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
Jaxon, Pam , & Mark says
Nelly (left) and Izzy (right) are our two cats that we got through OAS. They are wonderful, love us, and love each other. Here is the story of how we got them. Before we had either of them we had Sonya, a black and orange cat, though none of us were content with just one pet – we’d always had more. My mom had been leaning toward getting a small dog. I really wanted another cat, though I hadn’t even thought about getting two. We met Izzy at OAS. She had been found by them when she was two weeks old and had puncture wounds in her neck. She had been staying with someone that was volunteering at OAS that my dad knew through work. She had invited us to come meet some kittens that were there at the OAS. We fell in love with Izzy at first sight and I immediately knew I wanted to take her home. My parents were ambivalent at first, but then they gave in. That’s the story of how we got Izzy.
We got Nelly from the same adoption program, but this time we decided to foster two cats, Nelly and Coarsey. Nelly and Coarsey were sisters. Nelly and Izzy hit it off right away. Coarsey didn’t like Izzy as much and they didn’t get that close to each other very often, but a few times I could catch all three of them sleeping together. After a few weeks of fostering them, it was time to decide if we wanted to keep either, both, or neither of them. I of course wanted all of them, but my parents again weren’t so sure. After a long time they decided to keep Nelly but not Coarsey. That was hard for all of us.
Now Nelly and Izzy are living happily together with us and constantly purring and cleaning each other. Sonya still lives outside – hates being inside – but will come in and join us if one of us humans is with her. Coarsey has found another home and is living happily there. And that’s the story of how we got our cats.
Jaxon, Pam , & Mark says
Nelly (left) and Izzy (right) are our two cats that we got through OAS. They are wonderful, love us, and love each other. Here is the story of how we got them. Before we had either of them we had Sonya, a black and orange cat, though none of us were content with just one pet – we’d always had more. My mom had been leaning toward getting a small dog. I really wanted another cat, though I hadn’t even thought about getting two. We met Izzy at OAS. She had been found by them when she was two weeks old and had puncture wounds in her neck. She had been staying with someone that was volunteering at the center, that my dad knew through work. She had invited us to come meet some kittens that were there at the OAS. We fell in love with Izzy at first sight and I immediately knew I wanted to take her home. My parents were ambivalent at first, but then they gave in. That’s the story of how we got Izzy.
We got Nelly from the same adoption program, but this time we decided to foster two cats, Nelly and Coarsey. Nelly and Coarsey were sisters. Nelly and Izzy hit it off right away. Coarsey didn’t like Izzy as much and they didn’t get that close to each other very often, but a few times I could catch all three of them sleeping together. After a few weeks of fostering them, it was time to decide if we wanted to keep either, both, or neither of them. I of course wanted all of them, but my parents again weren’t so sure. After a long time they decided to keep Nelly but not Coarsey. That was hard for all of us.
Now Nelly and Izzy are living happily together with us and constantly purring and cleaning each other. Sonya still lives outside – hates being inside – but will come in and join us if one of us humans is with her. Coarsey has found another home and is living happily there. And that’s the story of how we got our cats.
Natalie and Graham says
We recently adopted a kitty from the Oakland Animal Shelter and she is already a part of our family. We had been visiting the shelter for months to find the right cat for us, and when we saw Alice we knew it was love. When we played with her, however, she hissed at us a few times, which worried us. The volunteers explained that she had been out multiple times during the day with different people, and was probably just stressed because that was not her normal behavior. I am sooo glad they gave us their honest opinions on her, because once we got her home she was so happy, just as the volunteers predicted she would be.
Alice warmed up to us very quickly and is already very spoiled. It is so obvious how happy she is to have a home, it makes my heart swell to know that we took home a cat that needed to be loved. She loves to sleep underneath the covers of our bed and jump up to the highest shelf in our room (it is amazing to see how high she can jump!)She follows us wherever we go and loves to purr up a storm. Graham and I are so incredibly happy with Alice, thank you to everyone at the Oakland Animal Shelter for helping us find the best match possible.
