Wednesday, September 9 through Tuesday, September 15, 2026
This cats foundation weekly roundup connects Bay Area pet owners, adopters, foster caregivers, volunteers, and donors with practical support for the week ahead. Confirm details directly with each provider before traveling. Dates, hours, eligibility, and capacity can change.
1. Community Pet Welfare Spotlight: Shelter capacity after Clear the Shelters
The end of a major adoption campaign does not mean the end of shelter pressure.
The San Francisco SPCA reported 523 adoptions during its August 2026 Clear the Shelters campaign. That total included 108 animals adopted during a single-day free adoption event on August 22. (San Francisco SPCA) [1] Those adoptions created space, but shelters continue to receive animals every day.
Kitten season generally continues through October. Oakland Animal Services is still managing high demand, particularly for large dogs. Its walk-in adoption hours are Thursday from noon to 6:30 p.m. and Friday through Sunday from noon to 3 p.m. No appointment is needed. (Oakland Animal Services) [2]
Kittens younger than 6 months are typically adopted in pairs unless the home already has another young, active cat. This approach can support play, social development, and a smoother transition for kittens. Adoption counselors can help families decide what combination fits their household.
Fostering is another direct way to help. A foster home gives an animal a quieter place to recover, grow, or show its personality. That information helps a shelter make better adoption matches. It can also reduce stress for shy, senior, or medically vulnerable animals. Oakland’s local rescue community includes organizations such as Cat Town, which focuses on cats who may need additional time and support before adoption.
The need is not limited to one city. Animal welfare groups across California have reported crowded facilities and continuing demand for foster homes, especially for dogs and kittens. The practical response is local and specific:
- Adopt when your household, schedule, and budget are ready.
- Ask about foster programs if adoption is not possible.
- Share accurate shelter listings with people who may be a good match.
- Donate food, supplies, or funds to organizations serving animals in care.
- Keep owned pets safe, altered, identified, and vaccinated when possible.
Shelter animals are not disposable. They are individuals whose next step often depends on whether the community can provide time, space, and steady support.
2. Resources for Pet Owners in Need
East Bay SPCA Pet Food Pantry
Location: 8323 Baldwin Street, Oakland.
Eligibility: Alameda or Contra Costa County residents who can show financial need. The program asks that pets be spayed or neutered and vaccinated.
Cost: Free.
Hours: Tuesday, September 15, noon to 2 p.m.
Contact/registration: Registration opened Monday, September 7, at 10 a.m. It closes Friday, September 11, or when capacity is full. Register through the East Bay SPCA Pet Food Pantry. [3]
Distribution is limited to registered households and depends on available supplies.
Contra Costa Humane Society AniMeals
Location: Boys and Girls Club parking lot, 1301 Alhambra Avenue, Martinez.
Eligibility: Low-income families and seniors in Contra Costa County.
Cost: Free supplemental pet food.
Hours: Friday, September 11, and Friday, September 25, noon to 1 p.m. The program also serves other community locations.
Contact/registration: Review the AniMeals schedule before traveling. The Martinez distribution is recurring, generally on the second and fourth Friday. [4]
The program asks residents to confirm current details because supplies and locations can change.
Joybound FoodShare Pantry
Location: Confirm the September 19 location directly with Joybound. Recent distributions have taken place in Pittsburg.
Eligibility: Contra Costa County residents.
Cost: Free.
Hours: Saturday, September 19, 8 to 11 a.m., first come, first served.
Contact/registration: Bring a bag and confirm the location through the Joybound FoodShare listing. [5]
Pets In Need Pet Pantry
Location: Ecumenical Hunger Program, 2411 Pulgas Avenue, East Palo Alto.
Eligibility: Pet owners experiencing financial hardship.
Cost: Free, while supplies last.
Hours: Wednesday, September 30, 2 to 4 p.m.
Contact/registration: Review the Pets In Need Pet Pantry calendar before attending. No separate registration is listed on the provider page. [6]
Berkeley Humane’s September pantry date was September 6 and has passed. Check Berkeley Humane directly for the next October distribution.
3. Emergency and Crisis Support
Found kittens and pet safety
San José Animal Care and Services is investigating two separate August 2026 pellet-gun shootings involving stray cats. Anyone with relevant information or security footage should call 408-794-7297. Do not approach or confront a suspected person. (The Mercury News) [13]
Napa County Animal Shelter continues to encourage fostering for healthy found kittens. Call 707-253-4382 for current guidance before moving kittens or arranging care.
Ask a licensed veterinarian about FVRCP vaccination, which protects cats against feline viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, and panleukopenia.
