Friends of the Alameda Animal Shelter, Control & Rescue 2026
Use this page to quickly choose the right Alameda animal-help route: FAAS adoption, Main Shelter hours, South Shore cats/rabbits, lost/found pets, animal-control dispatch, licensing, food pantry, vaccine clinic, foster and private rehoming.
Important: Friends of the Alameda Animal Shelter is the city shelter partner. Animal-control field calls, bites, aggressive animals, injured/deceased animals and ongoing issues route through Alameda Police dispatch.
Choose What You Need
Clickable Alameda Animal Help Cards
Start with the card that matches your situation. This prevents mixing up adoption visits, South Shore cats/rabbits, dispatch, licensing, lost/found reports and community programs.
FAAS vs Alameda Animal Control
The title includes “Control & Rescue,” so this section separates the desk you need.
FAAS shelter
Use FAAS for adoption, available animals, reclaim appointments, lost/found shelter checks, donations, volunteer, foster and pet-support programs.
Animal-control field calls
For strays, aggressive animals, injured/deceased animals, bites or ongoing field issues, Alameda directs people to Police dispatch at 510-337-8340.
City coverage
City Animal Control Officers cover Alameda Point through Harbor Bay Parkway and everything between, including Coast Guard Island.
FAAS Hours and Locations
Last animal viewing is one hour before closing, and the Main Shelter closes daily for lunch from 1pm to 2pm.
| Location / service | Address | Hours | Best use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Shelter: dogs and cats | 1590 Fortmann Way, Alameda, CA 94501 | Wed-Thu 11am-7pm; Fri 11am-5pm; Sat-Sun 10am-5pm; closed Mon-Tue; lunch 1pm-2pm | Dog/cat adoption, reclaim, lost/found shelter contact. |
| South Shore Adoption Center: cats and rabbits | 2228 South Shore Center, Alameda, CA 94501 | Wed-Sun 11am-5pm; closed Mon-Tue | Cat and rabbit adoption visits. |
| All other animal services | Citywide / Alameda Animal Services | City lists services open 7 days; Wed 11am-7pm, Thu-Tue 11am-5pm | Non-adoption services and animal-services help. |
| Animal Control Officer | Field response | City lists officer on duty Mon-Sun 8:30am-6:30pm | Strays, patrol, parks, beaches, carcass removal, aggressive animals, bite incidents. |
| Police dispatch | Phone route | At all times | Call 510-337-8340 for stray, aggressive, injured, deceased animal, bite or ongoing issue. |
FAAS Adoption Fees and What Adoption Includes
FAAS says most pets can go home the same day, it does not place holds, and adoption includes key first-care items.
| Pet | Official listed fee | What to ask |
|---|---|---|
| Puppy | $153 | Ask about vaccines, training, socialization, spay/neuter and first-week setup. |
| Adult dog, 6 months or older | $122 | Ask about leash skills, activity level, children, dogs, cats and medical notes. |
| Senior dog, 7 years or older | $61 | Ask about mobility, medication, diet, vet timing and quiet-home needs. |
| Kitten | $122 | Ask about litter habits, boosters, kitten-proofing and whether a pair is recommended. |
| Adult cat, 6 months or older | $98 | Ask about personality, other cats, children, diet and adjustment time. |
| Senior cat, 7 years or older | $49 | Ask about senior care, medical history and home setup. |
| Rabbit | $61 | Ask about housing, diet, handling and rabbit-safe spaces. |
| Guinea pigs, birds and other small animals | $12 | Ask about species-specific care, cage size, diet and handling. |
How to Adopt from Friends of the Alameda Animal Shelter
Use this order so you do not arrive during lunch, after the last-viewing cutoff, or for an animal that requires a foster appointment.
View available animals
Open the FAAS Adopt page and choose dogs, cats, other animals, private adoptions or strays.
Visit during open hours
No application is needed ahead of time for normal walk-in adoption. Visit during open adoption hours and avoid the 1pm-2pm lunch closure.
For foster pets, submit the questionnaire
If a pet is listed “in foster,” complete the adoption questionnaire so staff can arrange a meeting.
Expect staff-assisted matching
FAAS says visitors may not walk through the shelter alone to browse every animal. Staff use a brief questionnaire and help you meet good matches.
Bring decision-makers
Bring household adults and be ready to discuss children, other pets, landlord rules, schedule, activity level and first-week setup.
Be ready for same-day adoption
Most pets can go home the same day, but FAAS reserves the right to require meetings to ensure a good forever fit.
