Becoming an Animal Ally is one of the simplest, most impactful ways to support Friends of Oakland Animal Services. Monthly giving provides steady, reliable funding when it’s needed most. Lady B arrived at Oakland Animal Services after surviving the unimaginable, with painful burns covering much of her body in need of immediate care, patience, and time. The OAS team knew her … [Read more...] about Become an Animal Ally
News
Join the team!
Passionate about making a difference? Join our team! FOAS is hiring for two positions, Outcome Team Manager and Cat Pathways Coordinator, to support the incredible lifesaving work at Oakland Animal Services. Come be part of the team making a difference for animals every day🐾 Check out our job opportunities page to learn more and apply today. Or, share this post with someone you think could … [Read more...] about Join the team!
Stuck…But Now Loved
Dahlia and Leaf’s story had a very sticky start… but ended with a happily ever after! Dahlia arrived at the shelter at just 7 weeks old. She had been stuck to a glue trap for an estimated 36 hours and was very frightened. OAS Animal Control Officers carefully freed her from the trap using oil, and the FOAS-funded cat foster staff gave her a much needed bath. Together, the team ensured the … [Read more...] about Stuck…But Now Loved
Love in Action Starts with You
Mendocino arrived at Oakland Animal Services as a stray with Parvovirous, a serious illness that can be deadly without immediate care. He was frightened, weak, and sick. But he wasn't alone. Thanks to FOAS supporters, he was able to receive CPMA (Canine Parvovirus Monoclonal Antibodies, a new parvovirus treatment), recuperate in a patient foster home, and attend shelter playgroups once he … [Read more...] about Love in Action Starts with You
Will You Become An Ally?
At Oakland Animal Services love is in the air every single day. Thanks to dedicated OAS and FOAS teams, animals find safety, comfort, and a fresh start, the first step towards finding their forever homes. And the best part? You can be a part of that love in action. Join the Club This February, we’re inviting you to become an Animal Ally: a monthly supporter who stands with FOAS … [Read more...] about Will You Become An Ally?
We’re hiring! Cat Pathways Coordinator and Dog Pathways Coordinator
Friends of Oakland Animal Services (FOAS) is hiring for two full-time positions to support the work of Oakland Animal Services (OAS). The Pathways Coordinators support the well-being, behavioral assessment, and overall shelter experience of cats or dogs under the care of OAS. To learn more and apply, please use the links below. We're excited for you to join the team! Cat Pathways … [Read more...] about We’re hiring! Cat Pathways Coordinator and Dog Pathways Coordinator
We’re hiring! Part-time Administrative Assistant
Join our team! FOAS is hiring a part-time Administrative Assistant. In this role, you will provide essential support to ensure the smooth and efficient operation of the organization. This role is responsible for managing daily administrative tasks such as maintaining records, data entry, handling correspondence, processing bills, etc. Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and … [Read more...] about We’re hiring! Part-time Administrative Assistant
Whodunit Reveal
We’re so grateful to everyone who helped Detective Sam Spayed solve the case of The Maltese’s Falcon and helped us raise over $100,000 for Oakland’s animals! And more good news: generous donors have stepped forward with an additional $80,000 in matching funds, committing to double all gifts through the end of the year. You still have time to give and make your donation … [Read more...] about Whodunit Reveal
A FOAS Giving Tuesday Premiere: The Maltese’s Falcon
Detective Sam Spayed thought it was just another day at the office, until a heartbroken Maltese came knocking. A destroyed (stuffed) falcon. A missing squeaker. Ratty the Ratfaced Rat swears the streets are talking… The suspects? Watch the film, donate, and vote on who you think did it. Your Giving Tuesday … [Read more...] about A FOAS Giving Tuesday Premiere: The Maltese’s Falcon
A Whodunit with Real Stakes. You Can Save Lives.
You Are the Key to Cracking the Case & Helping Us Unlock a $75,000 Match! Something big is coming this Giving Tuesday. We’ve got stars in the shelter who are making their debut in our noir-inspired short film, The Maltese’s Falcon. But here’s the twist: The plot may be fiction. Their need is real. Every … [Read more...] about A Whodunit with Real Stakes. You Can Save Lives.
