I Found a Dog

This page explains required steps and available options when a stray dog is found in the City of Oakland.

Bringing the Dog to the Shelter

If you have found a stray dog, bring the dog to the shelter. Oakland Animal Services (OAS) is located at 1101 29th Ave, Oakland, CA 94601.

Bringing the animal to the shelter allows staff to collect identifying information and add the dog to the Found Dogs webpage, which is a primary resource used by pet owners searching for their lost animals.

Contacting the Owner

If the dog is wearing a collar with an address or phone number, an attempt may be made to contact or return the dog to the owner. Leaving a voicemail and sending a text message is recommended, as owners may not always be available to answer calls. This step does not replace the legal requirement to report the found dog to Oakland Animal Services.

Reporting Requirements and Finder Steps

City law requires that all stray dogs found in Oakland be reported to Oakland Animal Services. Efforts such as checking identification tags, asking neighbors, posting flyers, sharing information online, or having the animal scanned for a microchip (which can be done at any veterinary clinic or animal shelter) are encouraged in addition to the required report.

In some circumstances, finders may be asked if they are willing to take the animal home temporarily while attempts continue to locate the owner.

Appearance of Lost Animals

Animals that are lost may become dirty or disheveled quickly. Visual appearance should not be used to determine whether the dog was a abandoned or a street dog, as many lost pets are actively being sought by their families.

OAS Hours for Bringing in Stray Animals

• Monday: 11 am – 5 pm
• Tuesday: Closed
• Wednesday: Closed
• Thursday: 11 am – 6:30 pm
• Friday: 11 am – 5 pm
• Saturday: 11 am – 5 pm
• Sunday: 11 am – 5 pm