IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Oakland Animal Services Celebrates the New Year Marking Four Years of Landmark Progress
Oakland’s Only Open-Door Shelter Rings in 2019 with New, Improved Hours of Operation
OAKLAND – Effective January 12, 2019, Oakland Animal Services (OAS) will implement more consistent hours for city residents looking for lost animals or seeking to add a four-legged member to their family. As the new year begins, OAS will continue to be open six days per week, with hours aligned more closely to other Bay Area shelters:
- Monday-Friday 3-6 p.m.
- Saturday/Sunday 1-5 p.m.
- Closed Wednesday
The new schedule is more in keeping with industry standards – another move marking the great progress the shelter has made toward becoming an industry leader in the past four years.
OAS became a standalone City department in January 2015, and since then has made tremendous strides for the city’s homeless animals – and for the Oakland residents who care for them. Just a few years ago, the dogs, cats, rabbits, birds, guinea pigs, and countless other animals who arrived at the shelter’s doors faced an uncertain future. But now, as 2019 begins, OAS routinely rescues and saves the lives of more than 80 percent of the animals taken in – a 50 percent increase over the shelter’s “live release” rate just a few years ago.
Meanwhile, the number of dedicated volunteers who support the department and the animals in its care has doubled. The shelter boasts a volunteer program that is equivalent to thirteen full-time employees. OAS has also increased its number of adoption partners – organizations in California and beyond who have capacity to take in hard-to-place animals rescued by OAS – by nearly 40 percent. Animals with life-threatening conditions, such as puppies with parvovirus, can receive treatment through support from the nonprofit Friends of Oakland Animal Services (FOAS). Additionally, FOAS funds key lifesaving programs, such as foster care for shelter animals, and a new, free spay/neuter program for Oakland residents.
OAS has also made great strides in recruiting and hiring full-time staff dedicated to serving both the animals and humans who need its assistance. Today, there are 35 full-time staff members, and since 2016, the shelter has employed a full-time veterinarian to provide critical medical attention to the thousands of animals arriving at its doors.
OAS Executive Director Rebecca Katz explained, “OAS continues to improve its public service to the community. With full-time animal care attendants to care for our furry and feathered residents, and public service representatives to assist both the animals and the humans who come through the doors, Oakland residents are beginning to recognize OAS as the safety net they have advocated for and deserve.”
As for New Year’s resolutions? OAS still recognizes tremendous need in Oakland and, budget permitting, aims to increase hours for public service in its next four years of progress. Animal lovers who wish to support the shelter’s ongoing work to improve the city’s services for its homeless animals can make a tax-deductible gift to Friends of Oakland Animal Services’ year-end campaign to raise $25K to support lifesaving medical care for homeless animals awaiting their a second chance in the new year.
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Oakland Animal Services is Oakland’s only “open admissions” shelter. Located at 1101 29th Avenue, the shelter accepts all of Oakland’s lost, abandoned and mistreated animals, including farm animals and native wildlife.
Friends of Oakland Animal Services (FOAS) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to providing homes, health, and happiness for Oakland’s animals. Visit www.oaklandsanimals.org or contact info@oaklandsanimals.org for more information.
With the assistance of a dedicated group of volunteers, donations and the support of nonprofit FOAS, OAS has served more than 5,000 animals in 2018 alone. Visit the shelter to adopt, volunteer or donate.