Sabrina says
Hooper has been such a wonderful addition to our little family. We’d been wanting to adopt a dog and ran into OAS about a month ago. He was the first one that I really liked and after spending some time with him, we knew his relaxed, happy-to-be-with-you personality made him perfect for us. At first he was unsure with his new surroundings but soon settled into being my personal velcro and lazing in the sunny window. He’s got four or five regular buddies he likes to play with at the park and is learning everyday. I love having Hoopy for company when my Coastie is at work and he enjoys playing with him when he gets home. We’re so happy with how well he fits in with us and couldn’t have found a better doggie. 😀
Carolyn says
Waylon the rooster is so happy to be able to act like a rooster after being at the shelter for so many weeks. I just had to show you how well he settled in to his new home. His new gals are impressed with his stunning good looks!
Carol says
In Sept 09, I went into OAS looking for a small dog, they brought out for me a little tan dog. He was very shy, very skinny and looked very sad but the good news was they told me he was the only one not barking out of all the small dogs in there. The little time I spent with him that day told me a lot about him. I knew for sure when I saw him the 2nd time that it sealed the deal for me and I couldn’t wait to get him home. I named him Spencer. He is now a year old, happy, healthy and one of the sweetest dogs I know. I can’t wait to get home after a long day and see his sweet little face. He is so funny sometimes I call him my little circus clown. When he meets a group of dogs he is like the little Ambassador, he’ll jump right in and make friends. He doesn’t have a mean bone in his body, everyone seems to love him. I don’t know his background; only that he was a stray. And it breaks my heart to think that this little guy was on the streets fending for himself. He makes me happier then I have been in a long time. He is truly my little love.
Ken and Kerrry Moore says
The best way we can describe Isabel (now Isabella) is that she has a heart as big as all outdoors. When we brought her back to
our home from OAS, it was clear from the start that she would not only “fit in” but that she would assume the role of our domestic princess. Much to the chagrin of
her older “kitty brother” Scamper, Isabella delights in keeping tabs on everyone in the household, including him. Isabella’s faint meow and little “chirps” belie her capacity
for bestowing tons of affection on all. We are so pleased we adopted Isabella from OAS– in our hearts we wished we could have adopted many of the other cats we saw there as well.
We would like to express our gratitude to the staff at OAS and especially the volunteers. Your generosity and kindness makes a profound difference in the lives of these wonderful animals who might otherwise be deprived of the chance to enjoy the happy lives that they deserve.
Jessica says
We drove down to OAS many times from N. California because it’s pit bull central, and that’s what we wanted to adopt. And I’m so happy we did, because we struck pure gold the day that we found Hoss (thanks SO MUCH to OAS staff for your patience and for being so informed about the dogs). Hoss came bolting out of the shelter looking like a pit bull that could pull a tractor, but completely overwhelmed us with his loving and people-focused character. He’s been living with us for about six months now, and is a real show stopper – we can’t go out without getting many comments on how gorgeous he is! He’s taken behavioral classes and passed with flying colors, he loves romping with all dogs (big or small) at the dog park, and is incredibly gentle and patient with our toddler. Not only that, his goofy personality and good manners make him the favorite of everyone he meets. He likes to sit upright on our toddler’s little chairs like a human, he will crawl all 60 pounds into your lap and stay there (no matter how obviously uncomfortable), he makes really weird noises in his sleep, he hardly ever barks, he just huffs, and he greets you with exuberant wiggles and licks, even if you’ve only stepped out to dump the trash. I can’t describe in words all of the weird, hilarious, affectionate things this dog does to bring our family love and laughter! Hoss just goes to show you – pit bulls can make fantastic family dogs, and shelter dogs are the best bet for getting that happy tail you’ve been searching for!
Hallie and Tim Alvey says
We just adopted “Hannah” two days ago. I had originally come in for another dog, but I was too late, it had already been adopted. When I was just about to leave I spotted “Hannah”. She sat right up and stared at me. As soon as I walked up to her cage I knew she had picked me. I spent about an hour with her and knew she was really the one for us.
When we got home with her, she immediately endeared herself to our fourteen year old 72 pound German Shorthair. They engaged in a tug of war with a toy. Happily playing and running around together. Even our cat tolerates her!