A Story Too Beautiful Not to Share
I’ve been part of FOAS for three months now, and in that short time, I’ve met so many wonderful people who are passionate about the work we’re doing. One person recently reached out from the other side of the country and shared his story, which is just too good not to share with you all. Last year, Rich G, who once worked on tour and is still friends with … [Read more...] about A Story Too Beautiful Not to Share
Howl-O-Ween at Ghost Town Brewing
🎃🐾 We had so much fun at Ghost Town Brewing's Howl-o-ween costume contest to benefit Friends of Oakland Animal Services! There was such a great turnout, and we loved seeing so many adorable costumes, happy pups, and smiling faces. It was wonderful to see everyone having fun and celebrating the spooky season with us. 👻🐶 Winners were Best Dog-Human Combo: Grey pittie dressed as … [Read more...] about Howl-O-Ween at Ghost Town Brewing
FOAS is 20 years old!
On September 28, Friends of Oakland Animal Services (FOAS) celebrated 20 years of saving animals with a party attended by over 150 guests and supporters. The event was hosted at the Lake Chalet overlooking Lake Merritt and featured a silent auction that included vacation stays in Hawaii, Lake Tahoe, Costa Rica, and Bear Valley in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Other popular items came from Oakland … [Read more...] about FOAS is 20 years old!
The 20th Anniversary Auction is Officially LIVE!
To celebrate FOAS's 20th Anniversary, we're holding a special online auction! You can bid on some amazing items and experiences, all to support the life-saving work of Friends of Oakland Animal Services. Check out some of this year’s most exciting auction items: FOAS/OAS van wrap: Have your adopted pet featured on the FOAS|OAS transport van — a moving tribute (literally!) … [Read more...] about The 20th Anniversary Auction is Officially LIVE!
Job Opening: Part-time Marketing and Communications Assistant
We’re looking for a part-time Marketing & Communications Assistant to join our team! This role focuses on creating compelling written and visual content to showcase Friends of Oakland Animal Services’s impact and increase community engagement. Responsibilities include capturing video footage and photos to produce content for various channels: social media platforms, email newsletters, website, … [Read more...] about Job Opening: Part-time Marketing and Communications Assistant
Celebrating 20 Years
Since 2005, Friends of Oakland Animal Services (FOAS) has been dedicated to helping Oakland’s shelter animals—funding vital programs and strengthening the infrastructure that makes lifesaving work possible at Oakland Animal Services. We can't do this work without your support. To celebrate this milestone, we’re hosting an online silent auction from September 15 to 28, and an in-person … [Read more...] about Celebrating 20 Years
Bad Art Is BAAACK!
The Bad Art Fundraiser is now over. Join our mailing list for FOAS news, including 2026 Bad Art updates! This delightfully quirky tradition rallies hundreds of volunteer artists to turn your pet photos into one-of-a-kind masterpieces — all while supporting FOAS (Friends of Oakland Animal Services), to provide funding for lifesaving programs and essential supplies for Oakland’s shelter … [Read more...] about Bad Art Is BAAACK!
Bad Art 5: The 2024 Gallery
In 2024, we proudly launched the 5th annual Bad Art Fundraiser to support the lifesaving work at Oakland Animal Services! This fundraiser brought together over 480 volunteer artists, each lending their creativity, time, and heart to transform pet photos into truly one-of-a-kind portraits. We're incredibly grateful to everyone who made this possible: the donors who submitted 520 portrait … [Read more...] about Bad Art 5: The 2024 Gallery
Job Opening: FOAS Executive Director
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR JOB ANNOUNCEMENT FRIENDS OF OAKLAND ANIMAL SERVICES OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA OVERVIEW The Board of Directors of Friends of Oakland Animal Services (FOAS) seeks a leader with a demonstrated commitment to progressive animal welfare. This position is ideal for someone who thrives in a small organization experiencing a period of new growth and is able to … [Read more...] about Job Opening: FOAS Executive Director
Yard Signs supporting FOAS are now available!
🌟 Show Your Support! 🌟 Yard signs supporting FOAS are now available! 🪧 Help spread the word and show your support for Oakland's shelter animals by picking one up at any of the following locations (while supplies last): 📍Ghost Town Brewing –Laurel– 3506 MacArthur Blvd, Oakland, CA 94619 📍Pet Food Express – Montclair – 2220 Mountain Blvd. #170, Oakland, CA 94611 📍Oakland Animal … [Read more...] about Yard Signs supporting FOAS are now available!
