Companion Animal Protection Society

Companion Animal Protection Society HISTORY

When Deborah Howard witnessed the dreadful conditions at a Docktor Pet Center store in November 1989, she was appalled. Ms. Your help is vital.

Founded in 1992, the Companion Animal Protection Society (CAPS) is the only national nonprofit dedicated exclusively to protecting companion animals from cruelty in pet shops and
puppy/kitten mills. The company had more than 300 franchises at that time. After learning more about the plight of pet shop and puppy mill dogs, Ms. Howard joined forces with Robert Baker, the foremost puppy mill investig

ator in the country. During his 13 years as chief investigator of The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), Mr. Baker inspected over 700 puppy mills. Howard, a former radio news reporter, lawyer and PR professional, formed CAPS in 1990. The nonprofit became a 501(c)(3) in 1992. As a result of CAPS' efforts, Docktor Pet Centers, Inc., which refused to do business without the sale of puppies, filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy in February 1993. MISSION

Founded in 1992, the Companion Animal Protection Society (CAPS) is the only national nonprofit dedicated exclusively to protecting companion animals from cruelty in pet shop and puppy/kitten mills. CAPS addresses animal suffering through investigations, legislation, education, media relations, consumer assistance, rescue and shelter reform. DONATE
https://www.caps-web.org/donate

Please help ensure that CAPS is there for companion animals - particularly those dogs suffering in pet shops and puppy mills - by giving as generous a donation as possible. On behalf of all companion animals, CAPS thanks you for your compassion. SUBSCRIBE TO CAPS NEWSLETTERS
https://www.caps-web.org/subscribe/

COMPLAINT FORM
https://www.caps-web.org/your-action-plan/caps-complaint-form/

INVESTIGATIONS
https://www.youtube.com/c/CompanionAnimalProtectionSociety

PUPPY MILL FAQ
http://www.caps-web.org/about-caps/puppy-mill-faq

CAPS PSAs
http://www.caps-web.org/outreach/public-service-announcements

OTHER SOCIAL MEDIA
www.instagram.com/caps_web
www.twitter.com/capsweb
https://www.youtube.com/c/CompanionAnimalProtectionSociety
www.vimeo.com/capsweb

CAPS President Deborah Howard:
https://www.facebook.com/CAPSPresidentDeborahHoward

09/02/2026

‼️ URGENT ‼️At risk of euthanasia!

Cleo - A1256670
2 yr, F, Pit Bull Australian Cattle & Pit Bull Mix
Health Notes: Being treated for URI

🐾 Energetic & playful
🐾 Cuddly & affectionate
🐾 Social with people and handlers
🐾 Walks well on the leash

Kern County Animal Services
3951 Fruitvale Ave.
Bakersfield, CA 93308

Shelter Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday & Saturday 10-4pm. Wednesday 2-7pm. Closed on Sundays

To adopt, please call or email the shelter:
661-868-7127 or 7128; 661-868-6981 or 6982; [email protected]

If you would like to adopt or rescue but are outside the area, please get in touch with CAPS so we can help you coordinate transport: [email protected]

**ALL fosters must LIVE WITHIN Kern County. Call 661-868-7130

We are not the shelter; we are working with the shelter to move at-risk dogs quickly. We will update this post once the dog is adopted.

08/30/2026

For four and a half years, CAPS has been helping save at-risk dogs from Kern County Animal Services (KCAS) in Bakersfield, CA. So far, our efforts have saved 455 dogs and six cats!

This video features just some of the dogs saved from euthanasia since March 2025.

If you're looking to add a dog or cat to your family, please adopt. CAPS features KCAS dogs at risk for euthanasia on our social media. And you’ll find many more KCAS dogs on our Petfinder page: https://www.petfinder.com/member/us/ca/thousand-oaks/companion-animal-protection-society-ca3066/

If you can't adopt, then foster a shelter dog or volunteer at a local animal shelter. Ask CAPS how you can help save the lives of animals at Kern County Animal Services.

Adopt an Animal. Save a Life. Help us make a difference. Learn more on our website: www.caps-web.org.

08/22/2026

‼️ URGENT ‼️At risk of euthanasia!

