53,000 Adoptions and Counting: Joybound People & Pets Celebrates Major Milestone 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

53,000 Adoptions and Counting: Joybound People & Pets Celebrates Major Milestone 

WALNUT CREEK, CA – September 9, 2025: Joybound People & Pets is proud to announce a major milestone: 53,000 pet adoptions since its founding in 1991. This achievement reflects more than three decades of dedication to connecting animals in need with loving homes and speaks to the growing recognition of the vital role pets play in human wellbeing.

“Thanks to Joybound’s thousands of devoted supporters, 53,000 abandoned dogs and cats have traded the stress and risk of an overcrowded shelter for the safety and love of a forever home,” said Susan Lee Vick, President and Chief Executive Officer of Joybound People & Pets. “As Joybound adopters, donors, volunteers, and team members witness every day and science has confirmed, the unconditional love pets offer is a powerful force for good. That knowledge and this major milestone inspire us to connect the hearts of even more pets and people in the years to come.” 

The 53,000th adoption was the placement of Yahtzee, a 7-year-old Miniature Poodle mix rescued from Orange County Animal Care. Adopted by a local family, Yahtzee is now thriving in a loving East Bay home. 

Each adoption represents a unique story of transformation: a senior finding renewed purpose, a child forming their first lasting bond, a veteran gaining support and companionship. Behind the number are real people and real pets’ lives changed through the power of the human-animal bond. It underscores Joybound’s role as a leader in community-based animal wellness, and signals momentum toward its mission: creating lasting connections that help both people and pets thrive. 

Media Opportunity: This milestone highlights the growing role pets play in human wellbeing and the powerful ways community-driven organizations are transforming lives across the Bay Area. 

• Speak with Joybound’s leadership, animal care specialists, and adopters to uncover some of the life-changing stories behind 53,000 adoptions. 
• Learn how Joybound is redefining animal wellness through holistic, community-based programs. 

In addition to the 53,000^th milestone adoption, in 2026, Joybound is planning on breaking ground on a new boarding and day care center for dogs and cats. Joybound’s Play and Stay is an innovative new facility that will provide affordable boarding for dogs and cats as well as supporting housing-insecure pet guardians and offering a safe, short-term option for pets during emergencies. More information can be found here: Joybound People & Pets Announces New Dog and Cat Boarding and Day Care Facility to Meet Growing Community Demand.