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

06/09/2026

‼️ URGENT ‼️ Both on euthanasia list!

Bella - A1248995
1 yr, F, Pit Bull Terrier Mix

🐾 Attention seeker
🐾 Loves to snuggle
🐾 Good around other dogs
🐾 Sweet & affectionate

Oreo - A1248994
3 yr, F, Pit Bull Terrier Mix

🐾 Attention seeker
🐾 Motivated by treats
🐾 Independent & curious
🐾 Enjoys belly rubs

Please help us save these sisters!

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.

06/07/2026

UPDATE (6/8/26): Going to a rescue! 🙌

‼️ URGENT ‼️ At risk of euthanasia!

Gumball - A1247137
7 mo, M, Labrador Retriever Mix

🐾 Attention seeker
🐾 Loves chew toys
🐾 High energy
🐾 Enjoys belly rubs
🐾 Friendly & playful

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.

06/01/2026

UPDATE (6/7/26): Travis was adopted! 🙌

‼️ URGENT ‼️ Travis needs a rescue or forever home ASAP!

The shelter planned to euthanize Travis, but at the last minute, a CAPS volunteer in Burbank, CA, agreed to take him but only for a very short time because of her husband's medical condition. We desperately need a forever home or rescue for this calm, friendly dog who loves people and other dogs. He'd be a great addition for a family!

Travis - A1243180
1 yr, M, Doberman Pinscher & Labrador Mix

🐾 Playful
🐾 Calm and patient
🐾 Loves people and other dogs
🐾 Enjoys car rides
🐾 Leash trained
🐾 Friendly and polite
🐾 Well-behaved in public

If you are interested in rescue or adoption, please reach out to us through our contact form: https://caps-web.org/contact.

The adoption fee is $250 if you do not require transport. If you need us to arrange transportation to another part of California, Oregon or Washington, you can pay the transport fee instead of the adoption fee. These fees vary depending on location and who is transporting. They generally range from $200 - $300. If you are in Northern California, we can arrange for a transporter to meet you halfway.

Please help us find Travis the right placement.

05/26/2026

UPDATE (6/7/26): Travis was adopted! 🙌

Update: Travis has a very temporary home with a CAPS volunteer who took him to save his life. He needs a forever home or rescue ASAP due to the husband having a serious medical condition. Please help this amazing family dog!

‼️ URGENT ‼️ Will be euthanized Thursday, May 28th!! Help us save him!

Travis - A1243180
1 yr, M, Doberman Pinscher Mix

🐾 Playful & goofy
🐾 Gets along with other dogs
🐾 Loves car rides
🐾 Leash trained
🐾 Friendly & patient

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.

05/22/2026

Update: Adopted!

‼️ URGENT ‼️ At Risk of Euthanasia!

Luna - A1246376
7 yr, F, Pit Bull

🐾 Silly & curious
🐾 Loyal & playful
🐾 Loves to play catch
🐾 Walks well on leash
🐾 Good around other dogs

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.

05/16/2026

Tristan - A1245569
4 yr, M, Pit Bull & Husky Mix

🐾 Walks well on leash
🐾 Social with other dogs
🐾 Friendly with handlers
🐾 Independent & curious
🐾 Knows basic commands

Here's a special look into his Streets of Bakersfield Day. It's where a volunteer takes the dogs out of the shelter for an afternoon. https://www.facebook.com/groups/174291565419949/posts/940127712169660

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.

05/12/2026

Update: Adopted!

‼️ URGENT ‼️ On euthanasia list!

Neary - A1244671
2 yr, M, McNab Shepherd & Lab Mix

🐾 Happy & playful
🐾 Affectionate & eager to be pet
🐾 Curious & very interested in being outdoors
🐾 Social with people & other dogs
🐾 Walks well on 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.

05/07/2026

UPDATE: Adopted! 🙌

‼️ URGENT ‼️ 48 Hours Left!

Clara - A1246349
8 mo, F, Pit Bull Terrier Mix

🐾 Carefree & energetic
🐾 Friendly & playful with people
🐾 Gets along with other dogs
🐾 Affectionate & 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 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.

05/01/2026

UPDATE (5/9/26): Dusty was adopted! 🙌

‼️ URGENT ‼️ 24 Hours Left!

Dusty - A1243204
3 yr, M, Black Mouth Cur & Retriever Mix

🐾 Natural leader
🐾 Smart & curious
🐾 Curious & playful
🐾 Loves to explore the yard
🐾 Great with other dogs

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.

04/26/2026

UPDATE (6/7/26): Travis was adopted! 🙌

‼️ URGENT ‼️ At risk of euthanasia!

Travis - A1243180
1 yr, M, Doberman Pinscher Mix

🐾 Playful & goofy
🐾 Gets along with other dogs
🐾 Loves car rides
🐾 Leash trained
🐾 Friendly & patient

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.

Address

Thousand Oaks, CA

Telephone

+18054922277

Website

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