Within minutes she was “at home”. We are absolutely smitten with her. She is a great addition to our family and has already become the little princess.
Jennie Li says
I originally went into OAS with the intention of adoption another cat I’d saw online that ended up not working out.. but that turned out to be a blessing in disguise because instead, I found Zoë (known as “Torah” at OAS). She is THE sweetest thing ever, the best cat a first time cat owner can ask for, no lie. Not shy at all, she greets everyone she meets with a soft meow and nudges her head at you to her pet. She follows me around everywhere in the house, enjoys getting her chin and belly rubbed, and loves to sleep next to me at night while she has her paws out around my arm. I feel so fortunate to have found her and to have her in my life, as the affection and love she has provided has been undescribable!
Thank you Warren and the OAS staff for the recommendation and all the help, we couldn’t have been a better match.
The Svoboda's says
In 2006, we had our hearts set out to find a brindle boxer, and was lucky to find Rusty, now Bruno, at the Shelter. The volunteer trainer did such great work with Bruno that he was a gem right from the start! Three years later, in April 2009 we adopted Violet, the blue nose pitt-bull at 10 weeks old. Now the two happy dogs love each other and the home we’ve been able to provide to them. Good thing they love camping and hiking just as much as we do. Thanks OAS!
Erin Middleton says
We adopted Mopar http://www.petfinder.com/petnote/displaypet.cgi?petid=15417189, now ROCK-IT, in January. He is a goofy, affectionate, and full of life pooch. Rock-it bonded quickly with PIXIE, http://www.petfinder.com/petnote/displaypet.cgi?petid=10693630 who we also adopted from OAS a few years ago. He is a gentle giant quickly putting on weight. The vet says he may grow a few more inches! They spend their days chasing squirrels, playing ball, and eating our 1 year old son Casey’s cheerios. They were both found as strays and despite their mysterious pasts, they are fun loving family dogs. Thank you to your staff and volunteers who cared for them.
The Middleton Family ~ Concord, CA
Ellen says
In May 2009, I went to OAS in search of a buddy for my cat Milo, who’d recently lost his litter mate. I was in the visitation room with a cat, and I asked the volunteers how social he was. They brought in Olive (formerly Madi, pictured on the right) to show me. It was my feisty, little Olive who captured my heart. It took her a little longer to capture Milo’s, but she’s patient and persistent, and now they are good friends, sleeping snuggled up, playing, and grooming each other. Olive flops herself down in my lap for a tummy rub, plays fetch, and helps me open the front door when I come home, her little paw tugging it open as though I’m not doing it fast enough. She is an absolute joy, a wonderful companion, and I am so lucky to have her in my life.
Taryn Edwards says
When I lost my dog of 7 years to a rare autoimmune disease my life was turned upside down. I was so lonely for the smell of a dog that I decided to go to a shelter just to pet someone and maybe go for a walk or two. I found “Tommy”, a sad looking half-starved retriever mix. I sat with him for about 45 minutes, just cuddling, and fell in love. When my husband got home from work we went back to the shelter and adopted him. His new name is Rafe and he’s gained weight, confidence, and discovered the joy of life. Thank you Oakland Animal Shelter for giving him a great start – he is the best dog!
Jenny says
Butters, formerly known as Bandito, was adopted by myself from the OAS a few months ago. I am not sure about the history of my lop eared bunny, but he seems to be rather shy and nervous at times. He currently lives with me in my studio apartment where he occasionally chews on things he shouldn’t. 🙂 Butters loves to eat Orchard grass, romaine lettuce hearts, carrots, and of course bananas! He even knows how to wake me up in the mornings if he’s particularly hungry.
