Dogs are pawesome. They are loyal buds that will provide you with limitless love and entertainment. They welcome you home with a wagging tail. If you’re ready to take the next step and find a friend for life, you’ve likely been plagued with having to decide whether to adopt or shop.
In California, pet stores are required to sell rescues, a law that’s meant to crack down on puppy mills, especially since dogs are often found roaming the streets, abandoned, or worse. Despite the law, however, people can still opt to buy a doggie from a breeder. We aren’t here to convince you to adopt—OK, maybe we are—but the Bay Area is home to several amazing dog-rescue organizations with tons of pups to choose from. Here are some great rescue shelters where you can get your next doggo in the Bay.
1. San Francisco SPCA
The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) is an international organization, but its San Francisco chapter has been at the forefront of animal-welfare advocacy for several decades. According to the organization, this effort has helped San Francisco achieve the lowest dog-euthanasia rate of any major U.S. city today. The SF SPCA has two San Francisco locations, in Pacific Heights and the Mission, but most of the adoptable dogs can be found at the Mission location. For prospective dog owners, a written approval from a landlord or proof of home ownership may be required, and the adoption fee is $175.
250 Florida Street (Mission) | sfspca.org
2. Oakland Animal Services
As Oakland’s only “open admissions” shelter—which means that every animal that’s brought to the shelter is welcome, regardless of the dog’s breed, temperament, or medical condition—Oakland Animals Services is unique to the Bay Area. Most dogs at Oakland Animal Services are from local streets rather than from outside the area. In 2018, Oakland Animal Services took in more than 5,000 homeless animals. To adopt from Oakland Animal Services, you must fill out an application and schedule an introduction. The adoption fees vary and are sometimes are waived, depending on the dog. While Oakland Animal Services is located in Fruitvale, the organization holds mobile events promoting adoptable animals around the East Bay each week.
1101 29th Avenue (Oakland) | oaklandanimalservices.org
3. Berkeley Humane Society
This organization has been a rescue facility since 1933, and it was the first veterinary hospital in the East Bay to serve homeless animals. While the vet clinic is now closed, it’s still home to fuzzy friends looking for their furever homes. In 2018, the Berkeley Humane Society was able to place 1,184 animals in homes. While the Society does not accept surrendered stray pets, it does accept owner-surrendered puppy litters of more than two puppies. Prospective adopters must fill out an application and pay a visit for an official introduction. The adoption fees vary depending on the age of the dog (young puppies are $275, while senior dogs are $75) but include adoption counseling, a certificate for a free examination at a local veterinary hospital, and $250 worth of medical care at a VCA Animal Hospital.
2700 Ninth Street (Berkeley) | berkeleyhumane.org
4. Rocket Dog Rescue
Located in Oakland, Rocket Dog Rescue is a local dog-rescue organization that saves dogs from overcrowded shelters. Their motto is “Leave no dog behind,” which means that when you adopt a dog from Rocket Rescue, you’re truly saving a furry friend’s life. To maximize the number of dogs that can be saved, many Rocket Rescue dogs will first be placed in temporary foster homes until they find their forever homes. The adoption fee is $280, but all the dogs are spayed/neutered, given any necessary shots, and microchipped.
3561 Foothill Blvd (Oakland) | rocketdogrescue.org
5. Hopalong Animal Rescue
Similar to Rocket Dog Rescue, Hopalong Animal Rescue is a nonprofit organization that gives animals at shelters with high euthanasia rates a second chance. Thanks to its rescue partnerships all across Northern California, Hopalong is unique because it does not have an adoption facility. Instead, it offers a strong foster-care program, with the goal of getting dogs into nurturing foster homes as soon as possible. Those who are interested in adopting will first need to schedule an interview to kick off the process. The adoption fees vary depending on the age of the dog. An adult dog is $275, and puppies under six months are $100, while adult chihuahuas — one of the most common breeds in shelters — are $150.
945 22nd Avenue (Oakland)| hopalong.org
