The lovely dog to the left is Serena, a former long-term resident at OAS, who is now happily in a home with a Dad and Mom who love her! Isn’t it obvious?
Have you adopted a pet from Oakland Animal Services?
Oakland’s only open admissions shelter
The lovely dog to the left is Serena, a former long-term resident at OAS, who is now happily in a home with a Dad and Mom who love her! Isn’t it obvious?
Have you adopted a pet from Oakland Animal Services?
For services such as bringing in stray animals, general questions, etc. For adoptions, see separate hours below.
Mon 11-5pm
Tue 11-5pm
Wed 11-5pm
Thu 11-7pm
Fri 11-5pm
Sat 11-5pm
Sun 11-5pm
See adoption process here.
Thu 12-7pm
Fri 12-3pm
Sat 12-3pm
Sun 12-3pm
1101 29th Avenue,
Oakland, CA 94601
Fax: 510.535.5601
Phone: 510.535.5602
Relay Service 711
For Urgent Service:
Call the Oakland Police
Non-Emergency Dispatch Line:
510.777.3333
In cases of emergency, call 911 (land line) or 510-777-3211 (cell phone).
Quick links to: Adoptions, Lost and Found Pets, Dog Licensing
Jan 1 & 15, Feb 19, Apr 1, May 27, June 19,
Jul 4, Sep 2 & 9, Nov 11, Nov 28 & 29, Dec 25
Prima Mosely says
We adopted a beautiful stray Min/Pin/Chihuahua on February 18, 2012 named “Gem.”This was about one month after our little Maltese passed away. We have since named her Alexis and found out that she is a pure Miniature Pinscher. She is adorable, loving, energetic and so very intelligent. We see how greatful she is to have a home….she knows where she came from and is so happy to have a “forever home.” We encourage everyone to ADOPT A PET…don’t support PUPPY MILLS! We are so happy with our adopted dog.
Terry says
I adopted Cupcake during the 2011 Maddie’s Adoptathon. She is the most good natured and loving animal I have ever met and has brought much joy into my life. My 90 year old mother has been sad and depressed but when I bring Cupcake to visit she cheers up and laughs.
Genia says
Lacey was probably around 10 weeks old when I adopted her in December 2011. I visited the Oakland Animal Shelter with the intention of viewing some dogs, not starting the adoption process that very day. Nevertheless, I was firmly willing and prepared to take on the responsibility of a pet, so when I met my “Lil Lace” / “Poopy Doo”, and realized that the tiny ball of energy and love was just the addition to my life that I was looking for, I didn’t hesitate to begin the adoption process.
I can’t fathom that my little princess was once a stray and abandoned to care for herself. She is a joy and everyone in her life loves her dearly. On another note: when we visit my mom who suffered a stroke and has limited mobility, Lacey’s playful and loving presence always uplifts my mom’s spirits. It’s amazing to witness, and my mom considers Lacey her granddogger. The joyfulness and laughter that she’s brought into my life is priceless. She’s, funny, smart, very spoiled, and (mostly) well-behaved (smiley-face).
Lacey LOVES lounging on the couch. My “no pups on the couch” rule was ended the moment I saw her happily sprawled on said couch, paws in the air, comfy as a bug in a rug) adorable! She also seems to enjoy rainy days, probably because lounging in front of the fire place seems to be one of her favorite past-times as well. If she could speak, I’m sure she’d say, “ life is good”.
I must admit that at the time of her adoption I did not inquire much about the events which landed her in the Oakland Animal Shelter. But, I would be very interested to know anything of Lacey’s past if there are shelter employees or volunteers that remember her. I can be reached at genia.s.b@gmail.com
Thank you, OAS!!!!!!
Alli & Eric says
We drove all the way out from San Francisco to get “Chester,” a maine coon mix, when we saw his video on the petfinder website. When we got to the shelter Warren helped us find him and meet with him. He was such a shy and gentle giant and we fell in love instantly. He had come to the shelter as part of the TNR program, but when they brought him in from the trap they could tell from his beautiful fur and healthy belly that he wasn’t a stray, but a housecat who lost his home. Now, 3 months later he goes by Otto and has blossomed into a sweet and chatty sidekick who loves to cuddle, bird watch, and chase his laser pointer. We are so grateful to OAS for bringing him in and helping us find him. THANK YOU!
