Give Me Shelter Cat Rescue

I adopted a cat from Give Me Shelter in 2003. The director of the agency, Lana Basjel, has remained involved and engaged for over seven years since the adoption. She has been my cat’s caretaker when business has taken me out of town. She inquires into his well being and has given much good advice regarding vet care, medication, behavioral issues, etc.
In the seven years I’ve worked with Lana Basjel and her organization, I’ve learned a lesson in the meaning of true dedication. Lana has personally made enormous sacrifice in dedicating her life to the care and well being of animals. I’ve visited her home on one occasion and witnessed how she had taken in countless animals who otherwise would have been euthanized for lack of a good home. She has taken in the ‘problem’ pets that are virtually impossible to place and has given them care and allowed them to live out their lives in a supporting environment. She personally flew into New Orleans in the wake of Katrina and airlifted out many dogs and cats, bringing them back to the Bay Area and then placed them in homes.
I take great exception to the reviewers at this site who wrote a negative review when they were not coddled and treated with kid gloves when they interacted with Lana or her organization. I know that she’s on the phone daily with the shelter network and serving as a (largely unpaid) advocate to preserve and improve the lives of thousands of animals. She is literally fighting to save lives constantly.
Lana is as close to sainthood as any human being I’ve met. Her work with her shelter has made the world a better place for the animals (and people) she’s interacted with.
I highly recommend adopting through Lana if you’re looking to rescue an animal that will be a loving companion for many years.

I am about to adopt two kittens from Give Me Shelter. My sister has adopted a kitten from Give Me Shelter. Lana works so hard to save these cats. It’s really a thankless job in that there are always more and more animals to save due to stupid people not fixing their pets. I believe 30,000 cats and dogs are put to sleep daily in the US. I don’t really think that it is fair that people leave reviews that Lana charges too much to take an animal from an owner. I know that people have allergies, get married to people that have allergies, have babies… etc. Yet, when you are an owner of a pet, you are responsible for that pet for their life. For the few reasons out there in which you need to get rid of your pet (as in your death), then find a friend to adopt them. In Oakland, only 3% of the animals dropped off at shelters are saved. Laying the blame on Lana for your irresponsibility and heartless behavior is horrible.
Lana’s cats are well cared for and many are fostered so they have direct contact with loving families prior to adoption. Lana works 7 days a week to save as many cats as possible. She wants to be certain that the prospective owners are lifelong owners rather than casual owners who only have cats when they are convenient. Its responsibility and if that is a foreign term to you, then don’t go to give me shelter. Lana’s animals are loving and wonderful pets. Her foster donors have invested time and love these cats. The owners of the cats are getting wonderful pets that will love them the rest of their lives. Do not hesitate to get a pet from Lana. Yet, do not get angry if she is unable to take the pet that you promised a forever home to. Your promise is with you and your pet and you need to hold up your end of the bargain.
I cannot give a higher review for this organization. All that I ask is that you realize that your adoption is forever. You will receive more love and satisfaction from your adoption then you ever felt possible.

wonderful organization with lots of excellent people. Love Give Me Shelter!

I found a cat that had run away from a Give Me Shelter adoptive home months earlier. The GMS people had been frantically putting up posters to try to find this great cat. When I emailed Lana to let her know the cat was around she came out with a colleague in the pouring rain and cold to wait for the big guy to come around. He did and they rescued him again. She was awesome and thrilled to get the wayward cat back.

The Director of this organization, Lana, was unresponsive (did not return phone calls and emails without repeated attempts), rude, and unhelpful. I was seeking a no kill foster care situation for my cat due to my husband’s allergies and asthma. Lana requires a minimun donation of $ 500 to accept a cat into foster care which is not possible for me at this time. She was abrupt, rude, and unkind in her tone by phone. Due to her rudeness, I would not trust putting my sensitive cat in her care. Thankfully, I am committed to finding the right home for my cat and will not only avoid shelters that kill, but this shelter/​foster care as well.

Lana and Terry are the BEST! We adopted a baby a year ago and Give Me Shelter has been wonderful. We have gone to benefits for them and the staff (all volunteers) are fantastic. They really care about their children and give it their all to save everyone. More people should adopt from shelters!

I am absolutely amazed by the people who run this organization. Of course, such rescue organizations are run purely by volunteers, but I think that this group takes their commitment and passion to the next level.
They seem to particularly specialize in helping the most difficult cases – cats that are mature, shy, have been abused, etc. Most people want kittens and fail to realize what a rewarding pet an older cat can be.
When I learned of their mission, I began fostering for them in 2004. I was given several cats for foster who would often be overlooked because they hissed or hid as first-​response. I learned so much from the cats and from the organization. Lana was always a phone call or visit away, and all the while, each cat really blossomed with just a little love and patience. We found great homes for all of my fosters until Genie came along. She had been surrendered by a woman whose husband kicked and threw the cat when he was mad. Genie was adopted by a family who then returned her six weeks later because she never came out from under the bed. She was a difficult case, nearly catatonic with fear. Two weeks after arriving at my house, I was woken in the middle of the night by a little tap on my shoulder. I lifted the covers, and that’s where Genie has slept ever since.
I have continued to help with this organization when I can because I believe in their mission, and I find their expertise and energy astounding. I know some people find Lana to be abrasive, but when you step away from your wounded ego, you can see a woman that works multiple jobs to keep this burgeoning organization afloat. Everything she does is for the cats, and she has no qualms being frank with those that need it.
I will continue fostering and volunteering for this organization as long as I can – to thank them for the love of my life, Genie, and for the education and contagious passion for the cause.