Becky - A1254466
4 yr, F, Pit Bull Terrier Mix

🐾 Shy & timid
🐾 Friendly with other dogs & people
🐾 Sweet & gentle
🐾 Walks well on the leash

Kern County Animal Services
3951 Fruitvale Ave.
Bakersfield, CA 93308

Shelter Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday & Saturday 10-4pm. Wednesday 2-7pm. Closed on Sundays

To adopt, please call or email the shelter:
661-868-7127 or 7128; 661-868-6981 or 6982; [email protected]

If you would like to adopt or rescue but are outside the area, please get in touch with CAPS so we can help you coordinate transport: [email protected]

**ALL fosters must LIVE WITHIN Kern County. Call 661-868-7130

We are not the shelter; we are working with the shelter to move at-risk dogs quickly. We will update this post once the dog is adopted.

08/18/2026

UPDATE (8/24/26): Adopted! 🙌

‼️ URGENT ‼️On the euthanasia list!

Bruce - A1254871
3 yr, M, Border Collie Mix
Health Notes: URI (treatable with meds)

🐾 Loving & full of life
🐾 Social with dogs & people
🐾 Playful & energetic
🐾 Needs someone who will train & exercise him

Kern County Animal Services
3951 Fruitvale Ave.
Bakersfield, CA 93308

Shelter Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday & Saturday 10-4pm. Wednesday 2-7pm. Closed on Sundays

To adopt, please call or email the shelter:
661-868-7127 or 7128; 661-868-6981 or 6982; [email protected]

If you would like to adopt or rescue but are outside the area, please get in touch with CAPS so we can help you coordinate transport: [email protected]

**ALL fosters must LIVE WITHIN Kern County. Call 661-868-7130

We are not the shelter; we are working with the shelter to move at-risk dogs quickly. We will update this post once the dog is adopted.

08/14/2026

UPDATE (8/14/26): Going to a rescue 🙌

‼️ URGENT ‼️ At risk of euthanasia!

Shinoda - A1255452
2yr, M, Labrador Retreiver Mix
Health Notes: Being treated for URI

🐾 Energetic & playful
🐾 Walks well on leash
🐾 Friendly & social with other dogs
🐾 Loves to give hugs

Kern County Animal Services
3951 Fruitvale Ave.
Bakersfield, CA 93308

Shelter Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday & Saturday 10-4pm. Wednesday 2-7pm. Closed on Sundays

To adopt, please call or email the shelter:
661-868-7127 or 7128; 661-868-6981 or 6982; [email protected]

If you would like to adopt or rescue but are outside the area, please get in touch with CAPS so we can help you coordinate transport: [email protected]

**ALL fosters must LIVE WITHIN Kern County. Call 661-868-7130

We are not the shelter; we are working with the shelter to move at-risk dogs quickly. We will update this post once the dog is adopted.

08/08/2026

‼️ URGENT‼️ At risk of euthanasia!

Holden - A1254768
2 yr, M, Kelpie Mix

🐾 Affectionate & sweet
🐾 Playful with other dogs
🐾 Potty-trained
🐾 Walks well on leash
🐾 Takes direction well

Kern County Animal Services
3951 Fruitvale Ave.
Bakersfield, CA 93308

Shelter Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday & Saturday 10-4pm. Wednesday 2-7pm. Closed on Sundays

To adopt, please call or email the shelter:
661-868-7127 or 7128; 661-868-6981 or 6982; [email protected]

If you live locally and cannot reach the shelter or live outside the area and need help with
adoption, please contact CAPS: caps-web.org/contact. CAPS can facilitate transportation if you are on the West Coast. Adopters are responsible for transport fees.

To foster, please call the shelter at 661-868-7130. ALL fosters must LIVE WITHIN Kern County.

We are not the shelter; we are working with the shelter to move at-risk dogs quickly. We will update this post once the dog is adopted.

07/31/2026

UPDATE (8/4/26): Adopted! 🙌

‼️ URGENT‼️ At risk of euthanasia!

