Joybound Thrift Store, Cat Lounge & Adoption Center
Concord, California
The Joybound Thrift Store, Cat Lounge & Adoption Center combines a large charity thrift shop with a cat lounge on Market Street in Concord. It is run by Joybound People & Pets, the Walnut Creek animal welfare nonprofit formerly known as ARF, and recently reopened in a larger space next door to its original thrift store, adding the cat lounge. The lounge is a calm indoor room with climbing areas, scratching posts, toys and quiet retreats, where usually two to five adoptable cats brought from partner shelters across California wait for homes. Anyone can check in at the adoption desk and spend up to 15 minutes with the cats free of charge, with donations welcome, and children are welcome with an adult. Visitors who connect with a cat can arrange a longer meet-and-greet and adopt on site. Sales from the thrift store's furniture, clothing and housewares support Joybound's programs.