Oakland Animal Services (OAS) is significantly increasing its adoption opportunities throughout August, offering adoptions four days a week to address growing capacity challenges at its facility. The shelter is also participating in the annual "Clear the Shelters" initiative, a nationwide event aimed at finding homes for pets. This intensified effort comes as the city's only open-admission animal shelter reports being critically low on space.
A recent report from the Mercury News on August 2, 2025, highlighted the severe space constraints faced by the Oakland animal shelter. This situation reflects a broader challenge for open-admission facilities, which accept all animals regardless of their condition or background. The increasing intake underscores an urgent need for community engagement through adoption and fostering.
To alleviate the overcrowding, Oakland Animal Services has extended its adoption hours, making animals available for adoption from Thursday through Sunday each week in August. Additionally, the shelter is a key participant in the "Clear the Shelters" event, hosted at the Oakland Zoo. This collaborative effort includes other local animal welfare organizations, such as Friends of the Alameda Animal Shelter and East Bay SPCA.
As Oakland's sole open-admission shelter, OAS plays a vital role in the community, providing care for thousands of animals annually. Its mission encompasses assisting injured wildlife, enforcing animal welfare laws, and facilitating adoptions for homeless pets. The August events serve as a direct appeal to the public to help manage the animal population and ensure the welfare of every sheltered animal.
The expanded August events were brought to public attention by social media user Susan Dyer Reynolds, who tweeted, "August events for Oakland Animal Services 👇". This public announcement aims to raise awareness and encourage community participation in the vital adoption drives. The shelter heavily relies on community support to maintain its operations and continue its essential services to the city.