Mark your calendars, East Bay! Our annual Spring Adoption Event is back, and this year it's going to be our biggest ever. We're taking over the waterfront plaza at Jack London Square for two full days of adoptions, family fun, and furry faces looking for forever homes.
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| When | Saturday, April 12 & Sunday, April 13, 2026 — 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM both days |
| Where | Jack London Square Waterfront Plaza, 472 Water Street, Oakland, CA 94607 |
| Admission | Free! All ages welcome. Dogs on leashes are welcome too. |
| Parking | Free 2-hour parking in the JLS garage. Also accessible via the Ferry and Broadway shuttle. |
What to Expect
We'll have over 50 adoptable animals on-site, including dogs, cats, rabbits, and a few surprise guests from our small animal program. Every animal will be spayed/neutered, vaccinated, and microchipped — adoption fees include everything. No hidden costs, no follow-up appointments needed.
If you've been thinking about adding a pet to your family, this is the best way to meet a wide range of animals in a relaxed, outdoor setting. Our adoption counselors will be on hand to help match you with the right animal based on your lifestyle, living situation, and experience level.
Saturday Schedule
- 10:00 AM — Gates open! Meet our adoptable animals and talk with counselors.
- 11:00 AM — Kids' Zone opens: face painting, crafts, and a "design your dream pet" station.
- 12:00 PM — Live music by The Barkside (local cover band — yes, really their name).
- 1:00 PM — Dog training demo with certified behaviorist Maya Chen.
- 2:00 PM — "Ask the Vet" Q&A with Dr. Keiko Tanaka, open to all pet owners.
- 3:30 PM — Raffle drawing! Prizes include a $500 pet supply gift card and a year of free vet checkups.
Food & Fun
We've partnered with some of Oakland's best food trucks: Senor Sisig, Curry Up Now, and Humphry Slocombe ice cream will all be parked on the plaza. A portion of their proceeds goes directly to East Bay Paws.
Our merch booth will feature new Spring 2026 t-shirts, tote bags, and the now-famous East Bay Paws enamel pin collection. All merch sales fund our medical wing campaign — we're at $102,400 of our $150,000 goal and counting!
Can't Adopt? You Can Still Help
Not everyone is ready to adopt, and that's okay! Here's how you can still make the event a success:
- Volunteer for a shift (we need 80 volunteers across both days)
- Sponsor an adoption fee so someone else's new pet goes home free
- Donate supplies from our wishlist (blankets, towels, Kong toys, and wet food are always needed)
- Spread the word by sharing our event on social media
Last year's spring event resulted in 38 adoptions in a single weekend. This year, we're aiming for 50. Help us get there.
Questions? Contact us or call (510) 555-1234. See you at the waterfront!