Christine says
A volunteer at the OAS told us about Oso when we told her about the kind of dog we were looking for. We fell in love with him immediately. He was very timid and nervous for the first few days, and and gradually come out of his shell. He has always been a very easy, generally happy dog, but pretty skittish and nervous of anything new. He wouldn’t let us roll him over on his back for about 3 months. Of course, now, that’s how he sleeps! Over the past 6 or 7 months that we’ve had him, we’ve really enjoyed watching him gain confidence and get more and more comfortable with his surroundings. He’s an amazing dog and I think he know exactly how much he means to us. He’s dog friends at the dog park, loves going to the beach, will chase a ball (sometimes even bringing it back!), loves treats, the couch by the big window, loves chasing squirrels up tres, and he LOVES the beach. Most of all, he just loves to be home with his family. We really got lucky finding the perfect dog for us.
Michael and Lindsey Vernau says
We adopted Pee Wee from the Oakland Animal Shelter in February 2009. He was pretty small THEN. But he is not Pee Wee anymore–he is about 70 pounds and we renamed him to “Joey”. Joey has a big heart, big feet and a big appetite. Joey is living a happy life with his “sister” Bessie, as well as us, two kids, Michael and Lindsey.
Joey loves all people and dogs. He is giving back to the canine community by becoming a registered blood donor at the Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital at UC Davis–he loves visiting there to give blood.
We can’t imaging our lives without Joey.
Jennifer Gilbert says
Gattos became part of our family this past Saturday. He was a little shy at first and hid under the couch, but that quickly changed when the toys came out! Since then he has made himself home and loves to snuggle and purr. Anytime we leave the room he is right behind us. He is perfect and we can’t imagine our lives without him!
Amber Bell says
My husband and I adopted Parker (formerly known as Jonas) on January 2, 2010 from Oakland Animal Services. We went there looking for another dog, but he had already been adopted. A wonderful volunteer suggested we meet Parker. What can I say; it was love at first sight! We adopted him and brought him home that afternoon.
Parker has been a wonderful addition to the family. He loves to roll on his back and have his belly rubbed, go on walks, sleep on the bed and hide his bones in the yard.
I would like to thank the volunteers and staff at Oakland Animal Services for making our experience a great one.
Kimberly says
I adopted my German Shepherd, Basil, from Oakland Animal Services. I don’t know how old he was at the time — he was young; but not a puppy. The staff I worked with told me they thought he had been a backyard dog chewing on rocks for entertainment (some of the enamel on his teeth was worn down to the nerve). Basil had been at the shelter for quite some time, probably due to his size (over 80 lbs).
Once Basil came home with me, he became an indoor dog — while he enjoyed hanging out in the backyard chasing squirrels (and chewing on walnuts), he most loved being indoors, rarely more than 10 feet away. I called him my dog rug, since he he would follow me into the bathroom when I took my shower — and lie on the bathroom mat, making it rather difficult to step out of the tub.
A week ago, he passed away from cancer, leaving me with memories of the best dog I’ve ever had. Basil was funny, loyal, smart and loving. He was everything you could ever want from a dog.
Madeline says
I just had to share this recent photo of Rocket. He is doing really well. (story below)
Janin says
We adopted Audrey (formerly Parsley) from OAS August 2008. I cannot say how well she has fit into our family and our other dog Stuart absolutely adores her.
We didn’t know much about her except that she was super scared of everything and was most likely the victim of severe abuse.
Audrey has come a long way from then and has become one of the most social dogs in the park and she loves swimming, going to Ft. Funston, Stuart and her other best friends, Paddie and Gunnar. We love our little girl and so blessed to have her as she is a bundle of sheer joy and love.
Rachel says
We recently adopted Angie Rae from the Oakland Animal Shelter. She is the sweetest little girl, loves hanging out on her daddy’s shoulder and playing with our chihuahua.
Paul & Alicia Fox says
We adopted Carly which is now Holly. She is such a joy, such a well behaved good girl. She was little shy at first, but she has truly come out of her shell. She has made her way into all of our hearts. We love her a lot, like she has been with us forever. I can’t imagine why she ended up in the shelter. But it is our sheer joy that we met her, and she has accepted us as well as we accepting her. Thank you OAS. Thank you for allowing Holly to be a part of our family.
