Impact Report 2023-2024

Love Unleashed

Click here to download our Impact Report as a PDF.

Joybound People & Pets is so much more than a new name. It’s a commitment to the joy-producing, health-boosting bond companion animals and humans share. When you smile at your cat snuggled up next to you or laugh at your pup tearing across a yard in a fit of zoomies, you know all about the joy-bond we celebrate in our name. Every animal and adopter headed to Joybound are bound for joy. Joy is our business, and we’re dedicated to forming and supporting the bond that generates it through a lifetime of love.

So, how much love grew this year? You’ll find that question answered in Joybound’s annual impact numbers, which grew by 84% over last year! Those statistics hold a lot of tail wags, purrs, cuddles, giggles and smiles. They also include lots of innovation as Joybound elevated new ways to support the joy-bond through challenging times: more support for pet families who need access to veterinary care, elevated understanding on how pets address crises of mental health and loneliness, vocational training opportunities to help community members thrive in in-demand animal care careers, and more.

Not everything wonderful at Joybound is new. This past year our organization significantly advanced our historic commitments to our home county. We deepened our relationship with Contra Costa Animal Services and other innovative community partners, combining forces to support more animal families in the East Bay. Those collaborations include plans for expanded Joybound operations in Concord, Richmond, Antioch, Pittsburg, and beyond. Joybound has made a strategic commitment to meet pet families where they are and take Joybound into the communities where our services are needed most.

For more than 30 years, this organization has created and sustained the joy-filled bonds that improve the lives of animals and humans. And now that our name promises something as powerful as joy, our commitment to our mission must be limitless. My heartfelt thanks to you for supporting pet family needs and tackling changing community challenges. As you read this year’s impact report, please take a moment to both savor the success we share and consider how much more we can achieve — together — for pets, people, and communities. Thank you for sharing this journey to joy for pets and the people who love them.

Last February, more than 900 friends attended our inaugural “Unleash the Love Adopt-a-thon” community event. Adopters, dogs, and cats found new love matches all day long. And it was so much fun; we’re doing it again on February 8, 2025 – so mark your calendars now!

Finally, this new identity resonated so deeply that Joybound was honored to be named “Best Animal Rescue” and “Best Tried-and-True Spot of the East Bay” this summer.

It’s a truly remarkable time. So come join us – the joy is waiting for you!

Measuring Joybound’s Impact

Joybound’s positive impact is constantly measured by how our services benefit both pets and people. Healthier, happier pets mean happier families, so everyone touched by that joy is counted. See below for an example.

The journey to Joybound for every dog and cat is just the beginning. Animals arrive from shelters across California — and sometimes even farther — seeking their new homes every week.

Medical Care

The first stop for our new shelter guests includes a check-up. Medical needs and emotional well-being are addressed, and plans are put in place to ensure healthy and happy adoptable animals.

Pet Enrichment

Pet with Me volunteers spend time with dogs in their condos, sharing love and care. Our cats get to socialize with volunteers, who encourage playtime and purrs.

Mental Health

Creating a soothing environment for our guests includes music and white noise, which, in some environments, block out distractions. Trail walks, play groups, and engaging puzzle toys like snuffle mats and frozen treats keep dogs engaged and reduce stress.

Moments of joy and stimulation are critical in preparing animals for adoption, allowing time to decompress and share their true personalities. For some, an even more exciting journey awaits as Shelter to Service candidates who will assist and bring comfort to individuals with post-traumatic stress, anxiety, or other diagnosis.

Wherever their journey takes them, Joybound places them on a path for a lifetime of giving and receiving joy!

Ask any trainer the key to a well behaved pet and they’ll tell you: an engaged human! Joybound relies on scientifically backed, positive-reinforcement techniques to create stronger, more joyful interactions with our furry friends.

When shelter guests arrive at Joybound, their behavioral and physical health are assessed. From that point, staff and volunteers work to increase sociability and reinforce essential skills, such as leash walks or grooming. All those volunteers in cat condos are not just in there for fun. (Although, who wouldn’t want to play with a wand toy in a room full of kittens?!?)

And now, Joybound is doing even more to ensure pets stay happy and well-adjusted. In addition to our award-winning public training classes, our expert trainers are now available for private behavior consultations on advanced issues like fear, anxiety, reactivity, or even a simple sock obsession. Led by globally recognized Board-Certified Veterinary Behaviorist Dr. Wailani Sung, Joybound is dedicated to ensuring companion animals’ mental health receives the same quality support as physical health.

