City of San Jose, CA

03/11/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 03/11/2026 18:12

NEWS RELEASE: Ruff on Injustice with a Heart for Paws Day Aims to Find Homes for 150 Shelter Pets

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT
Gilbert Martinez, Public Information Manager, Public Works Department
408-307-1661, [email protected]

Ruff on Injustice with a Heart for Paws Day Aims to Find Homes for 150 Shelter Pets
San José Animal Care and Services (ACS) partners with Habbas Law for a large-scale adoption event

SAN JOSE, Calif. (March 11, 2026) - On Saturday, March 28, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., the San José Animal Care Center will host the Ruff on Injustice with a Heart for Paws Day adoption event, in partnership with Habbas Law. During the event, all adoption fees will be covered by Habbas Law. The goal is to place 150 pets into loving permanent homes and help make room for more animals in need.

"The City of San José's Animal Care and Services' priority is to provide the highest quality of care and a welcoming and humane place for animals and those who care for them. ACS will continue to be a temporary home to pets until they are able to find their forever homes," said City Manager Jennifer Maguire. "I would like to thank Habbas Law for their generosity in supporting ACS' mission to be an ally to animals in need."

The event highlights the busy spring and summer months - known as "kitten season" - which brings an influx of young animals needing care and homes. Community adoption events help ensure the shelter has the space and resources to continue caring for animals that arrive throughout the season.

"Every animal that comes through our shelter deserves a home," said Mayor Matt Mahan. "Our team works every day to make that possible, and it takes partners who share that commitment. Thanks to Habbas Law, we can waive adoption fees and help 150 more pets find the forever homes they deserve."

Shelter staff will match pets with the right families and provide guidance on care to ensure a successful adoption. Each adoption will include a standard take-home packet with pet care information and a complimentary health exam with a 14-day follow-up visit through VCA Animal Hospitals. Habbas Law will also provide adopters with a new pet parent adoption kit.

"Animals don't end up in shelters because they did something wrong," said Omar Habbas, founder of Habbas Law. "They end up here because something in their world fell apart. My family has always believed that when you can protect something vulnerable, you do it. Underwriting these adoptions is about easing fear, restoring trust, and giving animals what they need most, a life beyond a shelter door."

Waived adoption fees help more pets find safe, loving homes - especially animals who are older, larger, or have been waiting the longest. Every animal at the San José Animal Care Center is vaccinated, spayed or neutered, microchipped, and medically evaluated before adoption, and every adopter is carefully screened to ensure they are ready for the responsibility of a pet.

Research from ASPCA, the Humane World for Animals and the Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science, shows that pets adopted during fee-waived events are just as likely to thrive in their new homes as those adopted at standard fees. By removing financial barriers, more animals can find safe, loving homes and start the next chapter of their lives with families ready to care for them.

The Ruff on Injustice with a Heart for Paws Day will include food trucks, community vendors, and local shelter partners. The event will provide a fun, welcoming space where the community can spend time with family, meet adoptable pets, and connect with organizations that support animal welfare. The shelter is located at 2750 Monterey Road, San José, CA 95111.

About the City of San José
With almost 1 million residents, San José is one of the most diverse large cities in the United States, Northern California's largest city, and the 12th largest city in the nation. San José's transformation into a global innovation center has resulted in one of the largest concentrations of technology companies and expertise in the world.

About San José Animal Care Center
The San José Animal Care Center is Northern California's largest intake shelter, serving San José, Cupertino, Milpitas, and Saratoga. Through compassion, collaboration, and public service, the Center works to protect animals, support responsible pet ownership, and improve lives throughout the region.

About Habbas Law
For more than 40 years and across generations, Habbas Law has stood up for Californians when it matters most, fighting for justice, accountability, and dignity for people facing life-altering moments. Built on a legacy of advocacy and compassion, the firm has earned a reputation for relentless representation and deeply personal care. Beyond the courtroom, Habbas Law is equally committed to the communities it serves, investing time, resources, and heart into initiatives that protect the vulnerable, uplift families, and create lasting impact across California. Visit www.habbaslaw.com.

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City of San Jose, CA published this content on March 11, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on March 12, 2026 at 00:12 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]