Surrendering a family member is not an easy choice to make. The following sections offer options and tips to explore before you make the decision to surrender your pet.
Why do you want to give up your pet?
Does your pet have behavior issues? Is it your current living situation? Read about the most common problems pet owners face and possible solutions that can help you keep your pet for life. Learn tips on how to find a new home for your pet without having to bring your pet into a shelter.
Financial Resources for Pet Owners
Includes links to local pet food pantries and other assistance programs.
Common Pet Issues
It is important to explore all options before bringing your animal to a shelter. To find more information on how to work through the problems you might be facing, take a look at our cat resources, dog resources, or rabbit resources. If you are struggling with allergies, take a look at our tips here.
Finding a New Home For Your Pet
Consider rehoming your pet directly to a new guardian. Your pet will be less stressed staying in the familiar surroundings of your home until he/she is in a new home.
Surrendering an Animal to OAS
If you are an Oakland resident and have exhausted every option for keeping or rehoming your pet, you may bring your pet to OAS. Please see our hours here. Our shelter takes in owned animals as well as strays, injured, abandoned, neglected and mistreated domestic and wild animals. More about surrendering your pet.
Note: as November 8, 2024, due to a number of reasons, OAS is limiting cat intake. Please see this post for more information.
