Get Involved
We’re not just animal people, we’re people people.
Pet Care Assistance client, Elizabeth, and her dog, Honey.
From kids to seniors, over the last 30 years, thousands of people in Marin have been touched by our Community Engagement program. And it all started with a bright, sunny-natured girl named Erica Ettinger.
From an early age, Erica recognized the invaluable love, support, and companionship that pets offer, especially to someone who’s ill or isolated. When she visited a convalescent hospital with her dog, Marcy, it made a big impression on her.
When a tragic bicycle accident in September 1987 took her life at age eight, Erica’s family set up a memorial fund to continue her dream of making the world a better place for animals. In 1988, the fund grew enough to allow it to evolve into a successful program.
Today, Community Engagement consists of many diverse programs that strengthen the bond between people and animals and provide healing to those who need it most.
Animal-Assisted Programs
Marin Humane volunteers and their trained animal ambassadors bring joy to those in senior communities, comfort to patients and families in hospitals and under hospice care, smiles to children in our community facing challenges, and much more.
Youth Programs
Humane education is more than just learning about pet care or preventing neglect or abuse. It raises awareness and respect for both animals and people, and it engages kids by empowering them to make their own humane choices.
Pet Safety Net
Provides veterinary care, vaccinations, nutritious food, and other services to pets of low-income residents by creating a lifeline that will connect animals in need with local veterinarians and other vital services.
Pet Loss Support
Losing a beloved pet can be a painful and traumatic experience. A pet loss support group may be able to help.
Share a Book
Kids learning to read build confidence and improve literacy skills by reading in a non-judgmental environment to a great audience – dogs!
Community Engagement is also a resource for many other organizations and people. We regularly work with nonprofits, schools, hospitals, and more.
As Erica’s story shows, one person really can make a difference. Today, Marin Humane’s Community Engagement programs continue to thrive through generous donations, grants, and the support of volunteers.
Watch our inspiring video “The Page Turners” about a young girl who gained confidence reading thanks to the help of some four-legged friends!
Upcoming Community Engagement Events
Blessing of the Animals
Novato, CA 94949 United States
Join the Unity In Marin Prayer Chaplains for a special non-denominational blessing honoring our beloved pets and the joy, companionship, and unconditional love they bring into our lives. Bring your well-behaved pets or a picture of them to receive a special blessing. All are welcome! Please spread the word to your furry friends and remind them to bring their humans along!
Find out more »Virtual Pet Loss Support Group
Facilitated by a professional grief counselor from By the Bay Health, this free virtual meeting will allow you to connect with others who have experienced the loss of a loved animal. The grief we experience when we lose an animal companion is unique, so come share your grief and learn skills to help you on your journey toward healing. Interested parties should call the Bereavement Department at 415-526-5699. They will review expectations and accept registrations. A direct Zoom link will be emailed to those who are enrolled. Jan 5 meeting – register by Wednesday, Dec 31 [...]
Find out more »Virtual Pet Loss Support Group
Facilitated by a professional grief counselor from By the Bay Health, this free virtual meeting will allow you to connect with others who have experienced the loss of a loved animal. The grief we experience when we lose an animal companion is unique, so come share your grief and learn skills to help you on your journey toward healing. Interested parties should call the Bereavement Department at 415-526-5699. They will review expectations and accept registrations. A direct Zoom link will be emailed to those who are enrolled. Jan 5 meeting – register by Wednesday, Dec 31 [...]
Find out more »
