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
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?
Jessica Clinton says
We adopted Lucy, formerly Jewels, in September, and just celebrated her first birthday on March 1. We have already enjoyed so many adventures, and are about to take her on her first trip to the snow (big deal for a husky mix!) She’s still learning what’s okay to chew on and that we can’t jump on Grandma, but she’s definitely a very good girl. We feel so lucky to have her!
Shari says
We adopted Karma last Sunday march 2, 2025 and she is thriving in her new home and we are so happy to have her! Puppy in training still but smart, sweet and full of love! Thanks so much to OAS staff and volunteers for the amazing work they do to get these beautiful animals care and homes!!!
Jordan says
Dewey (formerly Dewy) is one of the best little (chubby) cats I’ve ever had the pleasure of knowing. He was adopted in December 2023, and while he would always hang around me, he was never one to sit with or sleep with me. That is until the past couple months when he started to lay with me on the couch and just over the last week he even started to sleep in my bed with me! It just shows that with a little patience and love even some standoffish cats can eventually come around.
He’s also become a fixture in the neighborhood since I started to take him for walks in his backpack! He’s the most curious fellow – always looking around and excited to see what adventure awaits.
I’m so happy that we’ve become best pals and I encourage everyone to open their home to a furry friend in need. You won’t regret it!
tatin says
We got our senior little princess Sasha from OAS in 2021 — her name is now Wicket and we love her to bits. She loves napping in her soft bed, getting head rubs, and going on adventures in the car and her stroller. Even though she has only 3 teeth now she still eats like a champ!
Anna says
This is Maybelline playing in the water, her name was Sunset but really likes her new name. She is quite mischievous with our one year old kitten and respectful of our three older cats. Lots of positive energy after the loss of our “perfect” senior dog. She loves anything water.
Beth Berlin-Stephens says
Someone who worked for Oakland Animal Services decided to call this big goof Maurice and we kept the name because it totally fit! After a rough first month of illness, it has been all fun and sunshine with our sweet, goofy guy. He loves people, dogs, walks, the park, and life in general. Thanks for finding him and for bringing him into our lives. He is the best!
Taylor Williams says
We adopted Theo (formerly Zydeco) over a year ago now after a long (almost six month) stint at OAS. He is now a thriving, energetic, somewhat spoiled, and slightly mischievous two year old pup who loves stealing shoes, taste testing all of the treats, and hiking any Bay Area trail!
Christine Gardner says
We adopted Chanel…now Sydney…in early September. She is doing well, she is a big love bug. And when I say big I mean big! She was thought to be a Black Russian Terrier but we did a DNA test and turns out she is 40% Mastiff, 15% Great Dane, 15% poodle, and 30% other breeds. Oh my! Sydney is beautiful and loving and we are happy to have her as part of our household. Thank you OAS!
Dave O'Connor says
We adopted Brandi (formerly known as Kashi) October 5, and it has really worked out well. She’s young and energetic but (generally) so good with her 14 year old sister. She’s definitely learning constantly and her overall behavior is great, but she is a teenager and has only spent a month and a half with us and shes testing boundaries. But getting better! She’s very smart and we work to control her energy. It’s working out really well. Very, very happy with her and she really seems attached to us as well!
She loves her coastal walks and playing with the tennis ball.
It’s super fun to watch her grow as she sees new things like the ocean, people singing, and gophers in the back yard.
We love her and we think she loves us!
Great job! Thanks!
Kat Rolinson says
Amber and her buddy Jack were surrendered to OAS at 12 years old when their guardians health declined. I fostered them both for a rescue and after Jack passed away, realized Amber had me wrapped around her old lady paws. I adopted her and she’s enjoying short walks and long naps.
She’s a spicy senior girl with tons of personality and the world’s best side eye. She keeps us all in line.
Adopt a Senior dog – they bring so much joy. Love this sassy Queen!
Jesse V says
We adopted Big Baby Amadeus a year ago after he showed up on the OAS “Priority” adoption list. His estimated age was 13 and we thought it would be a senior hospice situation but we’re happy to report that he is happy and healthy and super spoiled. He is the sweetest cuddliest 65lb. lap dog and we are grateful to have him in our lives.