Lost or Found Pet in Alameda
Move fast, use photos, update microchip details, and do not rely on one website only.
If your pet is lost
- Check the FAAS adoptable/stray listings and FAAS Facebook page.
- If you recognize your pet, call 510-337-8565 and bring proof of ownership.
- Submit a lost-animal report through Petco Love Lost.
- Update the microchip company with your current phone and address.
- Contact Bay Area shelters and rescues in case your pet was taken outside Alameda.
- Create flyers for neighbors, vets, groomers, pet stores and nearby shelters.
- Post on local groups like Nextdoor and Alameda lost-pet communities with a clear photo.
- When found, remove flyers and update social posts.
If you found a pet
- If safe, contain the pet away from traffic and water hazards.
- Keep the found animal separate from your pets.
- Take clear photos before moving the pet.
- Call FAAS at 510-337-8565 for shelter guidance.
- Submit a found report through Petco Love Lost.
- Ask a shelter or vet to scan for a microchip.
- For aggressive, injured, deceased or unsafe animals, call Alameda Police dispatch at 510-337-8340.
Alameda Animal Control: When to Call Dispatch
The City says Animal Control Officers enforce city laws, pick up stray animals, patrol streets, parks and beaches, remove animal carcasses, and respond to barking complaints, aggressive animals and bite incidents.
| Situation | Call / route | What to say | Why |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adoption, reclaim, shelter questions | FAAS: 510-337-8565 | “I need help with adoption/reclaim/lost pet at the shelter.” | FAAS front desk handles shelter operations. |
| Stray animal in the field | Police dispatch: 510-337-8340 | “There is a stray animal at [exact location].” | Dispatch routes animal-control field response. |
| Aggressive animal | 510-337-8340 | “Animal is aggressive/unsafe at [location].” | Do not attempt capture yourself. |
| Injured or deceased animal | 510-337-8340 | “Injured/deceased animal at [location].” | City lists this route for injured/deceased animals. |
| Animal bite | 510-337-8340 | “I need to report an animal bite at [address].” | Bite incidents need official reporting. |
| Barking dog complaint | 510-337-8340 | “Repeated barking at [address], dates/times are [details].” | City notes an officer must witness excessive barking for at least 10 consecutive minutes to issue a citation. |
Alameda Pet Licensing and Microchips
City ordinance says dogs and cats living in Alameda, 4 months or older, must be vaccinated against rabies and licensed by the City.
License required
Dogs and cats 4 months or older in Alameda need rabies vaccination and a city license.
Microchip service
FAAS says it microchips pets of Alameda residents for $22 by appointment. Call 510-337-8565.
Other city rules
No more than 3 dogs per household, remove animal feces, leash dogs in public parks, and no dogs on the beach.
Rescue Support: Food Pantry, Vaccine Clinic, Foster and Volunteer
FAAS is not just adoption. Its community programs help keep pets with families and reduce shelter intake.
| Program | Official detail | Who it helps |
|---|---|---|
| Pet Food Pantry | Second Saturday monthly, 9:30am-12pm, 1590 Fortmann Way; for Alameda residents; up to 2 dogs and 2 cats per family; once per month. | Families needing supplemental pet food and essentials. |
| Vaccine Clinic | Free dog/cat vaccine clinic, usually third Sunday monthly, 9am-12pm; check current location/date. | Pet owners needing basic vaccines, microchipping and support. |
| Foster a Pet | FAAS provides supplies, medical services, support and expertise; fosters provide a safe home. | Large dogs, bottle babies, medical/behavioral cases and animals needing a shelter break. |
| Pet Loss Support Group | FAAS lists pet loss support for grieving pet owners. | People coping with loss of a companion animal. |
Private Adoption and Rehoming Through FAAS
FAAS Private Adoptions is a free listing service for Alameda pet owners looking for an alternative to surrendering a pet to the shelter.
How it helps owners
- Your pet stays in your home until a suitable adopter is found.
- You decide who adopts your pet.
- FAAS displays accepted listings but owners and adopters communicate directly.
- You must live in the City of Alameda to list a pet.
- Accepted listings appear for 3 months.
Private adoption cautions
- FAAS does not evaluate private-adoption pets.
- Descriptions and photos are provided by the pet owner.
- Do not submit a FAAS adoption application for private-adoption pets; contact the owner directly.
- FAAS says owners may not request or accept a fee for a private-adoption listing.
- Report fee requests to FAAS.
Before You Leave Home
Pet screenshot, ID, carrier/leash, household questions, arrive before last viewing.
