Programs
Adoption/Foster
FAAS is an open-intake shelter that welcomes all homeless companion animals of Alameda, California.
To adopt or foster an animal you see on our website, please fill out an application here.
Walkup adoption hours at the main shelter (1590 Fortmann) are noon-4PM Wednesday through Sunday. At our 2228 South Shore Center (the mall) hours are noon to 5PM Wednesday through Sunday.
Spay & Neuter
All dogs, cats and rabbits are spayed or neutered before going to their new homes. FAAS outsources these procedures to trusted partners in the Bay Area. Animals are then brought back to the shelter for adoption. (Photo: Dr. Christine Tang)
FAAS Private Adoptions
FAAS is pleased to offer Alameda residents an alternative to surrendering their pets. Private Adoptions allows owners to create an online profile for their pet that will appear on the FAAS website and Facebook page. The pet goes from its old home to its new without ever entering the shelter. You must live in Alameda to list a pet for adoption, but anyone may adopt a pet through FAAS Private Adoptions.
Volunteer
FAAS could not function without our fantastic volunteers, and we always need more! Help us care for our animals and get them adopted as quickly as possible. We offer a variety of volunteering opportunities for adults, teens and seniors. We provide all training, a volunteer e-newsletter, volunteer appreciation events, and more. Read more about volunteering here.
Seniors For Seniors
If you are 62 or older, you qualify for our Seniors For Seniors adoption program. This allows you to adopt any cat or dog that is 7 years or older and pay no adoption fee.
Your new pet comes with everything he needs to make a fresh start with you. He has the shots he needs to stay healthy and he is microchipped in case he gets lost. His first visit to the veterinarian is on us, too. And, because old dogs can learn new tricks, your new pup comes with six weeks of free obedience classes.
Our senior shelter pets have a great deal of love and years left to give you. If you're ready for a new best friend for life, view our adoptable pets now!
Starfish Medical Fund
Since its creation in 2013 the Starfish Medical Fund has given more than 1,000 shelter pets the chance to recover from serious illness or injury so they could be adopted into new, loving homes.
Artemis, a 1-year-old mastiff, came to us with a life-threatening case of mange -- in such poor condition we could not even tell the color of his coat. The Starfish Fund paid for the antibiotics and the months of skin treatments he needed. (See the before and after pictures below!)
Tully, a one-year-old poodle, suffered from a badly broken leg that could not be repaired. The Starfish Fund paid for the surgery to have it amputated so he could be pain free.
For Poe, a 1-year-old pit bull with partially paralyzed hindquarters, the Fund paid for an MRI and surgery to remove a growth on his spinal cord.
Funding for the Starfish Fund comes from kind supporters like you. Make a Starfish Medical Fund donation here, or by calling 510-337-8565, visiting the shelter in person, or mailing a check to FAAS, 1590 Fortmann Way, Alameda, CA 94501.
Sasha Training Fund
All canine adopters are entitled to six weeks of free canine training courtesy of the Sasha Training Fund.
Sasha was the beloved German shepherd of FAAS supporter and volunteer Shelly Gable of Alameda. Shelly rescued Sasha as a stray in 1999, and quickly found herself overwhelmed by her new pet's behavior. She was destructive, hard to control on walks and jumped on people. Shelly considered surrendering Sasha to a shelter but instead decided to enroll her in canine training classes. Six weeks later Sasha emerged a well-mannered dog who became a beloved member of the family.
When Sasha passed away in 2013, Shelly established the Sasha Training Fund at FAAS so other new dog owners could benefit from canine training. FAAS partners with several local training academies to provide up to $200 in canine behavior classes.
We encourage all FAAS dog adopters to take advantage of the Sasha Training Fund because it teaches the latest training techniques and helps build strong pet-human bonds. Training is a proven way to help adopted dogs successfully adjust to new homes.
The Sasha Training Fund continues to be funded by the Gable family and by other FAAS supporters. Make a Sasha Training Fund donation here, or by calling 510-337-8565, visiting the shelter in person, or mailing a check to FAAS, 1590 Fortmann Way, Alameda, CA 94501.
Shelly Gable with daughter Samantha and their German shepherd Sasha
Pet Food Pantry
The Pet Food Pantry is open to Alameda residents every second Saturday from 9:30 AM to 12:00 PM. Families in need can pick up supplemental supplies of food and essentials from our parking lot at 1590 Fortmann Drive.
We serve up to 2 dogs and 2 cats per family, and visits are limited to once a month.
If you'd like to help families in need feed their pets, we welcome donations of dry and wet dog and cat food as well as kitty litter. Please have orders shipped directly to FAAS at 1590 Fortmann Way, Alameda, CA 94501, or feel free to drop off new, unopened pet food in person any Sunday or Monday between 11 AM and 5 PM.
Pet Loss Support Group
If you are grieving the loss of a four-legged friend, the FAAS Pet Loss Support Group can help!
After a one-month hiatus we will be relaunching this program in January 2025 as an in-person meeting at 2228 South Shore in Alameda. For online support, please join our Facebook group, FAAS Remembers.