Laura F says
Mabel is my baby and best friend. I adopted her almost a year ago! She is even cuter and smarter and waaaaay sassier than I ever could have expected. She is my first rabbit, but she has converted me to becoming a rabbit person forever.
Will and Arisha says
We adopted Biscotti back in December. He has brought so much joy into our lives. He’s a very big boy but believes he is a lap dog. He loves to snuggle. He used to be very afraid of going to the dog park now he has no problem making friends. Thank you OAS.
Jubilee Dominguez says
I adopted Baby, formerly Topanga, in March 2023! I fell in love with her the moment I saw her online! The workers at OAS were very sweet and supportive in my decision! They made sure I had all the necessary information to make the choice of taking her, even letting me know she had been returned before by a family! They didn’t even try to coerce me into seeing other pets when I stated she was the one I wanted regardless of what has been said about her behavior before being returned. I’m happy to say that she’s absolutely thriving with me and her environment! She’s such a sweet, kind, and loving pup! She loves running through the fields of Point Isabel and really socializes with all the dogs! She knows so many tricks and is always happy to learn more for treats. She has filled my life with such love and I couldn’t be any more happier!
Serena Ramirez says
Mancy is doing great. She definitely is a runner so she has a harness and a few leashes. She loves her toys and her kennel. She has her own blanket and bed. We just went on our first family trip to Shasta County! She loved the hikes and camping.
Ting says
We adopted Mjolnir (formerly Ronny) in March 2023. He was immediately the most affectionate, snuggliest puppy ever and loved napping on top of us or curled up into a ball right up against us. He loves saying hi to people and meeting new dogs. He is the most popular dog in our neighborhood and goes “trick-or-treating” in our local shops everyday. OAS was delightful in helping us find our baby. I love the people who work/volunteer here and am always singing their praises. Thank you all for all that you do!
Kara Boatman says
We just brought Reggie home last week and he is settling in beautifully! His two favorite things (besides us, of course) are playing fetch and getting treats. He has already shown good progress on our dog door and climbed right into his crate in our bedroom the first night to go to sleep (and slept through the night). He ignores the neighbor dog and lays quietly at our feet when play time is over. In his former life, he was a couch potato, so we are vigilant when he tries to get on our couch or counter surf, but all it takes is a no and gentle push (and a treat when he complies) and he’s back at our feet. Early days and we know he will test us when he gets more comfortable but we are madly in love.
OAS was amazing, both with meeting, choosing and prepping us for what to expect when we brought Reggie home. We are experienced dog owners, but they taught us a lot!
Liora says
In January we adopted our beloved Dutch American bunny named Grizzly after fostering her for around four months. From the moment we laid eyes on her, it was clear we would be Foster Failures! She is so quirky and sweet, bringing fun to our family every day. Though sometimes she can’t find the treat right in front of her, she sure has a nose for day old cereal! Thank you OAS for bringing so much joy into people’s lives every single day.
Vanessa says
We adopted Coco (formerly known as Chalupa) nearly a month ago. She is wonderful with out kids and even our cat has grown to enjoy her company. Coco loves coming with us on our many park adventures and snuggling at home. She has been the perfect addition to our family and we are lucky to have found her! Thank you OAS!
Christine says
We adopted Hank, (went by Tapatio @OAS), the beginning of January 2023. We just celebrated his 1st gotcha day with treats and much love. We are so happy and pleased with his very existence. Hank is a small boy but he is indeed mighty and very strong minded. We love him so very much and happy to have him in our lives. He’s thriving and living a good life. He fits perfectly with us.Thank you for introducing him to our family!
Joey Halabrin says
We adopted a Tater a year ago from OAS and he has been the best dog one could ask for. He is now a local favorite at many bars in SF and one 2nd place for best mutt at the Duboce Triangle dog show this year. He is the best and we are so grateful to OAS for connecting us!