Clear photo, microchip number, proof of ownership, last location and flyer text.
Photo, exact location, safe containment plan, microchip scan route.
Exact address, animal description, danger level, bite/injury details.
Map: Friends of the Alameda Animal Shelter
Use this map for the Main Shelter. For field animal-control response, call dispatch first.
Copy/Paste Call Scripts
Adoption
Hi, I saw [pet name] on the FAAS adoption page. Is this animal still available, is it at the Main Shelter or South Shore, and what should I bring before the last-viewing cutoff?Lost pet
Hi, my [dog/cat/rabbit] is missing near [cross streets] in Alameda. Description: [color/size/collar/microchip]. Has a matching pet been brought in?Found pet
Hi, I found a [dog/cat/rabbit] at [exact location]. The animal is [safe/injured/aggressive]. I can/cannot safely hold it. What should I do next?Animal control
Hi, I need to report [stray/aggressive/injured/deceased animal/bite] at [exact address]. Description: [details]. Is an animal-control officer available?Official and High-Value Links
The key details are summarized above. Use these official links for live animal availability, current programs, forms and final verification.
Friends of the Alameda Animal Shelter FAQ
Where is Friends of the Alameda Animal Shelter located?
Friends of the Alameda Animal Shelter’s Main Shelter is located at 1590 Fortmann Way, Alameda, CA 94501.
What is the phone number for FAAS?
The main phone number for Friends of the Alameda Animal Shelter is 510-337-8565.
What are FAAS Main Shelter adoption hours?
The Main Shelter is open for adoption Wednesday and Thursday from 11am to 7pm, Friday from 11am to 5pm, and Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 5pm. It is closed Monday and Tuesday.
Does FAAS close for lunch?
Yes. The Main Shelter is closed daily for lunch from 1pm to 2pm, and last animal viewing is one hour before closing.
Where is the FAAS South Shore Adoption Center?
The South Shore Adoption Center is at 2228 South Shore Center, Alameda, CA 94501, and is listed for cats and rabbits.
How much are FAAS adoption fees?
FAAS lists fees as $153 for puppies, $122 for adult dogs, $61 for senior dogs, $122 for kittens, $98 for adult cats, $49 for senior cats, $61 for rabbits, and $12 for guinea pigs, birds and other small animals.
What does a FAAS adoption include?
FAAS says adoption includes spay or neuter, vaccinations, microchip, preventative deworming, flea control, one free vet exam and free post-adoption support.
Who do I call for animal control in Alameda?
For a stray, aggressive, injured or deceased animal, an animal bite, or an ongoing animal issue, call Alameda Police dispatch at 510-337-8340.
Do dogs and cats need a license in Alameda?
Yes. Dogs and cats living in Alameda that are 4 months or older must be vaccinated against rabies and licensed by the City of Alameda.
Does FAAS offer help beyond adoption?
Yes. FAAS lists programs including a pet food pantry, vaccine clinic, pet loss support, fostering, volunteering, private adoptions and pet licensing resources.
Animal Shelter Action Planner: Lost Pet, Found Pet, Adoption, Reclaim & Surrender Helper
Use this free tool to create a practical next-step plan before visiting or contacting an animal shelter, humane society, rescue, or animal control agency. It does not search a live shelter database, but it helps you prepare the right documents, questions, safety steps, and official-source searches.
Build a USA-wide shelter action plan
Select your situation and location. The tool will create a general action plan, search links, call questions, and a copyable checklist.
Lost pet recovery checklist
Check the steps you have completed. This helps you stay organized during the first urgent hours and days.
Found pet safety decision helper
Use this when you find a stray or loose pet and need a safe next step.
Adoption readiness checker
This helps adopters prepare before visiting a shelter or rescue. It is not a guarantee of approval.
Pet reclaim document checklist
If your pet may be at a shelter, prepare proof before visiting. Exact requirements and fees vary by agency.
Owner surrender preparation helper
Surrender rules vary. Many shelters require appointments, proof of residence, behavior/medical information, and may offer alternatives.
Animal control contact decision helper
Choose the situation and get a general USA-wide contact path. Local rules may differ.
Adoption and first-month budget planner
This is a planning guide, not a shelter fee database. Always confirm adoption fees and included services with the shelter.
Your generated shelter plan
Your action plan, search links, call script, checklist, or budget guide will appear here.
Start with the Planner tab
Select your state, city/county/ZIP, pet type, and goal. The tool will create a practical USA-wide shelter action plan.
Privacy note: this tool runs in your browser. It does not send your entries to animal-shelter.org.