Pet food recalls
Check the FDA pet food recall database before feeding a recalled product. [7] Current notices include:
- Northwest Naturals Frozen Chicken Recipe cat food, 2-pound bags, Lot B-5, Best By 01/26/2028, UPC 087316384956. The product was recalled for possible Salmonella and Listeria monocytogenes contamination. A 6-pound frozen chicken recipe for dogs, Lot B-19, was also recalled. (FDA) [8]
- Fromm Family Foods voluntarily recalled Turkey Pâté Wet Dog Food, 12.2-ounce cans, UPC 072705118700, Lot EP2A3306 551006, Best By 032029, and Diner Classics Milo's Meatloaf Pâté Wet Dog Food, 12.5-ounce cans, UPC 072705132324, Lot EP2A3306 551029, Best By 032029, because of potential metal contamination. The company announced the recall on August 21, 2026. Consumers can call 1-800-325-6331 for help. (FDA) [9]
- Revival Animal Health feline milk replacers sold under Shelter’s Choice and Breeder’s Edge for low levels of certain nutrients. (FDA) [7]
- GO Raw Quest Cat Food products affected by low thiamine, or vitamin B1. (FDA) [10]
Stop feeding an affected product and follow the FDA or manufacturer instructions. Contact a veterinarian if your pet becomes ill.
4. Community Cat and Rescue Initiatives
San Francisco SPCA Community Cats
Location: 201 Alabama Street, San Francisco.
Eligibility: San Francisco community cats receive fully subsidized TNR services. Cats from outside the county may qualify for heavily subsidized care.
Cost: Free for San Francisco community cats. The provider lists $50 per cat for those outside the county.
Hours: Appointments are available Tuesday through Saturday. Humane trap rentals are available Tuesday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., with a refundable deposit.
Contact/registration: Text 415-554-3084 to request an appointment. Cats must arrive in humane traps or metal transfer cages. (SF SPCA Community Cats) [11]
TNR means trapping free-roaming cats, arranging spay or neuter surgery, and returning them to the same outdoor location after recovery.
San José TNR
San José Animal Care and Services offers appointment-based TNR on Mondays and online requests on Thursdays. Review the San José TNR page for current procedures and eligibility. [12]
5. Volunteer and Giving Opportunities
Champions for Pet Health weekend
The free spay/neuter, vaccination, and microchip weekend runs September 25 through 27 at 12 Bay Area locations across seven counties. Participating organizations include Animal Fix Clinic, Berkeley Humane, Contra Costa Animal Services, East Bay SPCA, Friends of the Alameda Animal Shelter, Humane Society Silicon Valley, Marin Humane, Muttville, Nine Lives, Oakland Animal Services, San Francisco SPCA, and Vets in Vans.
Registration: Surgeries require appointments. Wellness drop-in options may vary. Review the Champions for Pet Health registration page. [14]
SF SPCA Community Veterinary Clinic
The clinic is at 4527 Mission Street, San Francisco. It offers affordable preventive care Wednesday through Saturday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. It does not provide emergency care, X-rays, or laboratory services. Text 415-554-3084 to ask about appointments and current fees. (SF SPCA) [15]
SF SPCA mobile vaccine clinics
The dog vaccine clinic is scheduled for Saturday, September 19, at St. Anthony’s, 150 Golden Gate Avenue, San Francisco. Appointments open the Wednesday before the clinic. A cat vaccine clinic is scheduled for Sunday, September 27, at 201 Alabama Street. Confirm availability with the SF SPCA before attending. [15]
Joybound free pet vaccine and microchip clinic
Joybound lists a free pet vaccine and microchip clinic for Saturday, September 19, at Pittsburg City Center, 65 Civic Avenue, Pittsburg. Confirm current details directly with Joybound before attending. [18]
Support no-cost pet care
A donation to Mission Cats Foundation helps sustain no-cost pet care for vulnerable people and their companion animals. Support Mission Cats Foundation through the approved PayPal donation link.
6. Bay Area Animal Welfare Calendar
- Thursday, September 10: Oakland Animal Services adoption hours, Thursday noon to 6:30 p.m., Friday through Sunday noon to 3 p.m., no appointment needed. Confirm holiday or operational closures before traveling. [2]
- Friday, September 11: Contra Costa Humane Society AniMeals in Martinez, noon to 1 p.m. [4]
- Saturday, September 12: Project Best Friend at Birdhaus Beer Garden, 3821 Smith Street, Union City, noon to 4 p.m. Adoption and donation drive benefiting Hayward Animal Shelter. Confirm details through the Hayward Animal Services calendar. [16]
- Saturday, September 12: Joybound mobile adoptions at the Diablo Valley Farmers Market, North Wiget Lane and Mitchell Drive, Walnut Creek, 9 to 11 a.m. Confirm current details with Joybound before attending. [5]
- Sunday, September 13: Valley Humane adoptions at George, City Center Bishop Ranch, 6000 Bollinger Canyon Road, San Ramon, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Confirm with Valley Humane before traveling. [17]
- Tuesday, September 15: East Bay SPCA Pet Food Pantry, Oakland, noon to 2 p.m. Registration closes September 11 or when full. [3]
- Saturday, September 19: SF SPCA dog mobile vaccine clinic, Joybound FoodShare Pantry, and Joybound free pet vaccine and microchip clinic at Pittsburg City Center, 65 Civic Avenue, Pittsburg. Confirm vaccine clinic details directly with Joybound and confirm appointments, timing, and location with each provider. [18]
- September 25 through 27: Champions for Pet Health weekend. Registration is required for surgery appointments. [14]
Published weekly by Mission Cats Foundation. MCF supports the well-being of pets and the people who care for them, with a focus on seniors, low-income households, persons with disabilities, and unhoused community members. To donate, volunteer, request support, or submit a resource for future editions, visit www.missioncatsfoundation.org.
