animals coming in that are scared/injured and having to deal with a person like the one that answers the phone. Very cold. :(

They are friendly and courteous but unfortunately they do euthanize wildlife. I brought in a baby squirrel and despite it being healthy, since it was small, they decided to euthanize it. I called ahead of time to ensure they’ll take the squirrel in. I wish they had been upfront with me about their intention to euthanize it, because I wouldn’t have brought it in. It would have had more chances of survival if I left it where I found it, rather than the certain death at the wildlife center. Please be mindful when bringing in wildlife - I’m sure they try their best but they do euthanize them if it’s too costly/ time consuming (which seems to happen often).

Called for an injured squirrel. They don’t take or help with anything less than 40 pounds so squirrels currently injured at park. Not sure why they’re advertising to call for a sick injured then saying oh under 40 pounds? Waste of time. Edit: was told any numbers i called would turn me away upon picking squirrel up. Called the city wildlife, sure enough they had emergency dispatchers within the hour and on way to emergency vet. Whoever i had spoke to on phone, was dismissive saying any numbers she gave me wouldn’t pick up. Yet, city of San Jose did. Maybe she just didn’t care about the squirrel, but……. Misleading. Edit #2 responding to response: i hope you fired who took my call. They went through hoops to give me dates saying “December 2024 picking up any animals under 40 pounds is no longer accepted.” Then went on to say “anywhere else you call, won’t help you.” And was so matter of fact and rude. This alarms me as you work for an animal center. If she doesn’t care THAT bad, she doesn’t need to work there. How do you trust someone like that who blatantly stated how much they don’t want to help, that they’re willing to lie. i truly hope you fired them. Red flag in every aspect.

Brought in a tiny, still naked and blind baby bird, 4 days old. They only have MEAL WORMS (the worst possible feeder insect for birds) to feed insectivorous birds, and this tiny baby was going to wait to go to their Saratoga Center from ~3pm till 9am of the next day, plus a hr trip, plus sorting... ! That's clise to a full 24hrs...! For a, bird, when a day almost goes for a year (they fledge at 14-16 days old), it's like feeding your 5-year-old with only fatty hotdogs for a year. Metabolic, calcium, vitamin defficiencies, guaranteed! If you care about the baby birds you find, take them to Saratoga directly. Saratoga facility seems beyyer stocked. They have a bit better chance there...

I brought a baby bird -dove here last spring. Which I got after chasing a cat, who carried it in his moth then dropped it. I couldn't locate the parents, bird seems to be (visually) ok, but I called Wildlife Center and I was on my way just in few minuts after brief talk with the team member. Due to Covid, I couldnt entry the facility, but was greeted after ringing the bell. The personelle is very passionate, helpful and friendly. I got an update in a few days - my baby is doing well :). Then in 4 weeks I got a card- my dove survived, was nurtured to be healthy bird and was released in the nearby park!!!