Contra Costa County Animal Services Department - Martinez, California

Julianna H.

I had a truly wonderful experience at Contra Costa County Animal Services in Martinez. It’s clear that the staff and volunteers genuinely care for and adore the animals in their care. From the moment we arrived, we were greeted with kindness and patience as we considered which dog might be the right fit for our family. I really appreciated their transparency about each animal’s needs and background. They took the time to guide us toward dogs whose personalities would best match our home and lifestyle.

We’re the family who adopted Bonnie on Valentine’s Day 2025, and we couldn’t be happier. She is everything we hoped for—and more! Thank you to all the compassionate people at CCC Animal Services who do this important, often emotionally challenging work. You made a lasting difference in our lives, and Bonnie’s too. Julianna H. & Family

Cathy M.

I was very surprised to see how well these animals are cared for. Wonderful staff! I visited all the dogs and gave them a treat, they were so loving and I wanted to take them all home. I was able to foster one dog, but by the end of the day I decided to adopt him. Why would anyone chose to buy from a breeder when there are so many loving pets in cages that need homes.

Haley T.

We adopted this perfect puppy and we had him for a week.

It was through literal tears that we brought him back. However, the shelter assured me that they re-home lots of pups. So, my biggest prayer is that Arrow finds his forever home as soon as possible, that he feels so loved during his time at the shelter, and that his next owners recognize just how wonderful he is and give him the best life!

He is so smart, he learned the basics of potty training and how to sit on command almost instantly. He sleeps for most of the night, only waking about once or twice to go to the bathroom. He’s playful and energetic but also so gentle too! He never growled, nipped, or showed aggression toward our son, despite our toddler not understanding how to pet him softly and not mess with his paws, ears, and tail (I tried my best to combat our son’s well-intentioned attempts to play, but I wasn’t always quick enough).

I wish that I had the capacity to give him everything he deserves, but I couldn’t manage taking care of both him and our toddler, giving them both the attention, patience, and love they deserve. And I want the best for Arrow, but he’s truly the best. In the brief time that we had him, he made us so happy.

Whoever becomes his owner is so incredibly lucky and blessed. They will have found the best boy who is protective, intuitive, and simply amazing. If you’re reading this, please considering taking this sweet little guy home. He’s a pup, so he will require a bit of patience, but he’s a quick learner and he is so so sweet.

Isabel D.

I thought animal control was supposed to help keep animals in our community safe. Unfortunately their Sergeants are awful at communication, do not respond to issues, and say they can do nothing when my dog was attacked by the same dog three times. I appreciate that a couple of them sat down with me to talk about my case but that was all they did and I had to really try for that. I can’t say how disappointed and frustrated I am with this system. It literally does nothing. Also their front desk staff is ridiculous. They just sat and talked to each other for 20 minutes and just told me to take a number when no one else was there.

Amy M. G.

This place left a beautiful Pug in the hands of an abuser that was on video punching it. They said it wasn't abuse and allowed the abuser to give the dog to a friend. This friend keeps animals locked in cages on his property. The rescue refuses to respond to any questions about the situation. This group shouldn't even be in business after reading other reviews on here. Shame on them, they have no souls. If they're funded by the public or with donations people should get a refund.

Katrina E.

Michelle is extremely rude and lies under false pretenses to get you to adopt an animal and heaven forbid if you take to long looking at an animal. How conveniently when you do decide to adopt an animal how they magicly appear to have problems that just come on all of a sudden. When there are clues when she talks to you that give away to the animal already having problems. I highly do not recommend coming here to adopt a pet and unfortunately it's the animals that suffer tremendously.

Juliana T.

Extremely unprofessional and insensitive. A poor puppy that had an owner was badly injured and unfortunately they ended up cremating him with a whole bunch of other animals. With no regards to the owner. There were no attempt to reach out to the owner before cremating. To them it was just a random dog, but to someone else it is their whole life. I hope they do not do this to your animal.

Joanna M.

What is up with this place Terrible and bad experience calling in an abuse situation - the lady was IRRITATED because of me calling in to report an abused pet. These people need to find a different profession if they don’t want to show up for the job they chose and act with compassion and empathy for the animals they’re advocating for!!! You should be ashamed.