Amanda Nannini says
Adopting from the Oakland Animal Shelter has been so rewarding. I was looking to get a kitten, but it was a little too soon for kitten season so they only had a little black one. She was sleeping like an angel the first time I saw her, with her head resting on an adult male. Two cats was not my plan, but I couldn’t stand to split these two up. Michael Landon and Maria have gone from shy and scared to happy, playful and most important loving pets. I can’t imagine not having them in my life. Adoption is the ONLY way to go when looking for a long term pet. The appreciation and loyalty they show is priceless.
Betsy Graham says
We got Riley in November of 2008 and he is the best dog ever — a great companion for our mini-dachshund Gizmo. Just over our 1 year anniversary and we don’t know how we ever got along without Riley. The OAS is the best place ever — everyone needing a pet should start there first. We don’t know Riley’s history but it seems that he was once loved, then hit hard times. We’re so happy to have him with us now.
Mat and Amy says
We adopted our Annie from your shelter in Oct. 2008. We had read her story online and knew that she was the dog for us. She had been found on the streets with an injured ear and tail.
Annie adjusted quickly to her new home. She loves being around us and she is so attached to our children. Every morning she jumps with excitment and “talks” to them when they wake up. She enjoys playing with her favorite toys, visiting my sister and her dogs, and playing with our neighbors dogs.
We are so happy that Annie is a part of our family!
Tara & Scott says
We came to OAS because it was the only shelter near us that has bunnies available. We wanted to find a companion for Chilly, our 3 year old Netherland dwarf. We loved the fact that OAS encourages rabbit owners to bring their rabbit in to “date” – to be sure of compatibility. We were greeted by Anne, the shelter staff, who was very knowledgeable about bonding rabbits and rabbits in general.
Chilly met several potential mates that day, but fell in love with Dusk (now named Dusty), another 3 year old. At the shelter Chilly and her would relax together and play. Today, Dusty and Chilly are inseparable. They do everything together: eat, sleep, groom each other and of course, play. They’re so happy with each other!
Thank you Anne for all the wonderful advice and encouragement while bonding these two. And thanks OAS for having such a great facility for the public.
Angie says
We adopted Nutmeg (formerly Pashley) last year from OAS. She is absolutely the most wonderful cat we have ever met. I played with several cats that had looked appealing on the website before I was introduced to Pashley, who had been in the shelter for far too long because of her medium-long hair no one wanted to take care of. It was love at first sight!
She is cuddly and social, she sleeps with us at night (often in between our heads on the pillow) and simply loves being near you. She is also one of the most intelligent, and humorous felines I have ever seen. We are so head over heels in love with her, we’re in the process of getting a second cat that will keep her company!
OAS made this happen- the brought her out based on the description of my household (both current and future- we are now expecting!) and the sort of pet we wanted. They were honest and dedicated, giving advice and input the whole way through, helping me to find and rescue our perfect pet.
And the long fur? It barely sheds and only needs occasional brushing to look sleek and feel silkier than you could imagine.
Stojka says
Wanted to take a moment to say THANK YOU.
We adopted Topper 6 months ago from Oakland Animal Services. First heard of him when searching the web. OAS does a great job with their web site and that helped alot. We weren’t sure we were ready to add a new family member, we had lost our Bailey (10 yr old Rottie) about 8 months before. We did know we wanted to adopt or rescue our next dog.
Topper was known as Otis at the shelter and I kept seeing him on the website .. kept wondering why he wasn’t adopted yet. He’d been there at least 2 months, came in as a stray. We decided we needed to meet him. We had two meetings with him and were able to spend over an hour on our 2nd meetings with a volunteer named Amy who helped us… she was FANTASTIC. She answered our questions, addressed our concerns and shared her time with us. We also sat down with The Director Megan, she had been at the temperment testing and offered her insight. After the adoption Martha from OAS was very helpful with follow up emails on some information we requested.
Topper is A Blessing, we are very lucky to have him in our lives. If anyone out there is thinking of adopting or rescuing and would appreciate a little advice … start a training class as soon as you can, it really is a great way of bonding & I promise that you will get as much if not more out of it than your dog. Topper has completed Good Manners 1 & Good Manners 2 with Fun Dawgs(Toni). He loved the classes.
