Friends of the Alameda Animal Shelter

A Heart for Alameda's Animals

Friends of the Alameda Animal Shelter (FAAS) is dedicated to sheltering and caring for the lost and abandoned companion animals of Alameda, California. Our mission is to reunite lost pets with their families, find loving new homes for those in need, and foster a more compassionate community through education and outreach.

Our Commitment to the Community

As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, FAAS has been honored as an eight-time winner of the 'Best Nonprofit Group' award by Alameda Magazine. We exist to provide a safe haven for animals while they wait for their forever families, ensuring they receive the care and attention they deserve during their stay with us.

How We Care for Our Animals

FAAS operates a comprehensive care model that includes our main shelter on Fortmann Way and a location at South Shore Center. We are incredibly proud of our dedicated team and the volunteer network that makes our work possible, helping us bridge the gap between homeless pets and permanent, happy homes.

The Joy of Adoption

Adoption is a beautiful partnership that changes two lives forever. Whether you meet your new best friend during a visit to our shelter or coordinate through our foster program, our staff is here to help make the perfect match. We believe that every animal has a unique personality just waiting to be discovered by the right family.

Take the Next Step

Ready to meet your new companion? Please visit our available animals online or stop by during our open hours to see who is waiting for you. If you have questions or would like to learn more about our foster and volunteer opportunities, feel free to call us at 510-337-8565 or visit our website to start your journey today.

Trust Assessment
GoldRated Sep 11, 2026
NonprofitVerifiedPhysical FacilityOperating 10+ years
Finances
Online Review Highlights
  • Caring and friendly staff
  • Community support programs (vaccine clinics/food pantry)
  • Inconsistent or dismissive customer service
Vetted byASPCA
How we assess
Coverage We Reviewed
Alameda Post

10/12 - Don’t Miss Howl-O-Ween on Webster: Pet Costumes, Trick-or-Treating, Halloween Fun for All

Halloween is going to the dogs on Webster Street as the West Alameda Business Association presents Howl-O-Ween on Webster, a pet costume contest plus trick-or-treating on Saturday, October 31. Halloween fun will happen all day, with the main event taking place from 2 to 4 p.m. at Webster Park.

East Bay Times
Alameda Post

10/10 - Shellsea Has Been Waiting for Her Forever Family

"Shellsea is what we lovingly call our little hippo. She is an absolute unit, in the cutest possible way, with plenty of enthusiasm to match her size... But underneath all that joyful momentum is a dog who is genuinely affectionate and eager to be your best friend."

East Bay Times

10/5 - Meet Jujubee, Aloha, Huncho, Charlotte and Cookie: East Bay pets of the week

Area shelters’ dogs and cats need their “forever” homes.

Alameda Post

10/3 - Huncho is Smart and Independent

"Huncho needs an experienced Chow Chow home willing to give him structure, consistency, and room to settle in at his own pace... Huncho is waiting for someone who will see his potential and give him the chance to show it."

East Bay Times

9/28 - Meet Koah, Genesis, Finn, Capybara and Blue, plus Hobbs: East Bay pets of the week

Area shelters’ dogs and cats need their “forever” homes.

Alameda Post

9/26 - Finn Will Wiggle His Way Into Your Heart

"Meet Finn, a sweet, wiggly boy who seems to find joy in just about everything. Finn came to us as a puppy with an unknown history. He has a little wobble and flop to his walk, and while medical testing has not given us a clear answer as to why, Finn certainly does not let it slow him down."

The Mercury News

9/22 - Snapp Shots: East Bay cat rescue group holding auction to raise funds

Two adorable felines in need of a home together are among many saved by the organization over the years.

East Bay Times

9/21 - Meet Oreo, Catniss, Eclipse, Bunny and Olive, plus Tobias: East Bay pets of the week

Area shelters’ dogs and cats need their “forever” homes.

Alameda Post

9/19 - Eclipse is FAAS’s ‘Favorite Three-legged Pancake’

"At FAAS, Eclipse has earned a special reputation. He’s handsome, affectionate, full of personality, and perhaps most importantly, he’s our favorite three-legged pancake," shares FAAS. "...He loves getting out for walks, exploring his surroundings, and taking in everything the world has to offer."

East Bay Times

9/14 - Meet Toto, Coachella, Milo, Georgie and Stevie, plus Snazzy: East Bay pets of the week

Area shelters’ dogs and cats need their “forever” homes.

Alameda Post

9/12 - Milo is Just Plain Fun!

"At just over a year old, Milo is still young enough to approach life with the enthusiasm of a kid discovering everything for the first time. This sweet Black Mouth Cur mix loves to play, loves his people, and has a goofy personality that is hard not to smile at."

East Bay Times

9/7 - Meet Oreo, Rascal, Daisy, Princess Arianna and Pearl: East Bay pets of the week

Area shelters’ dogs and cats need their “forever” homes.

Alameda Post

9/5 - Meet Daisy, an Adventure Buddy With a Sweet Side

"Daisy is a beautiful white and cream Alaskan Husky mix who is about 6 years old with a lot of love to give. She is an energetic, happy girl who enjoys being active, but she also knows how to settle down and relax when the day is done."