Job Opening: Animal Transfer Coordinator
The Animal Transfer Coordinator facilitates transfers from Oakland Animal Services (OAS), the City of Oakland’s animal shelter, to nonprofit adoption partners and other outside agencies. Overview The Animal Transfer Coordinator will oversee the OAS transfer program, to include cultivating positive working relationships with partner shelters, selecting appropriate animals for … [Read more...] about Job Opening: Animal Transfer Coordinator
FOAS Response to OAS Budget Cuts
Public Statement by Ann Dunn, FOAS Executive Director Through a strong partnership with the City of Oakland, Friends of Oakland Animal Services (FOAS) is determined to maintain and increase the highest save rate at Oakland Animal Services, despite catastrophic cuts to the City budget for Oakland Animal Services (OAS), the animal shelter for the City of Oakland. The following are … [Read more...] about FOAS Response to OAS Budget Cuts
Job Closed: Short-Term (4 months) Cat Foster Coordinator
Job Closed: Short-Term (4 months) Cat Foster Coordinator has been filled. This is a short-term (four months) role, and may be extended. The Cat Foster Coordinator is responsible, as part of the foster team, for developing and administering the foster program primarily for kittens, with some adult cats from Oakland Animal Services (OAS). Through support from Friends of Oakland Animal … [Read more...] about Job Closed: Short-Term (4 months) Cat Foster Coordinator
Our Community. Our Animals. Show Up For Them.
Keep The Momentum Going. Thanks to this amazing community, we’ve reached our $130,000 matching goal for Oakland animals — and we’re not stopping now. This milestone is just the beginning. To grow our programs and sustain our impact, we still need your support. Every gift helps us go further for the animals who need us most. Let’s keep going — for them. Why your support is so critical in … [Read more...] about Our Community. Our Animals. Show Up For Them.
Town Hall Meetings: May 27 (in-person) & May 29 (Zoom)
You are invited to join a Friends of Oakland Animal Services (FOAS) public town hall meeting! There will be two meetings, which will each cover the same information. Each session will last about half an hour, followed by an additional half hour for questions after the presentation. Whether you’re a long-time supporter or just curious to learn more, we’d love to see you there. Bring … [Read more...] about Town Hall Meetings: May 27 (in-person) & May 29 (Zoom)
Introducing FOAS’ Monthly Donor Club: Animal Allies
Help us celebrate the launch of Friends of Oakland Animal Services' Animal Allies, a special club exclusively for monthly donors. Sign up today! As a member, you will receive special communications, behind-the-scenes looks, as well as fun opportunities to meet with the FOAS team and connect with other club members. Stand up for Oakland’s animals year-round by providing … [Read more...] about Introducing FOAS’ Monthly Donor Club: Animal Allies
Job Closed: Dog Foster Program Assistant
Under general supervision, the Dog Foster Program Assistant works in close collaboration with the two Dog Foster Program Coordinators to support a foster program for primarily large dogs and puppies from Oakland Animal Services (OAS). With typically over 50% of OAS dogs in foster care, the Dog Foster Program Assistant will play an important role in getting dogs out of the shelter and … [Read more...] about Job Closed: Dog Foster Program Assistant
Job Closed: Outcome Team Manager
Under general supervision, this role is responsible for providing oversight and support to the members of the Outcome Team, made up of approximately 13 employees of Friends of Oakland Animal Services (FOAS) who work at Oakland Animal Services (OAS), including the Foster, Adoption, Transfer and Behavior Coordinators, who focus on animal lifesaving and reducing length of stay. This is a new … [Read more...] about Job Closed: Outcome Team Manager
Job Closed: Dog Behavior Coordinator
Under general supervision, this position may be held by one or more part-time contractors (working up to a total of 32 hours/week), for the following three functional areas: (1) Behavior evaluations; (2) behavior modification for shelter and foster dogs; and (3) behavioral support for fosters and adopters. The selected individual(s) will work on-site at Oakland Animal Services (OAS), the city’s … [Read more...] about Job Closed: Dog Behavior Coordinator
Donate Before The End Of 2024!