Blue - A1183583
5 yr, M, Husky

🐾 Shy & calm
🐾 Walks well
🐾 Friendly with other dogs
🐾 Enjoys water play
🐾 Curious & loving

Kern County Animal Services
3951 Fruitvale Ave.
Bakersfield, CA 93308

Shelter Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday & Saturday 10-4pm. Wednesday 2-7pm. Closed on Sundays

To adopt, please call or email the shelter:
661-868-7127 or 7128; 661-868-6981 or 6982; [email protected]

If you live locally and cannot reach the shelter or live outside the area and need help with
adoption, please contact CAPS: caps-web.org/contact. CAPS can facilitate transportation if you are on the West Coast. Adopters are responsible for transport fees.

To foster, please call the shelter at 661-868-7130. ALL fosters must LIVE WITHIN Kern County.

We are not the shelter; we are working with the shelter to move at-risk dogs quickly. We will update this post once the dog is adopted.

07/28/2026

UPDATE (8/26/26): Adopted! 🙌

‼️ URGENT‼️ At risk of euthanasia!

Darling Baby - A1252733
1 yr, F, Basenji & Shepherd Mix

🐾 Likes other dogs
🐾 Walks well
🐾 Friendly with handlers
🐾 Loves to chase & ride in the car
🐾 Curious & sweet

Kern County Animal Services
3951 Fruitvale Ave.
Bakersfield, CA 93308

Shelter Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday & Saturday 10-4pm. Wednesday 2-7pm. Closed on Sundays

To adopt, please call or email the shelter:
661-868-7127 or 7128; 661-868-6981 or 6982; [email protected]

If you live locally and cannot reach the shelter or live outside the area and need help with
adoption, please contact CAPS: caps-web.org/contact. CAPS can facilitate transportation if you are on the West Coast. Adopters are responsible for transport fees.

To foster, please call the shelter at 661-868-7130. ALL fosters must LIVE WITHIN Kern County.

We are not the shelter; we are working with the shelter to move at-risk dogs quickly. We will update this post once the dog is adopted.

07/18/2026

UPDATE (7/28/26): Adopted! 🙌

‼️ URGENT ‼️ 24 Hours Left!

Scooby - A1243650
1 yr, M, Black Mouth Cur & Shepherd Mix

🐾 Walks well
🐾 Loves people
🐾 Great with other dogs
🐾 Curious & playful
🐾 Does not like cats

Kern County Animal Services
3951 Fruitvale Ave.
Bakersfield, CA 93308

Shelter Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday & Saturday 10-4pm. Wednesday 2-7pm. Closed on Sundays

To adopt, please call or email the shelter:
661-868-7127 or 7128; 661-868-6981 or 6982; [email protected]

If you live locally and cannot reach the shelter or live outside the area and need help with
adoption, please contact CAPS: caps-web.org/contact. CAPS can facilitate transportation if you
are on the West Coast. Adopters are responsible for transport fees.

To foster, please call the shelter at 661-868-7130. ALL fosters must LIVE WITHIN Kern County.

We are not the shelter; we are working with the shelter to move at-risk dogs quickly. We will update this post once the dog is adopted.

07/14/2026

UPDATE (7/14/26): Adopted! 🙌

‼️ URGENT ‼️ At risk of euthanasia!

Poker - A1250315
2 yr, M, Australian Cattle Dog Mix

🐾 Loyal & independent
🐾 Friendly with dogs and people
🐾 Loves playing with toys
🐾 Enjoys walks

Kern County Animal Services
3951 Fruitvale Ave.
Bakersfield, CA 93308

Shelter Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday & Saturday 10-4pm. Wednesday 2-7pm. Closed on Sundays

To adopt, please call or email the shelter:
661-868-7127 or 7128; 661-868-6981 or 6982; [email protected]

If you live locally and cannot reach the shelter or live outside the area and need help with
adoption, please contact CAPS: caps-web.org/contact. CAPS can facilitate transportation if you
are on the West Coast. Adopters are responsible for transport fees.

To foster, please call the shelter at 661-868-7130. ALL fosters must LIVE WITHIN Kern County.

We are not the shelter; we are working with the shelter to move at-risk dogs quickly. We will update this post once the dog is adopted.

Address

Thousand Oaks, CA

Telephone

+18054922277

Website

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