Special Paws Animal Rescue

One Special Paw At A Time

Special Paws Animal Rescue is small, non-profit organization serving Contra Costa, San Joaquin & Alameda Counties.

SPAR is an all volunteer local animal rescue group emphasizing in special needs cases, including but not limited to all other animals in-need of rescue from the community, off the street and from local area shelters.

SPAR was inspired by a group of people who met while volunteering with other rescues and became friends, and shared the same goals and passion for rescue and decided to come together to form a project of their own.

SPAR is a 501c3 tax exempt organization.

Special Paws Mission:  Our Mission is to help the community and give each "Special Paw" the love, compassion, and rehabilitation they need, while giving them a new start and their best chance at life, providing Veterinary care and spay/neuter services, and adopting them to a loving home.
About image

THE BENT BEAN

Bean was rescued at 1 day old with an open septic limb.

SPORK

SPORK

Spork is not only a Pan Leuk survivor but he also also been cured of FIP!

STEVIE WONDER

STEVIE WONDER

Stevie was rescued by a local good Samaritan who reached out for help. His eyes were so infected she thought he was blind.

IVAR THE BONELESS

IVAR THE BONELESS

Ivar was found stuck in a fence and rescued by ACO, he had an open infected fracture and almost lost his leg.

SIGGY

SIGGY

Siggy came into the local shelter as an emergency HBC kitten, rushed off to the ER and then transferred to SPAR with a half dead tail and broken leg, both in need of amputation.

LITTLE FOOT

LITTLE FOOT

Little foot came into the local shelter with very odd circular wounds on the base of her feet.

THUMPER

THUMPER

Thumper was surrendered to our local Vet after the owner's dog attacked him and broke his leg. He was only 4 months old and the options were euthanasia or amputation.

VLAD THE IMPALED

VLAD THE IMPALED

Vlad came in as an emergency TNR kitten from a trapper. We thought she had an abscess but it was so bad half of her face was infested with maggots and flesh was missing!

THE MOO DUO

THE MOO DUO

This sick duo came into the shelter on different dates very ill.

ROAD RASH PANDA

ROAD RASH PANDA

Little Panda was witnessed being thrown from a car on the highway, all bruised up, bloody & having trouble eating, off to our Vet she went.

WINKY

WINKY

Winky was found by ACO falling over in the heat, she has a severely infected eye that ruptured and needs removal.

SQUISHY

SQUISHY

SQUISHY was a local HBC emergency kitten. ACO brought him to us, and he will soon need a leg amputation.

$25

Donation Amount

Are you interested in Fostering for Special Paws Animal Rescue? 

Do you have experience with animals? Do you have spare room in your home and your heart?  Fostering is a crucial part to any animal rescue. SPAR is an all foster based rescue which means all of our animals are raised in loving homes with temporary families while they make weight, or get well enough to be adopted out.  It also helps us to assess their personalities to make sure they find their perfect home. 

If you're interested in fostering a dog or puppy for us please fill out a DOG FOSTER APPLICATION.

If you're interested in fostering a cat or kittens for us please fill out a CAT FOSTER APPLICATION.

Thank you for your interest in fostering for SPAR.  Please give us some time to review your application as we are all volunteers and someone should contact you soon! 



Are you interested in volunteering for Special Paws Animal Rescue?

Do you love animals? Do you love helping your community? We would love to have you! 

We always need volunteers to help transport animals, help with vet appointments, go to the shelter, or even help at adoption events. Something as simple as making phone calls, creating flyers, or taking photos is all we need.  Donating your time and resources is extremely beneficial with any non-profit organization and we appreciate whatever it is you have to offer.  SPAR runs on volunteers and we couldn't do it without you!

Please contact us and let us know what you'd like to help with. One of our volunteers will get in touch with you soon. Thanks for your interest in volunteering with SPAR.

  • P.O. Box 1413, Discovery Bay, California, United States
  • Based throughout surrounding areas