East Bay Times

8/31 - Jimbo, Terk, Penny, Lucky, plus Zelda and Zion: East Bay pets of the week

Area shelters’ dogs and cats need their “forever” homes.

Alameda Post

8/29 - She’s a Pretty Penny!

"Meet Penny, a beautiful 2-year-old Mastiff mix with soulful eyes and a whole lot of experiences to live... These days, she’s discovering that there’s a lot to love, especially when there’s a good walk, a tennis ball, or some water involved."

Alameda Post

8/26 - Animal Control Officer Rescues Terrified Tuxedo Kitten From Bottom of Rusty 10-Foot Pipe

Over the weekend, Alameda Police Department Animal Control Officer Crum responded to Ferry Point for the report of a kitten in distress. Once on scene, ACO Crum discovered that a tiny—and terrified—tuxedo kitten had fallen approximately 10 feet down a metal pipe in an abandoned field.

The Mercury News

8/25 - Snapp Shots: East Bay’s Bark (and Meow) Around the Block this Saturday

Berkeley will host the state’s annual largest single-location adoption event with shelters from across Northern California.

East Bay Times

8/24 - Meet Proud Mary, Rascal, Dakota, Gina and Joey: East Bay pets of the week

Area shelters’ dogs and cats need their “forever” homes.

Alameda Post
Improves Trust

8/20 - FAAS After The Ball Gala Celebrates 15th Anniversary

FAAS's fabulous annual fundraiser, "After the Ball," is set for Friday, October 16. Ophelia Nicandro notes that the highlight of the evening includes raising money for the Starfish Medical Fund, a dedicated emergency medical fund that ensures no shelter animal is denied lifesaving treatment.

East Bay Times

8/17 - Grace, Iris, Finn, Leo, Pixie and Penn, plus Redwood: East Bay pets of the week

Area shelters’ dogs and cats need their “forever” homes.

Alameda Post

8/15 - Iris Needs a Place to Bloom

"Iris is ready for her next adventure and we think it’s going to be a great one. All she needs now is a loving family and a place to call home." Meet Iris at FAAS today!

East Bay Times

8/10 - Meet Benny, Mrs. Moose, Gambit, Kiki and Bugzby: East Bay pets of the week

Area shelters’ dogs and cats need their “forever” homes.

Alameda Post

8/8 - Give Gambit a Second Chance

"Gambit is the kind of dog who enjoys the simple things. He loves taking relaxed walks where he can stop and sniff everything that catches his interest. He also has a playful streak. Bring out a tennis ball and he's more than happy to chase it around."

East Bay Times

8/3 - Meet Arya, Ashia, Daphne, Elvira and Selby: East Bay pets of the week

Area shelters’ dogs and cats need their “forever” homes.

Recent Videos

10/7 - 🎉 THE AFTER THE BALL SILENT AUCTION IS NOW OPEN! 🎉 The bidding starts NOW! 🐾✨ Visit AftertheBall.org to browse our incredible collection of unique items, experiences, local favorites, and more—and bid for a good cause! 🛍️ Silent Auction: OPEN NOW through October 16 🐾 100% of proceeds go directly toward the life-saving care of the pets of Alameda 🎟️ After the Ball tickets are on sale now! Every bid helps provide the life-saving care that Alameda’s pets deserve. So go ahead—bid big, feel good, and raise some woofs! 🐶🐱 👉 Start bidding and get your tickets at AftertheBall.org #AfterTheBall #FAAS #BidForACause #PetsOfAlameda #AlamedaCA #AnimalShelter #SaveThePets

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10/4 - 👀 THE AFTER THE BALL SILENT AUCTION IS OPEN FOR PREVIEW! 👀 Our After the Ball Silent Auction officially opens October 7, but you can sneak a peek at all the amazing items and experiences right now at AftertheBall.org! One-of-a-kind experiences, incredible local finds and something for every kind of bidder! And the best part? 100% of auction proceeds go directly toward life-saving care for the pets of Alameda. New items will be dropping all week, so keep checking back, start making your wish list, and get ready to bid big, feel good, and save pets! Preview the auction now at AftertheBall.org!

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10/3 - Celebrate 15 years of raising money to save the pets of Alameda at this year’s After the Ball on October 16! Join us at the Gold Bar Distillery in Alameda from 6-9PM where we rally for the pets we all love dearly. This very special, 15th Annual celebration, will bring animals lovers from all over the bay that believe our pets deserve life-saving care and a second chance at life. Great company, delicious food and drinks, fun games and auction prizes, but most importantly, 100% of event proceeds go back to the care for the pets of Alameda. Get your ticket today at AftertheBall.org (link in bio!) we can’t wait to see you there! #alameda #animalshelter #petsofalameda #dogsofalameda #catsofalameda #aftertheball

