Before 1982 there were no local animal shelters or resources available to help the Sonoma Community cope with the problem of stray and abandoned animals. This lack of animal services motivated a handful of dedicated animal lovers to join together to create a local animal welfare organization. Thanks to the support and dedication of this unique community, the shelter property on Eighth Street East was purchased, and Pets Lifeline was established.

During its first years of growth, animals were housed in makeshift quarters or placed in temporary foster care. Our main effort was to find new homes for stray dogs and cats (those not lucky enough to be reunited with their owners). Adoptions were scheduled "by appointment only" because of limited resources.

The Shelter as we know it today was built and opened in 1987 to accommodate 12 dogs and 20 to 30 cats. With the help of foster care volunteers we are able to help many more animals than our licensed capacity allows. Visitors are encouraged to come to the Shelter to see our dogs and to socialize with the cats and kittens in our two community cats rooms.