Nisi says
I adopted Big Wheel and Pudding Pie shortly after moving to Oakland and these two little kittens helped me feel at home in a city where I don’t know anyone. We couldn’t be happier and cozier together. Thank you so much OAS ♥️♥️♥️
Nisi says
Thank you OAS, we couldn’t all be happier ♥️♥️♥️
Julianne says
I adopted my Hestia (formerly Caraline) this past June from OAS. She had a yellow sticker on her file because she was having a bit of a challenging time adjusting to shelter life, but when I walked up to her cage, she rolled over and started purring, and that was when I realized she had chosen me. The cat across the aisle from Hestia was adopted out at the same time and named Minerva, so there were two black cats getting homes and Greek goddess names that dayǃ I’m so grateful to the very patient volunteers who let me stick around after open adoption hours were over so that I could really take my time with my choice. As a first-time pet owner who’d wanted a cat for a long time, I was a little overwhelmed by the decision and adoption process, and the OAS volunteers and staff were so supportive.
Hestia was barely out of kittenhood when I brought her home, and she’s growing into a sweet, beautiful, and very social cat, with plenty of adorable little quirks. She follows me around the house, sleeps on my lap, and is very excited to greet anyone who comes through the door. She likes to “help out” with everything, from homework to making the bed to hanging pictures on the wall, and always makes sure to lick out the bathtub before she jumps into bed with me. It’s great to see her thriving, and I’m looking forward to many more years with my new little friend!
Thank you, OAS!
Basil L. says
Been thinking of getting another pet for a while now, and I took a chance on the first pair I looked at, Robbie and Mo (4.5 months) here. And I’m glad I did: I had no idea there was an adoption drive that day and squeezed in just before a big crowd.
These two have been model kittens so far! Sleeping and playing and eating and a tiiiiny bit of chaos here and there. They’re doing all the important stuff enthusiastically (eating, litterbox, grooming), and act like they’ve been here the whole time.
Honestly, I came in planning on getting a single cat. Seeing how much they groom each other, and use the litterbox together, and sleep together, and play together… I’m so glad I adopted them both! I’ll feel a lot better going to work tomorrow knowing they’ll both have their partner in crime.
Thanks OAS for bringing these two into my life! They’re definitely home now.
Michelle S says
As someone who has adopted and fostered dogs over the years, I just wanted to say thank you to the staff at OAS and all of the great m people who have adopted animals from the Oakland Animal shelter and posted their short stories here. It is heartwarming and touching to read these.
There are many dogs needing urgent placement right now, if you can help, you will have a friend for life!
Laura Zagar says
We adopted Louie (fka Keegan) about 10 days ago, and can’t believe how lucky we were. While he was shy in the shelter, he quickly figured out he was now home and opened up quickly into the friendliest, sweetest little dog in the world. He and our cattle dog are already thunder buddies for life. Thank you OAS!
Kai Coeller says
I had wanted rabbits for a while and as I was like what is better then having one rabbit Having two so as I was looking through the website is saw Chuck and Carrie and they were so cute (they still are) and so when i finally got to go in to pick out which rabbit I wanted after months of searching I got to bring my two little baby’s home.
Nicole Williams says
Today aug 3 2023 I went and visit the shelter and fall in love with Zackary whom I adopted on site he is super sweet laid back dog give me no issues so far….. I have another dog who is a 8 yrs old maltipoo and they get along just fine, the people at the shelter were concerned since he do have some “personal space issues’ which is understandable I don’t like others in my personal space either. Even tho today is day one I still feel like hes gonna do great he seem to be happy and fit right in this family. Thank you again OAS.
NANCY Young says
Coral was adopted large dog with an orange label last week. She is a total love, house trained, full o f energy (9.5) and loves everyone in our home. The other dogs in the home get along with her and enjoy her company. We are so lucky got her against all common sense a busy family with a sick family member. She has added joy to our family.
Ellie Donovan says
I adopted Lolly (now PopTart) on Mother’s Day, and it was the best decision I’ve made! She is the sweetest girl around and just wants to kiss and cuddle everyone she meets. She loves fruit, chicken, and mozzarella cheese, and she’s almost completed her beginner training class! We’ve still got a ways to go, but PopTart is just the best friend a girl could ask for.
Yael says
We adopted Sawyer (now Benito) on Mothers Day 2023. He has been an absolute dream! Super sweet, already knew commands, was house trained and is great on a leash. 10/10 recommend adopting and older dog and don’t let looks fool you! He may look intimidating to some, but he is a sweetheart!