It seems rottweilers don’t always get a fair shot, even from shelters. Oakland Animal Services with it’s staff & volunteer staff made a huge difference in this rotties life. Our Topper got a new start in life because of them and because of Laurie from Rottie Angels Rescue who came to the shelter to meet him and help with the process of his adoption.
We are so grateful to all of the people we mentioned and everyone who spent any time with Topper (formerly Otis). THANK YOU … for taking him outside, feeding him, giving him fresh water, pets, pats on the head and especially your time, your kind words and your love … you will always be in his heart and ours.
WE LOVE TOPPER & are so grateful to have him in our family.
Picture is of Topper & one of his best buds Murphy on a play date in our yard .. Topper is on the left.
Mark says
Snuggles aka Snugs, Snuggle Pie, Snugzy has been in her new home now for just over a week and has been absolutely amazing!
I saw her in her video posted on the web site at 1:30 am late Wednesday, went to OAS Thursday, and took her home on Saturday. I will never forget the first hug she gave me at the shelter (they are now known by everybody as Snug Hugs) it was all over!
Thank you everyone there for doing such a great job you helped make one guy and one pup amazingly happy and best mates for life:)
Jeff Beresford-Howe says
I went to the Oakland Animal Shelter expecting to adopt two young rabbits but got bushwhacked by two beautiful, bonded adults who’d been in the shelter for almost a year. Now named Emily and Mortimer, they’re more comfortable and social every day. When I’m on my way home, I can’t wait to see them. They have the run of the house and, even better, my building has long, curving hallways. Watching them race and binky through those halls is better than TV. (Except “Mad Men.” But I digress.)
The people at the shelter couldn’t have been nicer or more informative. The City of Oakland in general and rabbits in particular are lucky to have them.
Jessica says
A year and a half ago, my boyfriend and I went to Oakland Animal Services looking to adopt an adult tabby cat, but when we arrived there were signs all over explaining that because of social stigma, black cats were the least adopted of all cat varieties. Having had an amazing black cat growing up, I decided that we should open our home to one. Emma was the perfect fit. She loves people and is very sweet, friendly and affectionate. She follows us from room to room, sleeps with us every night, and just enjoys being with us. She is a little princess and has taken well to all of our spoiling. We have been known to forfeit our dinner to her when she demands it and even avoid getting off the couch to answer phone calls when she is sleeping on our laps. Emma is a wonderful addition to our family, and I cannot adequately describe how much she has enriched our lives!
Felicity says
I adopted Betty, now Jackie, on November 22. She has fit in like a dream. She is a lovely labbie! She gets along well with all of her brothers (1 dog and 2 cats) and is learning not to bark at her equine sister. She was jumpy at first but now sits for walks, doors, treats, dinner, pets, etc. I really lucked out! Adopting from OAS couldn’t have been smoother. Even though it is understaffed, the front desk people were kind and understanding. The volunteers were really helpful. I am proud to live in Oakland with this lovely place for homeless animals to land.
Alex says
Luna came into the shelter one cold night, left in one of the night drop boxes. Who knows what history this little bunny had but now she’s spoiled rotten and loving life! I was stoked when we adopted this bundle of love. She loves our pit bull boy and we are slowly introducing her to our other bunny Paprika! 🙂
Leilani says
My husband and I adopted our kitten Randal from the Oakland Animal Shelter in May of 2008. He has brought laughter and joy into our lives. He is also the most interesting cat we have ever met. He will eat anything, and when I say anything, I mean anything. He has jumped into our cereal bowls in the morning, stolen popcorn out of our hands during movie nights and has eaten lettuce that has fallen from our plates. He is also very loving and will purr on our laps and cuddle under the covers on cold nights. We love him dearly!
Samantha and Nic says
We visited Oakland Animal Shelter with intent to visit, but no definite plans to adopt, and walked away with Bear (formerly Lewis) AND Sawyer.
Both our babies had sad, neglectful pasts and came to us jonesing for love, which we have provided them every day since adopting them.
They are sweet, amazing animals that have quickly become important members of the family.