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10/2 - 🎾🌊 Buddy is READY for his forever home🐾💙 Meet Buddy, a sweet 2-year-old Lab mix who thinks life is best when there’s a ball to chase, water to splash in, and an adventure to share with his people 🩵 Buddy LOVES to swim and will happily launch himself off a dock to retrieve his favorite toy. And when he’s not swimming? He’s probably hoping you’ll throw the ball again and again and again and again Buddy at a glance: 🥎 Ball obsessed 🌊 Loves swimming 🌲 Adventure enthusiast 🧠 Smart & eager to learn ❤️‍🔥 Loyal & people-loving 🐕 Prefers to be the only dog, though he may do well with a social female dog of similar size 🐱 Learning about cats and may have potential to live with one 👦 Kids 12+ are the best fit 🚨 REMINDER: ADOPTIONS ARE FREE THIS WEEKEND — OCTOBER 3 & 4! 🚨 Come meet Buddy and see if you’re the perfect match 🥰 #adoptdontshop #adoptme #fosterdog #faas #alameda

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10/2 - Last weekend, FAAS joined 11 other animal well-being organizations across the Bay Area to join forces once again and provide free spay and neuter surgeries, vaccines, microchips and other essential veterinary services to pets through Champions for Pet Health: Communities Partnering for Wellness and Spay & Neuter. This three-day event was made possible through the generosity of three national family foundations: La Russa Rescue Champions, Dave & Cheryl Duffield Foundation and Maddie’s Fund®. BISSELL Pet Foundation provided veterinarians and veterinary technicians to support participating organizations as needed. Thank you for having us! #championsforpethealth #alameda #animalshelter

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10/2 - The Golden State Valkyries team up with FAAS for an epic After the Ball Silent Auction Package you could get your paws on! 🏀 Package Includes: 🎟️ Two tickets to a 2027 Valkyries home game ⭐ Courtside access for the pre-game shoot-around ✍️ and an authentic autographed Veronica Burton jersey!! 100% of the proceeds go directly back to the life-saving care for the pets of Alameda. The After the Ball Silent Auction begins October 7th and will be hosted on AftertheBall.org (link in bio!) #alameda #animalshelter #aftertheball #valkyries #goldenstatevalkyries

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9/27 - For 15 years, animal lovers from across the Bay Area have come together to rally for the pets we love so dearly—and this year, we’re celebrating that legacy in style. Expect great company, delicious food and drinks, fun games, exciting auction prizes, and plenty of reasons to raise a glass for the animals. 🐶🐱✨ Join us for a very special 15th Annual After the Ball on October 16 from 6–9 PM at Gold Bar Distillery in Alameda! 🐾🥂 But most importantly, 100% of event proceeds go directly toward caring for the pets of Alameda, helping provide the lifesaving medical care, shelter, and second chances they deserve. ❤️ Come celebrate 15 golden years of giving with us—and help make the next chapter possible! Get your tickets today at AftertheBall.org (link in bio!) We can’t wait to see you there! 🐾 #Alameda #AnimalShelter #PetsOfAlameda #DogsOfAlameda #CatsOfAlameda #AfterTheBall

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9/25 - Find your zen. Help save a pet. 🐾 Ready to trade the daily chaos for some serious ommm? You could win a Sound Bath + Breathwork Experience for 12 at Alameda's @svasthayogahub at After the Ball's Silent Auction! Gather your favorite people, take a deep breath, and let the good vibes roll. Because this experience isn’t just good for your soul—it’s good for shelter pets, too. 🐶🐱💛 100% of the proceeds go directly back to the life-saving care for the pets of Alameda. So go ahead… bid for bliss and breathe for the animals. The After the Ball Silent Auction begins at the beginning of October and will be hosted on AftertheBall.org (link in bio!) Come back soon to see more Silent Auction sneak peeks! #alameda #animalshelter #petsofalameda #aftertheball

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9/18 - You read that right…A Hot Tub Boat in our very own Alameda! Thank you to Hot Tub Boats Alameda for donating a two-hour Private Hot Tub Boat Rental for six that you could win at this year’s After the Ball Silent Auction. Soak up the epic bay area views while you and your friends soak up the fun in these epic Hot Tub Boats. Best part is, 100% of Silent Auction proceeds go life-saving care for the pets of Alameda. Soak up the fun, while saving the pets! The After the Ball Silent Auction begins at the beginning of October and will be hosted on AftertheBall.org (link in bio!) Come back soon to see more sneak peeks! #alameda #animalshelter #petsofalameda #aftertheball

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9/17 - Celebrate 15 years of raising money to save the pets of Alameda at this year’s After the Ball on October 16! Join us at the Gold Bar Distillery in Alameda from 6-9PM where we rally for the pets we all love dearly. This very special, 15th Annual celebration, will bring animals lovers from all over the bay that believe our pets deserve life-saving care and a second chance at life. Great company, delicious food and drinks, fun games and auction prizes, but most importantly, 100% of event proceeds go back to the care for the pets of Alameda. Get your ticket today at AftertheBall.org (link in bio!) we can’t wait to see you there! #alameda #animalshelter #petsofalameda #dogsofalameda #catsofalameda #aftertheball

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Visit Us At

1590 Fortmann Way, Alameda, CA 94501

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