Frank Perez says
About three years ago, I adopted Bira from the Oakland Animal Shelter. She was a rescue from a breeder and I was told she was in very poor health when she was brought to the shelter. She has prospered in her new home and has become the Queen of Redwood Heights as you can see from the attached pictures.
Leslie Gallen says
Hi there, it’s been 18 months since Morris came home with me. He is the biggest love bug on earth. He still comes undone when people come into the house, however goes under the futon now instead of running into the bedroom. He has fallen head over paws for my friend Tom who adores him as much as I do. Newest trick is to sit on the edge of the futon and meow while looking at me using the computer . . . I have learned that it means, “put down the computer and give me some lovin’ NOW!
Thank you again OAS!
KZ says
I came into the shelter to look for a puppy, but somehow I randomly came out with a kitten. I had never really given much thought to adopting a kitten, but something about Romeo, now King Neptune, that just made me want to adopt him. He’s the exact same age as my dog, Grizz so I thought it’d be perfect. Now King Neptune and Grizz are the BEST of friends and they do everything together. I’m so happy that I made the decision to adopt him. Here’s a picture of King Neptune hugging and kissing Grizz 🙂
Randi B. says
We are so happy Louie is a part of our lives. Thanks OAS!
Randi B. says
Louie aka Spud graduated one of his classes. He’s such a smart little guy! We are so happy to have him our lives, we love him very much!
Sara Hunt says
My name is Sara Lee. I am 15 years old and 5 weeks ago adopted my baby girl Rosie. Rosie was 8 weeks old when i found her on this website. I saw her photo and instantly fell in love. I begged my mother for the puppy as a birthday present. she saw the picture of the cute chiuaua mix and the next day took me to meet her. At first i couldnt find the puppy i had seen on the website. i went up and down the isle looking at all the cages through the window and started to panic! Then, i saw a smaller kennel with two cages. There in the top kennel, layed my new best friend. It was love at first sight. At the shelter, her name was Cleo. I had thought about names for my pup over night, and as soon as her amber eyes met mine i knew that she was a Rosie. She truley is an amazing adorable puppy. Shes growing well and is so healthy. She hardly ever barks, she sleeps through the night, and loves to play! I love her so much! We are so thankful to everyone over in Oakland! I love my little Rosebud 🙂
Susannah says
We looked for months for the perfect dog. We met Seymour near the beginning of the search, but my ex was looking for a bigger dog. We came back after a few weeks because we just couldn’t forget him. His name was Freddy then. When we came back to look for him, he was in the vey last room we viewed. We were so relieved that he was still there. When we took him into the meeting room he was so shy that he just hid his head under our arms and tried to snuggle in.
He’s still a snuggler, but now he runs, plays, kisses and is generally the most loving and loyal little guy I’ve ever met.
Thank you Oakland for keeping a budget to care for all of those wonderful dogs and cats, and I hope everyone finds as good a fit as I did!
lizeth says
We adopted Hobo a few months back and he’s adapted to our house and family. Very well. He comes and goes, and has his favorite rooms in the house already. Loves to sit and look out or window and mess with the little birds. He’s an indoor cat. He’s the new little brother for my kids….everyone loves Hobo!!!!
Devon says
We adopted Maggie (formerly Tiffany) two and half months ago. She has quickley become a part of our family. Maggie loves going on walks and to the dog park as well as a good nap. She has brought us much love and joy!
Allison says
We’ve had Jack for one and a half years now, and he has brought us so much happiness. He also gets us out of the house alot! He is energetic, playful, silly and a real show-off. He is also cuddly and sweet, and will lean up against anyone who is sitting on our couch and lay his head on their lap.
The first weeks with Jack were an adjustment for all of us–he was hyper, nervous around my husband, and starting to get a little too assertive. We were starting to get a little nervous about him, but it just took a little patience (and a lot of exercise) for us all to get used to each other.
Everyone who meets him comments on his looks, his speed, his agility, and his amazing swimming ability! My husband was a little reluctant to get a dog, but now the two of them are inseparable. His picture on the OAS website was titled “Sweet Jack” and they were right!