Mission Cats Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting vulnerable pets, expanding access to care, and improving outcomes for animals in need. Your support helps provide timely assistance, strengthen animal welfare efforts, and make a meaningful difference where help is needed most.
Mission Cats Foundation, Lake Merritt Plaza, 1999 Harrison Street, 18th Floor, Oakland, CA 94612
Phone (510) 941-1421
Website www.missioncatsfoundation.org
Email missioncats@missioncatsfoundation.org
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CA FTB ID: 5075903/000
Mission Cats Foundation is a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Contributions may be tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law. Donors should consult their tax advisor regarding their individual circumstances.
Sources
[1] San Francisco SPCA, “Clear the Shelters 2026,” San Francisco SPCA, September 3, 2026, https://www.sfspca.org/blog/clear-the-shelters-2026/, Accessed September 7, 2026.
[2] Oakland Animal Services, “How to Adopt,” Oakland Animal Services, https://www.oaklandanimalservices.org/adopt/how-to-adopt/, Accessed September 7, 2026.
[3] East Bay SPCA, “Pet Food Pantry,” East Bay SPCA, https://eastbayspca.org/resources/pet-food-pantry, Accessed September 7, 2026.
[4] Contra Costa Humane Society, “AniMeals Program,” Contra Costa Humane Society, https://cchumane.org/programs/animeals-2/, Accessed September 7, 2026.
[5] Joybound, “FoodShare Pantry,” Joybound, https://joybound.org/event/foodshare-0926/, Accessed September 7, 2026.
[6] Pets In Need, “Pet Pantry,” Pets In Need, https://petsinneed.org/petpantry/, Accessed September 7, 2026.
[7] U.S. Food and Drug Administration, “Recalls and Withdrawals,” FDA, https://www.fda.gov/animal-veterinary/safety-health/recalls-withdrawals, Accessed September 7, 2026.
[8] U.S. Food and Drug Administration, “Northwest Naturals Voluntarily Recalls Two Raw Pet Food Products Because of Possible Salmonella,” FDA, August 28, 2026, https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/northwest-naturals-voluntarily-recalls-two-raw-pet-food-products-because-possible-salmonella, Accessed September 7, 2026.
[9] U.S. Food and Drug Administration, “Fromm Family Foods Voluntarily Recalls Turkey Pâté Wet Food For Dogs and Diner Classic Milo's Meatloaf Pâté Wet Food For Dogs Due to Potential Metal Contamination,” FDA, August 21, 2026, https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/fromm-family-foods-voluntarily-recalls-turkey-pate-wet-food-dogs-and-diner-classic-milos-meatloaf, Accessed September 7, 2026.
[10] U.S. Food and Drug Administration, “GO RAW LLC Expands Voluntary Recall of Quest Diet Cat Food Products Due to Low Thiamine Levels,” FDA, https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/go-raw-llc-expands-voluntary-recall-quest-diet-cat-food-products-due-low-thiamine-levels-and-enacts, Accessed September 7, 2026.
[11] San Francisco SPCA, “Community Cats,” San Francisco SPCA, https://www.sfspca.org/about/impact-results/community-cats/, Accessed September 7, 2026.
[12] City of San José, “Trap-Neuter-Return,” San José Animal Care and Services, https://www.sanjoseca.gov/your-government/departments-offices/animal-care-services/services/tnr, Accessed September 7, 2026.
[13] The Mercury News, “San Jose Cat Shootings Concerning,” The Mercury News, September 5, 2026, https://www.mercurynews.com/2026/09/05/san-jose-cat-shootings-concerning/, Accessed September 7, 2026.
[14] Maddie’s Fund, “Champions for Pet Health,” Maddie’s Fund, https://maddies.fund/champions, Accessed September 7, 2026.
[15] San Francisco SPCA, “Veterinary Care,” San Francisco SPCA, https://www.sfspca.org/, Accessed September 7, 2026.
[16] Vibes and Smiles, “6th Annual Project Best Friend,” Vibes and Smiles, 2026, https://vibesandsmiles.org/events/6th-annual-projectbestfriend, Accessed September 7, 2026.
[17] Valley Humane Society, “Pet Adoption Event in San Ramon at City Center,” Valley Humane Society, https://valleyhumane.org/events/pet-adoptions-event-san-ramon-george/, Accessed September 7, 2026.
[18] Joybound, “FoodShare Pantry,” Joybound, https://joybound.org/event/foodshare-0926/, Accessed September 7, 2026.
Disclaimer: This article is provided for general informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute veterinary, medical, legal, financial, tax, housing, social-service, emergency, or other professional advice. Programs, resources, eligibility requirements, costs, dates, and availability may change. Readers should verify current information directly with the relevant provider and consult a licensed veterinarian or other qualified professional before acting. References to Mission Cats Foundation, outside organizations, services, or resources do not imply a guarantee of assistance, funding, availability, endorsement, partnership, or outcome.