Mari says
A while back my girlfriend moved out and took her cat with her, leaving my cat Lia home alone when I was at work. My neighbors told me my cat would meow for hours until I got home. That’s when I decided my cat needed a friend. I came to OAS to find a cat with a similar age and temperament to Lia and was introduced to Noodle, a 6 year old tabby who was surrendered the day before I came along. It was as if we were meant to be. She absolutely loves Lia and Lia loves her. Not only that, but she’s such a loving cuddle bug and I absolutely adore her. As of writing all this down, she’s laying on top of me and purring comfortably. Thanks so much for helping me find Noodle!
Jackie Phillips says
Levi was adopted from OAS last February 2022. After seeing his non stop drive for learning new things, I started training him for Scentwork, a sport where he find different scents in different locations. After a year of training, Levi entered his first test this past Sunday in Lodi. He passed and earned a 4th Place to boot!! He is entered in additional tests and will move up to the next levels!
Sabina Anvari says
I am so happy with my puppy! He’s so sweet. He brings healing and love into my heart. His love for people and other dogs brings me warmth. I am glad to have him with me! Thank you for bringing him into my life ❤️
Natalia Banaszczyk says
I had been dreaming about a red nose pitty named Henrietta for a few years at this point. I liked the name Henrietta because I could shorten it to Hen, and that was just about the cutest thing to me. I dreamt of the cuddles we would have and how much love I would give this creature!
Fast forward to the end of 2020, beginning of 2021, and my grandma started doing poorly. She is someone in my life who is foundational to the woman I am today. One hospital visit, then another, and by the 3rd one, we knew she wasn’t going to come home.
Around that same time, a beautiful pitty gal named Henrietta was in OAS waiting to be adopted! What are the chances that the dog I was dreaming of was there waiting for me? Henrietta isn’t a common dog name, so I took this as a sign that my grandma had worked some sort of magic so that as her time was ending here on earth, Henrietta could take up the torch and be there for me.
I’ve now had the privilege of being Hen’s caretaker for two years. As I type this, she snores sweetly in my arms. She has the biggest heart, loves swimming and always has a tail wag or two for her people. Thank you OAS!
Katy says
I adopted Luna (formerly Bebe) in November of 2016. She quickly became my best friend and my soul dog. Adopting her from OAS was hands down the best decision of my life. We recently lost her to IVDD complications, but wouldn’t trade the short 6 years we had together for anything. Thank you OAS for allowing me the opportunity to have the best dog in the world.
Rachel Bradshaw says
I adopted Theodore and Charlotte (previously Nacho and Gertie) in June of 2021. Both pulled at my heart strings from their individual kennels and I didn’t want them to be kitten singletons for too long (the rest of their litters were already adopted). While they make an unlikely pair, a sleek house panther and a fluffy cream puff, I can’t imagine my life without them- or the two of them not having each other. Charlotte sometimes wishes she was an only cat, but does let Theo snooze against her when she thinks no one is looking <3
Catherine Ference says
We feel so lucky to have our Cypress girl! She was found wandering the streets of Oakland with no chip, no collar, never been spayed. Oy. It took awhile to earn her trust, but we did and she’s in her furever home now! We love here so much! Thank you Oakland Animal Services!
Georgia says
We adopted Olive (formerly Cranberry) a year ago today! We were devastated after losing our family dog of 10 years and on somewhat of an impulse, went to OAS to see about a different dog. But once we saw Olive, she ran into our arms, immediately flopped over for belly rubs, and the rest is history. Today, she is sassy, affectionate, and living the good life with all of her chew toys. Thank you OAS!
Abby and Pua says
Pua (formerly Mochi) was my first foster (and failed foster) through OAS. The OAS staff was incredible in finding me a dog that fit my needs and schedule, and were supportive in giving me time to decide to adopt her. I recommend OAS for anyone looking to foster or adopt dogs, and I am so grateful for the resources they are able to give their foster families as it eases the worry and stress of being a first time foster. I am excited to foster again once Pua is fully comfortable and has released some of that puppy energy. I know how much the staff works to find the best fit for their animals, and you will be so supported even after the adoption process. Thank you OAS for introducing me to my best friend!