Mike and Joanna Warner says
Thank you for rescuing OJ (now Puffin) and letting us adopt this little treasure of a dog! He is such a happy boy! Just brimming with positive puppy energy, and so full of spirit! A real character and such a dear little soul. We’re thrilled at how well he fits in with the rest of our pack. He is the most wonderful addition to our family and we love him to bits! Thank you!
Alix & Greg says
OH! That was a photo of what he looked like when we adopted him (his name was “Fez” back then). Here is Sam in all his glory today. THANK YOU!
(Sam says “WOOF!”)
Alix & Greg says
Last October we visited the OAS for the very first time and fell in love with “the big white dog” (as everyone there called him!). We were told he was a 2-5 year old who had been shaved down because his fur was so matted and dred-locked. He had the sweetest eyes and we knew immediately we wanted to adopt him. It turns out LOTS of people wanted to adopt this big gorgeous boy, but magically we were the ones he ended up with. His name is now Sam, and Sammy is the biggest, sweetest boy you could ever imagine. We are pretty sure he was only 1 when we adopted him, he’s just such a leggy guy that we all thought he was older. He has since filled out (he was 80 pounds when we adopted him and he is now 104 pounds…..our own little polar bear!). Don’t worry, it’s all muscle. He goes on daily hikes (often 5 miles or more, which he LOVES) and when he’s not hiking the trails he is lounging in the back yard, patrolling the house making sure the cats are in line and giving us those big puppy dog eyes hoping we will drop a scrap of our sandwich by mistake. We couldn’t be happier. He’s a gorgeous dog and people can’t believe he was a rescue. Our experience with OAS was really terrific—wonderful staff. Big dogs are really excellent companions. He DOES shed like crazy (his fur grew back beautifullly but we are always fighting insane dust bunnies) and you do need to make sure you let them get lots of good exercise, but really….he has brought so much joy to our lives. THANKS OAS!
David says
I adopted Cupid, a beautiful 1 year old male white and black cat. When he first came here he instantly settled down but started to be very aggressive to my female kitty. Then the two basically fell in love and I see them fall asleep in each other’s paws and they groom each other. He’s wonderful.
Kat Burt says
I was part of the team that performed the spay for Dapple (now Miss T), and fell in love with her. She has a great personality, is very outgoing, and the way she looks at you is just full of love. Already having a chihuahua, I knew that it could be difficult to ensure a happy home for both- and indeed it was at first. Now, just a few weeks later, Miss T (on the right) and Pita (on the left) are friends- they play together, sleep together, and outsmart me together. 🙂
Randi B. says
Louie aka Spud with his sister and little brother in the back.
Mae L. says
OOPS!!!!! This is the too hot to move pic – sorry!!!
Mae L. says
Here’s a second pic of the boys – too hot to move!!!
Mae L. says
I adopted Marv and Marlin, now Shitake (all black) and Bamboo (orange tabby), in September 2011. I wanted siblings or a pair, but not kittens. I have had kittens in the past and they are a handful with their high energy level and curiosity. So, you know I was smitten to take two bonded males that were only 6 months old. And yikes!- it certainly has been a trial of patience and creativity. I am not embarrassed to say there were times I thought of returning them – tearing up the furniture, waking me up at 4:30 am. But I am not a quitter and could see we were making progress as the months went by. Now 6 months later we are enjoying each other. They are quite big boys now and less active – we even have cuddle time in front of the TV in the evening. They love the kitty condo – jumping, scratching, chasing each other up and down, looking out the front window. They are great company for each other when I am at work and it is fun to watch them wrestle and groom each other. Both seem healthy and are quite handsome – all my friends say so. So it is a happy ending!!!!
I would caution against adopting kittens unless you are prepared to make some adjustments in your life and routine. Have patience and use your best teaching skills and you will have a Happy Tail to report too.
Randi B. says
Louie aka Spud with his cousin.