What complete rudeness! I called this shelter with a problem and wanted to see if there was any advice that they could provide about helping my overly rambunctious cat out. We live in a small apartment and our cat needs to be an indoor/​outdoor cat and we cannot provide this for her.
After explaining the situation the only advice Lana had to offer me was to take the cat to the SPCA and hope they do not kill her. I think that is a terrible thing for anyone doing rescue to say to anyone! Especially since I called to find out what alternatives we had to help our loving, beautiful cat out. What complete rudeness and it did not stop there!!! When I told her that I thought that was a terrible thing to say to me and that I was just taking the time to help find a good solution she said there was nothing she could do since there are so many rescues and then she proceeded to hang up on me. Thinking it may have been a mistake I tried to call back but when I did she picked up and immediately hung up again.
My advice would be to choose a different shelter to adopt a cat. I was even willing to adopt one of there other cats AND offer volunteer services but she did not even wait to hear that before she hung up. What a terrible experience!!! Maybe if you only called to take one of their cats they may be more helpful but I would think a true cat loving person would last least try and offer some advice!!!

I got the world’s best cat from Give Me Shelter. They were extremely helpful and understanding. They took time and interest in matching me with the right cat. They care about their work, and it shows.
I don’t know how my cat could possibly have not been adopted immediately, he’s so perfect! I’m glad Give Me Shelter was there to keep him from being put down, and to put us together.

I had been thinking about adopting a kitten for a long time after housesitting my friends’ two cats for three months. I love my solitude, but I missed having another living creature to share my small studio with. I found Penelope (formerly known as Lacey) at an adoption event earlier in February and fell in love with my little calico right away. Penny is such a good fit for my personality — very affectionate, sweet natured and bouncing with energy.
I’m sure that her personality was something that grew out of the care she received at the adoption center and foster homes. I’m so glad that I decided to adopt from Give Me Shelter! My only regret is that I don’t have enough room for two cats, or I would have also adopted her sister. If I get a larger place in the future, I’d come again and find an additional little friend.

I fostered kittens for this animal rescue about 2 years ago when I was still living in the city.. This rescue focuses on cats and kittens, rescuing them from death row at kill shelters around the bay area & state. Lana, who runs it is phenomenal, I’ve never met someone so dedicated to rescuing cats (and I’ve worked with a few). There were times she was at my apartment at 11pm dropping off or picking up a mom and her litter. Lana takes great care in screening potential foster homes, new cat owners, etc. Best of all I found my beloved orange tabby, Moses through this group!

I adopted my beautiful one-​eyed cat from this place. All of these people have the biggest hearts.

I have never met a woman with more dedication and love for the animals she cares for than Lana… I adopted my cat Oscar from her 4 years ago and she walked with me every step of the way through the good times and the hard times. She would even feed Oscar Turkey on Thanksgiving while cat sitting for me. Oscar fulfilled big hole in my life at a time when I needed him and Lana’s willingness to rescue even the sickest of cats and provide quality of life for them gave me so much joy for 4 years. I have no regretts and am so thankful for her compassion. Give Me Shelter and Lana are not praised enough for the work they do. Thank you so much!

We have had a wonderful experience overall with Give Me Shelter, and Lana (the director). They were patient with us from the beginning, when we had no clue how to take care of a cat, and even after we adopted our guy Lana takes the time to answer our questions whenever they arise. I have never been made to feel like I was wasting her time or bothering her, even though technically she doesn’t have to answer my questions anymore.
Thanks so much for our cat!

This terrific group has saved COUNTLESS cats from being arbitrarily euthanized in shelters all over the bay area. They deserve a big round of applause and a fat donation from all cat lovers.

I am so, so glad I found Give Me Shelter Cat Rescue. One moment I was walking down the street, blue and cat-​less, and the next, I was peering into a cage at my new kitties, Edie and Winston. They are the loves of my life now. The people volunteering for Give Me Shelter were really nice, informative, and professional. The foster parent for my kitties had taken very good care of them. She was helpful, and called me several times after I’d adopted them to see how we were doing. I didn’t talk to the director of the group, so I can’t respond to other people’s complaints. I am just very glad that Give Me Shelter is giving cats who are in desperate need of a loving home a second chance.

The director of this shelter is unprofessional and abusive. When I called her during her policy of a two week introductory foster care period and told her the cat was not working out in my home and I wanted to have the new cat returned. I was called back by her several times and she left very aggressive and threatning message on my phone. She personal attacked me and would not listen to me to explain that it wasn’t a right fit at this time for my home. I would never do business with any of her programs.

MAX… on death row and life was looking pretty bleak for him. I was walking down on West Portal and in front of Starbucks was a row of cages with cats and kittens. But those Amber eyes followed me as I looked at his blue/​gray fur. He was found with just 4 patches of fur, emaciated with an infection on his face. Deborah (Give me Shelter) nursed him and couldn’t keep Max because he was so timid that her other cats would have tore him up. She said Max chosed me. So Max lives with me now. Peace.

This is a private, non-​profit organization that works with most of the animal shelters around the Bay Area to rescue adult and senior cats on the short list to be euthanized. The executive director, Lana Bajsel, runs the service based solely on volunteer help. I only found out about it the other day when they were holding an adoption event on Polk. They are all spayed/​neutered, current on vaccinations and many are micro-​chipped already. Most of the cats are really sweet and just want a home. :(