Berkeley Humane to host California's largest single-site pet adoption event Aug. 29

Berkeley Humane will bring more than 30 shelters and rescue groups and hundreds of animals to Berkeley on Aug. 29 for Bark (& Meow) Around the Block. The free event is expected to speed adoptions at a time when shelters across California are seeing longer stays and slower placement rates.

Why it matters: - Bark (& Meow) Around the Block concentrates hundreds of adoptable animals and dozens of shelters in one place, giving families a rare chance to meet many pets in a single visit. - The event also helps shelters move animals out faster, which frees up space for more pets waiting for care. - Berkeley Humane says the format matters more now because shelters across California are seeing longer lengths of stay and slower adoption rates.

What happened: - Berkeley Humane will host Bark (& Meow) Around the Block on Saturday, Aug. 29, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 2700 Ninth Street in Berkeley. - The event will take over two city blocks and is billed as California's largest single-location pet adoption event. - More than 30 animal shelters and rescue organizations will participate. - More than 300 dogs, cats, rabbits, birds and other companion animals will be available for adoption. - Admission is free. - Berkeley Humane will waive adoption fees for all of its adoptable animals. - Most other adoption fees will be waived or discounted.

The details: - Last year's event drew more than 3,000 attendees and helped more than 250 animals find homes. - Berkeley Humane expects this year's event to be even larger, with more participating organizations and more adoptable animals. - Adoption counselors from each organization will be on-site to help match families with pets that fit their homes and lifestyles. - Visitors will also find live music, local food vendors, frozen treats, a beer, wine and cocktail garden, pet-focused vendors, community exhibitors, family-friendly activities, giveaways and interactive experiences. - Berkeley Humane said the event can create a new adoption about every two minutes if this year matches last year's pace.

Between the lines: - The event is now in its 14th year, which suggests Berkeley Humane has turned a local adoption drive into a regional gathering for shelters and rescue groups. - The scale of participation points to a collaborative response to a crowded shelter system rather than a single-organization event. - Berkeley Humane Board member and retired veterinarian Dr. Alan Shriro said the event shows what is possible when the community comes together for animals. - Berkeley Humane Executive Director Jeffrey Zerwekh said the event gives prospective adopters an unmatched opportunity to meet many companion animals in one place.

What's next: - Berkeley Humane expects the Aug. 29 event to add more adoptions, more shelter placements and more open kennel space across the region. - The organization is also building the Bay Area Animal Resource Center, a shelter and veterinary hospital intended to expand access to care throughout the Bay Area. - More information is available through Berkeley Humane's social channels and Facebook page.

The bottom line: - For one day, Berkeley Humane is turning a Berkeley block party into a high-volume adoption engine for animals across California.