Berkeley Animal Care Services

April 2004

Berkeley Animal Shelter is a no kill shelter run by the City of Berkeley's Animal Care Services. 
PHONE 510 981 6600. Press 0 for operator assistance at anytime. 
Hours: Mon-Sat 10-4 pm; Wed. 10 am 'til 7 pm. Sun. 11-3 pm.

Wonderful cats of all ages, many abandonned by owners when they moved, are available for adoption and foster care.

Location on 2nd St. between Addison and Hearst by Aquatic Park, across Railroad Tracks from Brennan's Restaurant. Parking free under University Ave underpass next to Truitt and White Hardware. Or take your bike over the bike overpass to/from the Marina.

Volunteer cat petters always needed; also foster homes for all aged cats.

Taking your Child to Visit the Shelter

If you have a child, or children, who cannot handle disappointment gracefully, pay an initial visit to the animal shelter without your child for a look-see. Bring your young child along with you when you find an animal who might be suitable for your family. Far too often, families have left the shelter with children in tears because they don't understand why they can't have a particular dog or cat, and parents frustrated and unable to spend sufficient time with an animal to determine if he or she might be a good addition to the family.

Adopting Young Animals

Very young (3 months or under) kittens and puppies are often not the best choice for families with children under 6 years of age - too many babies to supervise at once! Think about adopting an adult or teenaged animal that is ready to teach your child how to be a good pet caretaker. Adults can and do bond beautifully with a new family and their personalities are more evident than in very young animals.

I.D. your pets

Help animal shelters return missing and found pets to their owners -- please I.D. your pets. In addition to a collar and tag, think about a permanent I.D. - a tattoo for your dog, a microchip for both dogs and cats. Talk to your vet or a low-cost vaccination clinic for further details. (Good preparation for disasters, too!)

August 1998

I work with an animal activist and volunteer coordinator at the Berkeley animal shelter, who would be happy to personally help anyone find a cat or dog. Her name is Sharon Melnyk and she can be reached at 643-7093. Berkeley Police Dept. Animal Care Services is located at 2013 Second St. (btwn Addition and Hearst); 644-6755; open 9-1, 2-4, Mon.-Sat. Stefanie