Giving Tuesday- TRIPLE YOUR IMPACT 12/3/24 ONLY
Help MORE Animals Like Dobby Make a lasting impact on Oakland’s animals this Giving Tuesday, your donation will be TRIPLE-MATCHED—every dollar you give will go three times as far, thanks to a $50,000 matching challenge! For every $1 you contribute, an additional $2 will be matched by our generous donors, maximizing your gift for Oakland’s animals in need. Take Dobby’s story—a brave … [Read more...] about Giving Tuesday- TRIPLE YOUR IMPACT 12/3/24 ONLY
OAS Spotlight: Adoption Coordinators
This year, an incredible 1,402 cats, 1,324 dogs, and 82 rabbits have been adopted from Oakland Animal Services (OAS)! The adoption program at OAS is run by FOAS-funded staff Vivian Chu and Elsa Ramos, with the support of a team of amazing dedicated volunteers. What does the day in the life of the adoption coordinators look like? On days when the shelter is open to the public for … [Read more...] about OAS Spotlight: Adoption Coordinators
OAS Spotlight: Working Cat Program
As part of our mission, we strive to provide better outcomes for the animals in our community. We support the rights of community cats to remain in their outdoor homes, and consider relocation only as a last resort. Through a collaborative partnership with East Bay Regional Parks, Oakland Animal Services helps to relocate cats from areas where their presence poses a risk to the safety … [Read more...] about OAS Spotlight: Working Cat Program
Job opening: Bilingual Adoption Program Assistant (Spanish/English)
Under general supervision, this role is responsible to support the Adoption Coordinators by facilitating on-site and off-site adoptions for animals from Oakland Animal Services (OAS). Since 2020, OAS has made great strides in removing barriers to adoption, improving the experience of potential adopters, and increasing lifesaving. The adoption rate for dogs and cats has tripled since that … [Read more...] about Job opening: Bilingual Adoption Program Assistant (Spanish/English)
Volunteer Coordinator opening at OAS
Oakland Animal Services is looking for a new leader for its fantastic volunteer program. Applications are due to the City of Oakland by October 13, 2024. Please share this with anyone you know who might be a good fit! Volunteer Program Specialist II … [Read more...] about Volunteer Coordinator opening at OAS
Drive Change with Us: Cartober 2024 is Here!
Get ready to rev up your engines and drive change this October with Cartober 2024! Here's everything you need to know about Cartober and how you can support Friends of Oakland Animal Services. What is Cartober? Cartober is an online giving campaign held throughout the month of October to showcase the power of vehicle donations for nonprofits. Whether it's a car, truck, RV, motorcycle, or boat, … [Read more...] about Drive Change with Us: Cartober 2024 is Here!
An Update from Whitney Boswell: Insights from the OAS Small Animal Program
In just two years, Whitney Boswell has redefined the small animal program at OAS, leading to remarkable improvements. In her letter, she shares the dedication and vision that have driven these changes and made a profound impact on the lives of all small animals. The Small Animal Program at OAS has historically been a volunteer-led program, with no staff members dedicated to running it. Through … [Read more...] about An Update from Whitney Boswell: Insights from the OAS Small Animal Program
Bad Art 5: Bigger, Badder, and Blissfully Bad! LIVE Sept 4th-22nd
For the 5th year in a row, we are launching the Bad Art Fundraiser to support the life-saving programs at Oakland Animal Services! Combining creativity and compassion, this fundraiser unites over 450 volunteers, each contributing their skills and experiences to transform your pet photos into one-of-a-kind works of art. From first-time creators to seasoned artists honing their craft, our diverse … [Read more...] about Bad Art 5: Bigger, Badder, and Blissfully Bad! LIVE Sept 4th-22nd
Fiesta de FOAS
We invite you to Fiesta de FOAS on September 29th! This special event is your chance to enjoy an evening of vibrant celebration, delicious vegan tacos, and to support the impactful work of Oakland Animal Services. Date: September 29, 2024 Time: 5 pm- 8 pm Location: NIDO's BackYard, 104 Oak Street Oakland, CA 94607 Ticket Price: Adults- $40 Children under … [Read more...] about Fiesta de FOAS
Get your limited Pawsitively Oakland tee in support of OAS!
