Big Dogs, Big Hearts, No Fees: “30 over 35” Campaign Waives Adoption Fees for Eligible Dogs
Captain Morgan is available to be your forever friend and is waiting for you at Berkeley Animal Care Services. photo: BACS
In the world of shelter dogs, it’s often the small, young, and fluffy who draw the quickest interest. But for the big dogs who have waited patiently, sometimes for weeks or even months, the road to adoption can feel impossibly long. That’s what Berkeley Animal Care Services (BACS) set out to change with its “30 Over 35” campaign.
Launched in partnership with Friends of Berkeley Animal Care Services (FoBACS), this initiative waives adoption fees for dogs who weigh more than 35 pounds and have been at the shelter for 30 days or longer. The idea is simple but powerful: give overlooked dogs a better shot at finding loving homes by spotlighting their stories and removing financial barriers.
Large-breed dogs often face steeper challenges in shelters. Not only do they require more space and resources, but they’re frequently perceived as more difficult to manage, an unfair stereotype that does a disservice to the countless gentle giants awaiting homes.
“Some of our most affectionate and well-mannered dogs have been here the longest,” says BACS Manager Mike St. Pierre. “They’re just not the first ones people walk up to in the kennels. But once they meet them, that perception changes.”
The “30 Over 35” campaign isn’t just about waiving a fee. It’s about rewriting the narrative around big dogs. BACS staff carefully select eligible dogs who are healthy, behaviorally sound, and ready to thrive in a loving home. These dogs might not be the flashy crowd-pleasers at first glance, but they’re loyal, resilient, and deeply deserving of love.
Take Cole, a 55-pound Pit Bull mix who spent 261 days in BACS’ care. Once given the extra exposure of the campaign, this special boy caught the eye of a local family. They visited, played fetch in the yard, and soon after, took him home. Cole gained a wonderful new family and a new dog sibling to show him the ropes of life outside the shelter. The “30 Over 35” campaign helped to rewrite Cole’s story, as it’s done for countless other dogs as well.
Stories like Cole’s aren’t rare once you start looking. Kleo, another eligible dog, had a special sparkle in her eye and a full-body wiggle every time someone entered her kennel, but still, adopters passed her by. With the help of “30 Over 35” and a short video clip capturing her joy, Kleo finally found her perfect match.
The campaign’s success is due in large part to FoBACS, the volunteer-run nonprofit that supports BACS programs and helps fund medical care, training, and outreach efforts. The group’s backing underscores a broader commitment to equity in animal adoption. By removing cost as a barrier, FoBACS and BACS are helping make pet guardianship more accessible for all.
And community support doesn’t stop there. Local volunteers assist with dog enrichment and help produce videos, photos, and bios to showcase each adoptable dog’s unique personality. Berkeley’s dog-loving residents have stepped up in a big way, proving that when given the right platform, these overlooked dogs shine.
The “30 Over 35” campaign is ongoing and continues to evolve, with new eligible dogs added weekly. Adopters are encouraged to visit the shelter in person, as it often takes that first wagging tail or soulful gaze to make a lifelong connection.
If you’ve been thinking about adding a dog to your life and have space in your home and heart for a larger companion, now is the time to visit Berkeley Animal Care Services. You might just meet your new best friend.
BACS is located at 1 Bolivar Drive in West Berkeley and is open to the public for adoptions. For more information or to view adoptable dogs, visit our website or email animalservices@berkeleyca.gov