Curious what it’s like to be the driving force behind life-changing adoptions and animal-care services? Joybound’s fleet of vehicles works together to bring our mission to life, extending care and connection far beyond our Walnut Creek campus.

Did you know shelter dogs can become life-changing companions for those facing mental health challenges?

This year, Pets and Vets expanded its reach to serve even more people, resulting in the new name Shelter to Service. Now, Veterans, first responders, and others who can benefit from a psychiatric service dog are eligible. Joybound trains amazing shelter pups to become psychiatric service dogs, helping people overcome obstacles like anxiety, post-traumatic stress, and depression. Because of your support, we’re not just changing lives — we’re fostering hope and healing!

Tracy, a longtime Joybound volunteer, assesses shelter dogs for the Shelter to Service program. “We practice behaviors such as loose leash walking, crate training, and car loading which are required milestones to continue in the program,” Tracy explains.

Once matched, these dogs become lifelines for their guardians. Each dog receives personalized training to meet the needs of their person.

When you sign up to be a volunteer foster trainer, you become part of the Joybound care team with access to all the tools you need and endless joy for helping both animals and humans alike.

“Even if a dog doesn’t complete the program, I know I’ve played a part in their journey to a loving home. If you’ve ever thought about fostering, I encourage you to take the leap — you won’t regret it!” Tracy continued.

Incredible things happen when we come together! Our new Community Kitty Fix Fest is a perfect example of this collaboration. Thanks to several Contra Costa-based nonprofit rescue organizations, over 130 cats were spayed and neutered during two pilot events earlier this year. We plan to host these events quarterly, providing care for up to 80 cats at each event.

Veterinary Services Manager Chelsey Caton, who has cared for animals in Joybound’s clinic for more than seven years, highlights the team spirit these events foster. “We accomplish so much in just one day! The volunteers, vets, vet techs, and clean-up crew work together, and it builds great camaraderie.”

Dr. Heather Budgin, Joybound’s Director of Veterinary Medicine for more than 20 years, shares her enthusiasm for helping cats in these communities: “Once they’re altered, they’ll live longer and healthier lives. It’s a significant improvement in their quality of life.”

Thank you for being a vital part of this mission to improve the lives of community cats!

Our programs are effective because of the amazing people that come together to facilitate aid when it’s needed most. Donors, volunteers, staff, and other caregivers work together to provide help, frequenting partner’s sites and other areas around Contra Costa County.

Candy Conrad is one of these many heroes. A volunteer since 2017, Candy’s role has evolved as our model has too. As we ventured into providing service beyond our shelter’s walls, Candy joined our team in the field.

“I’ve had some incredibly memorable moments while volunteering” she shared. “During a vaccination clinic a pet guardian arrived with a litter of puppies, overwhelmed due to the unaffordability. Our team provided vaccines, microchips, and food as well as assistance in spaying mom to prevent future litters. Being able to offer care for the entire family was pivotal.” Joybound’s vision reflects providing compassionate care by meeting people where they are, for the benefit of the pet and their guardian.

Jessica Wallace, Program Director, recounts one of the many stories that brings this to life. Earlier this spring, a pet guardian was referred to us as his beloved dog Jasper was suffering from a rapidly growing tumor. The pain had changed Jasper’s lifelong happy attitude to sharp and irritable. The team responded immediately, providing a care plan which included transportation, surgery, and post-operative support. Jasper’s surgery was successful, and his guardian happily reported that his personality returned to his signature go-lucky self – full of kisses accompanied by a constantly wagging tail.

Community Solutions embodies Joybound’s “better together” mantra, bringing people, pets, and communities closer through compassionate, collaborative care. These programs highlight the power of partnership, showing that when we come together we create a safety net that uplifts pets and their guardians. By meeting people where they are, we help families stay whole, no matter the challenges they face. Joybound’s Community Solutions is about more than services; it’s about fostering a culture of kindness and resilience that keeps pets and their people safe, healthy, and happy.

Looking for a new leash on life? That’s exactly what Joybound’s Grooming Academy has been offering since last year, thanks to a generous grant from the Engelstad Foundation. This four-week program is designed to help people facing barriers to employment gain a fresh start by training them for work in the grooming industry. Graduates qualify for well-paying jobs in pet care after completing coursework in bathing, brushing, and safe and compassionate handling. And while the students benefit, so do shelter and community dogs, who get the care they need to look and feel their best.