LEO BAUTISTA says
After many years of telling my Daughter no pets, My wife and I finally agreed to get a pet. We went to all the local shelters and scoured the local internet. We definitely wanted to get a rescue. We found Penny at the Oakland Animal Shelter, all the volunteers were wonderful, informative and patient ( especially Emilie and the director Megan ) Penny the American Bulldog was wonderful and we adopted her, she is everything my family had ever dreamed about getting in a dog. She is such a wonderful dog, we eventually started fighting over her, so we went back and thanks to Megan, we got another dog Lucy. We are so happy. This may sound like an advertisement, but it is true, As a family we spend more time together with the dogs, my stress level is down, and I have decided that I will never live, without a dog in the houseagain. We all feel that we have gotten more from the dogs, then they have from us. ……Here is a picture of my babies.
Erika says
We adopted “Brett”, now Bradley, just a few months ago. He’s an absolutely wonderful cat, full of love and spirit. His favorite thing to do is to play fetch with hair ties, chasing them and bringing them back for hours and hours. He and his best buddy, Moki, a Himalayan, love cuddling up and attacking one another. Thank you for helping me find the perfect cat 🙂
Maura says
I adopted Henry a couple of years ago. I visited the shelter 4 times and couldn’t believe he hadn’t been adopted. He was very depressed and would sit in my lap like a baby. After my fourth visit I was leaving I turned around and there he was at the gate watching me go. Well that was it!
Henry is a love. He is funny and smart. Someone loved him and trained him. I am the lucky recipient of his training. I have never regretted a day since I adopted him. Any one that is considering adoption should spend some time visiting shelters and researching dog breeds. There are so many great animals deserving a good life languishing in shelters.
Jonathon says
I adopted Dood (White Paws) several months ago from OAS. In this video he’s purring while he gets cleaned up by his buddy. He’s very happy and spoiled.
Joseph Regula says
I adopted “Little Rudy” (the orange tabby) over five years ago & as you can see here he’s doing a great job being a Step-Dad to “Little T” who we rescued just a year ago. The two are inseprable & Rudy has always been a warm & loving addition to our home. Thanks to all the folks at the OAS for all your help.
Eileen says
We adopted Wash (formerly Vito) two years ago and he has been a joy every day. He is always at my side keeping my company. I am so happy that we went to the shelter the day we did because he is just the ray of sunshine we were looking for.
Meghan Francisco says
Arthur & Mr. Pancks (formerly Rain & Cloud) have now been with me through two happy holiday seasons. As they doze by our sunny windows and I reflect on the past year, I see how our relationship has deepened since adoption day way back in 2010. Thanks, OAS, for helping us find each other.
Madison Strickling says
My grandma adopted Norris from the shelter in July. He has been such a joy to our family. I love him so much!
Viqui and David says
We adopted Doris almost one year ago(January 4th). She has been so AWESOME. Just before Christmas we started thinking about adopting a dog, we weren’t quite sure about the idea yet, with our 2 cats and new place we wanted to think about if we were ready to add a new member to the family. We thought Doris was so adorable, but still unsure about our level of commitment. A few weeks later we decided to take another look at the dogs; Doris was still there, super cute, calm, sweet. We couldn’t think of leaving her this time. We had our landlord meet us at the shelter with her big dogs right away, so they could all meet. Ever since then we have all been super happy! She is the leader of the pack and a big little goof ball. We even ran into a man that remembered seeing her at OAS, but decided to adopt another dog. Doris was definitely meant to be ours. She has learned so much and has taught us a lot about being great puppy parents. We love having her with us everywhere we go!
Deb and Benita says
We adopted Charles (formerly Porter) in September and wanted to let you know he is having a very happy holiday season with us. When we got him home he trembled and hid for a few days. He is now settling in and likes to lick our hands and give us baths. He is a very sweet boy. Here is a picture of him on the table posing next to the Charlie Brown Christmas tree.
Dora & Fernando says
We adopted Mika (Tamika was her shelter name) back in August of this year. She has grown into a beautiful and playful girl. She enjoys going to the doggy park and plays like there is no tomorrow. She is a fast runner and loves to have everyone chase her. She has an older sister Pimi (a senior chihuahua) who has come to accept her after the three months she has been with us. Mika is a very sweet and smart girl, we hope to go back to Oakland Animal Services for the training classes offered on Saturdays. We are so glad we brought Mika into our lives.
Randi B. says
Louie aka Spud being cute as always!