Vitamin says
Our dog came from Oakland shelter and was owner surrendered Sep 30th. She had leg amputated in Ca and later was shipped to Wa. She is our sweet girl. We are in our 60s and she is treasured by us, and its a joy to see her run with our other adopted chihuahua from Merced. We have steps everywhere for her. She is so loving, and we wouldnt take a million dollars for her
Naomi says
Remember Nile? When I came to the shelter I had my heart set on an entirely different kind of kitten! Then this big adult boy with ragged fur, rough feet and tummy problems adopted me with his charm. He has settled into the lap of luxury just fine, don’t you think? He’s as athletic as he is beautiful, though, and will jump 4 feet in the air for his “bird.” My lovable companion follows you around the house and takes as much attention as you give him.
It just shows that big adult pets are great and you never know how much they can bloom. (Seriously, look at this winter fur.)
admin says
Happy Holidays –
Please find attached an image of my wonderful Kitty – “Hurley” that I adopted 8.31.09 and renames Tennyson Guy Morse.
He is wonderful!! and loved by my other kitties what a blessing he is and getting bigger!! he has put on weight and his snorkel happens much less freqently.
Happy Holidays – Alyssia
aditya says
“Timmy”was left at the oakland animal services shelter.He was found with a chicken bone stuck in his throat. I guess the owner didn’t wan’t to take the dog to the vet so he left it at the shelter. When I found the dog I coudn’t say no to getting it. “Timmy”‘s breed is a dachshund/spaniel mix. He is now a playful dog and has a “cozy” spot in the family ,and we love him.
Candy says
I adopted Candy(mix terrier)in September, I had been looking for a small dog for a while. My prior dog had pass on due to an illness. While, I have looked at many small dogs, I wanted a low maintenance, sort of mellow dog. I am very please with my selection of candy, I LOVE her and everyone in my family and friends love her as well. She has fit right in and she is soooo spoil. If I ever decide to adopt another dog, It will be from the Oakland animal control and I have share this info. with other’s. I am so very happy to be able to provide a happy and safe home for candy, we will both grow old together, (candy is about 1yr.old)any myself, very young at heart. From me and candy, Happy Holidays!!!!
Madeline says
I found Rocket at the Oakland Animal Shelter when I was a volunteer there last fall. I knew right away that he was a very special guy who needed a very special home. One day after a month or so of trying to find him a home my mom came for a visit. I told her about Rocket and how amazing he was and she wanted to see him. It was love at first sight! Rocket (now “Rockey” or “The Rock a Roo”) lives in Northern California and is a small town guy. He has brought new life to my parents and is really a wonderful guy! They recently had a 1 year anniversary of his adoption party and he is living the good life with lots of runs at the dog park, swims at the lake and walks around town. He is a big fan of cuddling and really seems to appreciate his new life after almost a year at the shelter. Thanks OAS for all your work with Rocket!!!!!
Amy Haddix says
Sophie was abandoned in the night drop box of Oakland Animal Services at eight weeks old. Although she weighed only 10 pounds, she had a huge chain tied around her neck. As a shelter volunteer, I agreed to foster Sophie for a few weeks to help her recover from the stress of her abandonment and to get over a nasty upper respiratory infection. Of course, by the time she was healthy and adoptable, she had won our hearts and a permanent place in our home. She is now two years old and a beautiful, happy dog. Before I started volunteering at the shelter, I assumed that it would be the worst possible place for a homeless animal to end up. But I have seen time and time again neglected, abused, and abandoned animals get a second chance at a happy life through the services of OAS. I can hardly imagine what life Sophie (a vulnerable pit bull puppy) would have had in the hands of her prior owners, and I am so grateful that she found her way into our lives.
Stephanie says
ANGELINA
It took a while for Angelina to find me. She probably started out as an adorable little cream puff. But, that didn’t protect her from abuse and ending up at the Martinez shelter when she was just a year old. She was adopted, for a while, but that didn’t last either and the Oakland shelter became her next stop because she was “shy” and just hid under the bed all day. Luckily she had advocates in the wonderful volunteers until I could find her. Angelina isn’t shy, she’s never under the bed, but she is a bit odd. Both her canines are cracked, her head wobbles, an eye is crossed . . . In essence she probably suffers from “shaken kitten syndrome” And that kind of treatment probably explains her hiding in her previous homes. But, “three’s the charm” as they say and Miss Angelina Ballerina will now spend the rest of her days in Stinson Beach with her two little sisters, Nala and Luna, and a Forever Family who love her very, very much.
