Just a hop, skip, and jump from Elk Grove, you’ll find the Bradshaw Animal Shelter, a bustling hub of furry friends and wagging tails. While it’s not exactly in Elk Grove proper, this animal haven sits about 10 miles northeast in Sacramento, making it an easy trip for pet lovers in the area.
The Basics: Where, When, and Woof
This shelter is located at 3839 Bradshaw Road, Sacramento, CA 95827, and is one of Northern California’s largest. It’s open Tuesday through Sunday from noon to 5 p.m., with an extra hour on Wednesdays (noon to 6 p.m.). For those looking to bring in an animal, intake hours are from noon to 4 p.m., Tuesday through Sunday, with a slightly later closing time of 5:30 p.m. on Wednesdays.
A Day in the Life at Bradshaw
Picture this: You walk into Bradshaw Animal Shelter on a sunny Tuesday afternoon. The air is filled with a symphony of barks, meows, and the occasional squawk. You might see a line of eager adopters waiting to meet their potential new best friends or staff members hustling to clean kennels and feed the animals.
One visitor raved about a room full of kittens, while another praised the spacious dog park on-site. It’s like a matchmaking service, but instead of swiping right, you’re scratching bellies and tossing tennis balls.
The Good, The Bad, and The Furry
Like any animal shelter, Bradshaw has its ups and downs. Some visitors have noted that the cat areas seem better maintained than the dog kennels. Others have praised the staff’s straightforward approach to the adoption process.
The shelter offers a variety of services beyond adoption, including:
- A community spay/neuter clinic
- Lost and found assistance
- Licensing services
- A community cat program
They even have a Petco Adoption Center for those who prefer to meet potential pets in a retail setting.
Adoption: A Tail of Two Kitties (or Puppies)
Adopting from Bradshaw Animal Shelter is generally a smooth process. During special events, they sometimes waive adoption fees, making bringing home a new family member even easier. Plus, they throw in free goodies from their store for your new pet. It’s like a “welcome home” party with more chew toys and less awkward small talk.
The People Behind the Paws
A dedicated team of animal lovers runs the shelter. From the shelter director, Annette Bedsworth, to the kennel operations staff and volunteer coordinators, these folks work tirelessly to ensure the animals receive the best care possible.
They also have a foster team for those who want to provide temporary homes for animals and a rescue team that works with other organizations to find homes for as many animals as possible.
Community Involvement: It Takes a Village (and Some Kibble)
Bradshaw Animal Shelter doesn’t just rely on its staff; it’s a community effort. They have a robust volunteer program for those who want to help but can’t commit to adopting. Whether you’re walking dogs, socializing cats, or helping with administrative tasks, there’s a role for everyone.
They also partner with organizations like BISSELL Pet Foundation and Petco Love to provide additional resources and services to the community. These partnerships help fund free vaccine clinics and other initiatives to keep pets healthy and in their homes.
The Nitty Gritty: Fees and Procedures
Adoption fees at Bradshaw are reasonable, especially compared to buying from a breeder. These fees typically cover spaying/neutering, initial vaccinations, and microchipping. The exact cost can vary depending on the animal and any ongoing promotions.
The shelter has specific intake hours and procedures for those looking to surrender an animal. It’s always best to call ahead and speak with a staff member to understand the process and ensure they have space available.
Beyond Bradshaw: Other Options in the Area
While Bradshaw Animal Shelter is a great option for Elk Grove residents, it’s not the only game in town. Elk Grove has its animal services at Iron Rock & Union Park Way. For those willing to travel a bit further, there’s the Front Street Animal Shelter in Sacramento and the Sacramento SPCA.
Final Thoughts
Bradshaw Animal Shelter is more than just a place where animals wait for homes. It’s a community hub, a second chance factory, and a testament to the bond between humans and animals. Whether you’re looking to adopt, volunteer, or just visit some furry friends, Bradshaw welcomes you with open arms (and wagging tails).
Remember, every visit, adoption, or donation helps improve these animals’ lives. So, next time you’re in the mood for puppy kisses or kitten cuddles, why not take a trip to Bradshaw? Who knows, you might just find your new best friend. After all, in the words of one happy adopter, “By the end of our first night, we knew how lucky we were to find this awesome little girl!”
Sources: animalcare.saccounty.gov, Bradshaw Animal Shelter Facebook Page, Bradshaw Animal Shelter Instagram Page
Header Image Source: Photo by Humberto Arellano on Unsplash