Randi B. says
Here’s a picture of Louie aka Spud with his little brother Duncan.
Jennifer says
We adopted Tofurky in December 2010. It was the name he came with and it fit him perfectly, having been found wandering the streets of Oakland just before Thanksgiving. When we saw him initially we though oh I don’t know a puppy? But then I noticed he was special needs, he was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy. I knew right then that we had to take him home. And the next day we did! We have had him for almost a year now and he gets along great with everyone, he is the happiest puppy I have ever seen. He loves his sister Mooshoo (chihuahua) and brothers Teetonka & Bubble (both cats).
PJ Morrison says
We adopted our puppy Whimsy in August and she enjoying her first holiday season and is intrigued by rainy weather and falling leaves. She has been a wonderful addition to our family. Thank you to all of the staff and volunteers who work so hard to find the animals homes.
BJ says
Almost three years ago, I adopted Ralph (formerly Taco) from your shelter. He and his brother had run away from home and were found at the Fruitvale BART station. Ralph’s previous family had picked up the brother from the shelter and had taken him home, but my Ralph was left behind.
When I first met Ralph, his eyes showed his pain and distrust. Was he hoping that his family would come back for him, too? We took a chance on each other, and I think I speak for both of us when I say it was the perfect decision.
Jeannie Freedlund says
One more picture of Rita and Napoleon! It is so hard not to share a million. In this photo, they are settling into their new apartment. One is being silly and one is being sleepy. See if you can tell which is which!
Jeannie Freedlund says
Hello OAS!! I love you guys! I happened to be available to take in a foster kitty from your shelter last year, and she is now In The Family. Jen brought Rita to me in a little carrier one night, saying that she did not do well in the shelter and might not do well even in my home. As it turns out, she did great in a home!! She went from growling, hiding, hissing and swatting to looking out the window and sitting in my lap in a matter of days. Within a few weeks I introduced her and my only resident cat at the time, Napoleon, and please see the photo to see how they took to each other. I could not be more happy to have Rita in the family, and she only works her way deeper into our hearts everyday. The photo was taken shortly after Rita and Napo made friends. He is a sleepy boy, and she wanted him to wake up and play. I caught them in this lovely moment. 🙂 I am a very happy kitty mom.
Brandi and Ryan says
We adopted Charmaine aka Carmela Boots a month or so ago and she has brightened our lives ever since.
She is the most entertaining and playful cat we’ve ever had. We enjoy watching her do back flips as she flings her toys in the air. She is a tad bit shy, but will still let us smother her with rubs, pets, and kisses. We think it is cute that she insists on being in the same room as us, typically following us if we leave the room. We are so happy we have our little acrobat. 🙂
(We will upload a backflip pic when one finally turns out!)
Steve Hinkel says
We adopted a wonderful pup from OAS in July… his old name was Corey… his new name is Tobi-wan Kenobi… He is a joy. We’re not sure who rescued whom. Our little 10-year old poodle is now his best buddy and they play together all day. He makes us so happy!!!!
THANK YOU OAS!!!!!!!
Linda says
…Gunny Scruffy
Linda says
Gunny Scruffy’s 1-Year Anniversary Today! Thank you OAS and a special thanks to the Oakland PD—Way To Go! This was the best $25 I ever spent.
“Go Gunny, Go Gunny!” Ooh-rah!
Yet Wa Ly says
Here is another cute photo of Tigger.
Yet Wa Ly says
Tigger was adopted from Oakland Animal Services 3 years ago. He is a shy, but playful cat, that loves “hunting” at night (he’s an indoor cat). He warms the hearts of everyone he meets, even those who aren’t cat lovers, with his charm. He’s a happy and playful cat that has brought happiness into the lives to all he meets, and I am truly grateful to him.
Randi says
Here’s a picture of our little guy Louie, aka Spud.
Randi says
My family adopted a little dog, half pitbull and half bassett hound. He was named Spud by one of the volunteers. We saw his cute picture on the website and decided we would go meet him. We fell in love with him and adopted him. Two days after bringing him home, we returned him to the shelter. We cried all night and went back the very next day to get him back. Thank goodness we got our precious little boy back. His name is now Louie and we love him very much.