Dina Tonin, a proud program graduate, has her own story. “My Goodwill Workforce Development counselor told me about the academy,” Dina recalls. “I love dogs — they’re so sweet — and I wanted to do something hands-on that would improve their health. People don’t realize how much things like trimming nails, flea baths, or using hypoallergenic shampoo make a difference to a dog’s well-being.”

At first, Dina found herself a bit overwhelmed with larger dogs. “I’m only five feet tall!” she laughs. “Handling the big ones was tough, but the more time I spent with them, the more confident I became. The trainers were fantastic. They taught me how to serve different types of dogs, even the nervous ones, and gave me feedback that helped me get better every day.”

The academy was more than job training for Dina; it was a fresh start. “I moved into a sober home in May, and I hadn’t worked since last September. Before Joybound, I relied on others to pay my bills. Now, I have a job as a dog washer. I can cover my rent and my expenses. It’s such a great feeling. I’m 60 and want people to know it’s never too late. You’re never too old to reimagine your life and go after your dreams.”

For Dina and others, Joybound’s Grooming Academy offers more than skills — it’s a lifeline to confidence, independence, and new beginnings.

A heartfelt thank you to our incredible volunteers! Those listed below have dedicated more than 100 hours of service this year. Thank you for bringing joy to both pets and people, helping to create a brighter community for all.

Hours based on service between July 1, 2023 and June 30, 2024. Joybound makes every effort to ensure the accuracy of this listing. For more information, contact [email protected].

The Next Generation of Joy

Joybound wouldn’t be the same without our incredible volunteers! Every day, these dedicated individuals make a difference in the lives of animals, and we’re so grateful for each one. From longtime supporters to passionate young leaders, our volunteers bring energy, enthusiasm, and compassion to everything they do.

Take Hannah, one of our amazing teen volunteers. When she reached out with an idea to start a student club called “Paws for a Cause,” we knew something special would happen! Growing up surrounded by animals, Hannah was inspired by her family’s commitment to animal welfare. “I remember attending adoption events with Maddie’s Fund,” she shares. “The passion was infectious, and it was incredible to see families’ joy as they adopted new furry friends. I wanted to be part of that, too!”

Hannah started small, organizing lemonade stand fundraisers, but her vision quickly grew. “I realized I could make an even bigger impact with a club at school,” she says. Her club at Monte Vista High School, “Paws for a Cause,” launched in September with a fantastic turnout. “We had so many students join us,” she beams. “The club is spreading awareness about adoption and rescue animals, and working on projects to bring blankets to Joybound and recruit fosters for various programs.”

We hope sharing this important work will help more pets find forever homes.

Joybound makes every effort to ensure the accuracy of this listing. For more information, contact [email protected].

Volunteers Sharing the Love

Joy is at the heart of all we do, and nowhere is that more obvious than with Pet Hug Pack® therapy animal teams. These qualified pets and their compassionate handlers bring comfort and unconditional love to people in need. Visiting hospitals, senior centers, and community events, they uplift spirits and create moments of genuine connection that can brighten even the toughest days.

Joann, one of our longest-serving volunteers, has experienced this firsthand. “Since 2009, I’ve had the privilege of bringing three wonderful therapy cats into the Pet Hug Pack®, and the joy they’ve brought to others is immeasurable,” Joann shares. “One of my most cherished memories is the look on people’s faces — the expression that says, ‘You’ve made my day.’ It’s those moments that make this work so special.”

Her therapy cat, Cara Mia, whose name fittingly means “my beloved” in Italian, had a particularly profound impact. “Cara Mia was extremely social and adored her work. She loved wearing costumes and riding in her stroller, as if she knew she was on a mission to bring comfort and happiness to those in need,” Joann recalls. Whether it was bringing a smile to a child in the hospital or easing the worries of a senior, Cara Mia’s presence created a sense of peace and joy.

Thank you to our generous partners for investing in the human-animal bond. We are better together.

The supporters listed below make a lasting impact on animals in need. Their thoughtful estate planning reflects their love for animals and creates a legacy that transforms lives through rescue, adoption, and medical care. We’re grateful for their commitment and excited to share their incredible impact on our community!

A huge thank you to our amazing individuals who’ve filled our year with generosity and joy! Your support helps us build vibrant communities where people and their pets thrive. We’re grateful to all our partners for their many types of support. This list reflects program grants and financial support.

∞ Estate gifts received from Joybound’s generous donors

* Monthly sustaining donors

$5,000+

$1,000+

Senior Leadership

Board of Directors