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?
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!