Support Oakland Animal Services with this exclusive limited-edition apparel available this week only! FLOAT – For the Love Of All Things – will donate $8 to the Friends of Oakland Animal Services for every purchase made. These designs are only available through July 29! … [Read more...] about Get your limited Pawsitively Oakland tee in support of OAS!
Executive Director Announcement
The Friends of Oakland Animal Services (FOAS) Board of Directors is thrilled to announce that our new Executive Director will be none other than Ann Dunn. Ann is soon leaving her position as Director of Oakland Animal Services (OAS) after four years of diligent work and stellar accomplishments. After a well-deserved break, she will assume her new role with FOAS on August 5, 2024. Many FOAS … [Read more...] about Executive Director Announcement
Friends of Oakland Animal Services + New Parkway Theater = Karma Movie Night!
Friends of Oakland Animal Services has been selected as The New Parkway Theater’s Karma Cinema partner for the month of June. This means that every Wednesday, you (and all theater patrons) pay whatever you want for your movie ticket, and FOAS will receive 20% of ticket sales. So come on out for a movie -- not only will you be supporting the important work at OAS, you get to enjoy a film in … [Read more...] about Friends of Oakland Animal Services + New Parkway Theater = Karma Movie Night!
Best of Oakland Magazine: Vote for Oakland Animal Services!
Calling all supporters of Oakland Animal Services!! Oakland Animal Services has reached the final round of voting for the "Best of Oakland Magazine" awards, thanks to your incredible support during the nomination phase. We're on the home stretch, but we still need your help to clinch this prestigious recognition! Your belief in our efforts and contributions has brought us this far. If you … [Read more...] about Best of Oakland Magazine: Vote for Oakland Animal Services!
FOAS Seeks Bilingual Adoption Coordinator (Spanish/English)
The Friends of Oakland Animal Services seeks a full-time Bilingual Adoption Coordinator (Spanish/English) to facilitate on-site and off-site adoptions for animals from Oakland Animal Services (OAS), especially for dogs. Since 2020, OAS has made great strides in improving the experience of potential adopters and increasing lifesaving. The adoption rate for dogs and cats has tripled since that … [Read more...] about FOAS Seeks Bilingual Adoption Coordinator (Spanish/English)
Friends of OAS Ta-paws Fundraising Auction now live!
Celebrating What You Helped Make Possible in 2023
Download the PDF version here: 2023 Impact Report … [Read more...] about Celebrating What You Helped Make Possible in 2023
Join FOAS for some “TA-PAWS” at Duende May 2
Purchase tickets Join the Friends of Oakland Animal Services for a night of community and celebration at Duende in Uptown Oakland. Vegan tapas and sangria will be served, with other beer and wine options available. This grassroots, Oakland-centric event features a silent auction and raffle baskets from over 100 local artists, businesses, and makers. It will be a fun night! Can't make it to … [Read more...] about Join FOAS for some “TA-PAWS” at Duende May 2
Fourth Annual Bad Art was biggest and baddest yet!
This post has been long time in coming but given the 800+ portrait requests from our 2023 Bad Art Fundraiser, we hope you can forgive us that we're only now posting all the wonderfully bad and not-so-bad art. We extend our immense gratitude to all the donors who requested portraits of their beloved pets, our 350+ participating artists, and to the volunteers who worked tirelessly behind the … [Read more...] about Fourth Annual Bad Art was biggest and baddest yet!
Become a monthly donor!
By making a monthly gift to Friends of Oakland Animal Services, you are helping individual animals right here in Oakland, each and every day. But more than that, by pledging your monthly support, you are joining FOAS in our longterm, visionary commitment to transforming the way we provide care for animals in need. We believe every animal deserves care, dignity, and love. Please join us in … [Read more...] about Become a monthly donor!
Double your impact for Oakland’s neediest animals!
DOUBLE your impact for Oakland's neediest animals thanks to generous animal lovers who are providing a $75,000 match through the end of December! Oakland Animal Services set a new record this year, taking in over 7,000 animals while maintaining a live-release rate of over 90%. As intake continues to rise, Oakland’s animals need your support now more than ever. Your gift funds … [Read more...] about Double your impact for Oakland’s neediest animals!