Maggie says
Mona (formerly Portia) came to the shelter with her 10 pups after being abandoned in a crate for days without food or water. Knowing her, you would never know her past contained such heartbreak. I fell hard for this beautiful blue and white pittie girl while volunteering at the shelter. Her puppies were around 2 weeks old at the time, but I knew as soon as she had weaned them that she would come home with me (what a long 6 weeks that was!). The volunteers and staff alike had fallen for her big, soulful brown eyes and giant heart. She loves everyone she meets (dog and human alike)! I feel so lucky to have Miss Mona in my life! She loves to give big slobbery kiss to me as well as her new doggy sister and brother. Mona is not only a testament to how wonderful and resilient Pit Bulls are, but how caring and dedicated the staff and volunteers at the Oakland Animal Shelter are. With their love and nurturing she was able to blossom into the amazing girl she is. I couldn’t imagine a better dog!
Susie says
When Susie, a pointer/cattle dog/lab/? cross, age ten, came to the shelter, she was a very sad dog. Her elderly owner had died, leaving Susie and another dog in the care of a relative. Unfortunately the relative was not able to care for Susie, and surrendered her to our shelter. During her first weeks at the shelter, Susie spent a lot of time sleeping with her back to her kennel door, too depressed to engage with shelter volunteers. Soon word spread among the volunteers about what a tough time Susie was having. Volunteers encouraged Susie to come out and play in the shelter’s yard, and discovered she not only loved treats and pets, but also still loved chasing a ball (albeit, only a couple of times, and only a few feet, but still…..). A volunteer photographer took photos of Susie playing ball and chewing grass (another favorite hobby of hers) and made a video of her, which was posted on Petfinder. A few weeks later, a family searching for an older dog to complete their family of husband, wife, 4 year old girl, 7 year old dog, and 21 year old cat, saw Susie’s photos and video on Petfinder and fell in love. It was immediately clear that Susie loved the family’s child, and the child adored her. Within days, Susie was in her new home, lying on the couch being petted, looking for squirrels in her new yard, and trying not to be too interested in her new cat brother. Last we heard, Susie was licking away the tears of “her” little girl who had hurt herself playing, and insisting that she ought to be able to sleep in the bed with the child. In the words of her new family, “I really thought we’d be doing her the favor by getting her out of the shelter but it’s the other way around, she’s done us the favor by bringing us so much love and laughter.”
admin says
Miss Sophie figured out how to get out of her play yard which, as smart as she is, I knew would eventually happen. And since we don’t want to actually “cage her,” she’s free-roaming now! Fortunately, our downstairs area is 100% baby and bunny safe, and we have a large gate at the top of the stairs to keep the munchkins safe when they are unsupervised. We were a little nervous going to bed last night, but when we got up this morning all was well. She’s got two new favorite spots: one in the kitchen (where the fruit and treats are handed out) and one under my husband’s computer stool while he’s working at the computer (which he loves—small animals typically don’t like him because he’s a heavy walker). We really couldn’t have asked for a better experience at the shelter.
admin says
Milo was a wonderful addition to our lives. He was shy at first, but after about two months with us, he now struts around comfortably. The volunteers at the Oakland Animal Services shelter were extraordinarily helpful on our first visit. They made sure that we knew what we were getting into and what we needed to make Milo feel welcome. I’m sure Milo appreciates their dedication as much as we (his parents) do.
admin says
I found Audrey, the Doberman, emaciated and dehydrated, a victim of abuse, neglect and abandonment, on one of the hottest days of the year. She was roaming in the hills with no collar or microchip. The animal control officer took her to the Oakland Animal Services where I continued to follow up on her situation and eventually adopted her. The shelter staff was wonderful—cooperative and helpful, both before and after adoption. Audrey is now much loved, doing well with her new family and making a great recovery both physically and emotionally.