About Us

Human and Pet Initiative (HAPI) is a community-driven, Oakland-based nonprofit organization dedicated to helping families keep their pets safe, healthy, and in their care. We provide free resources to pet owners in need, with a focus on removing barriers to pet ownership so that no family has to fear losing their beloved companions due to financial struggles or lack of support.

Our Mission

At HAPI, we believe that every person deserves to experience the love and companionship of a pet, and every pet deserves a home where they are loved and cared for. Unfortunately, for many pet owners in Oakland, keeping their pets is a financial challenge. Our mission is to support these families by providing essential services that help pets stay in their homes, where they belong.

What We Do

We offer a wide range of free services to help our community’s pet families, including:

Personalized ID Tags & Collars
Microchipping & Registration
Vaccines & Pet Food
Collars, Leashes & Other Supplies

Our work goes beyond just providing material goods. We are committed to building strong relationships with our community, helping families keep their pets in times of need, and ultimately making sure that pets and their humans stay together, regardless of their financial or social status.

Our Values

We believe in the power of compassion, community, and collaboration. Our work is based on empathy for the people we serve, understanding that pet ownership is both a joy and a responsibility. At HAPI, we strive to reduce the stress many families feel when they face difficult decisions about their pets, providing support and resources that make keeping their animals a reality.

Why We Do It

We’ve seen firsthand how powerful the bond between people and their pets is. As a former employee of Oakland Animal Services, founder Meg McAdam witnessed the heartbreak of families surrendering their pets due to financial hardships. That’s why HAPI was created—to ensure that no family has to face that decision. We want to help as many pet families as possible, allowing them to focus on what matters most: loving and caring for their pets.

Our Community

We’re deeply rooted in Oakland and work closely with local shelters, pet owners, and community leaders to make a meaningful impact. Our partnerships with organizations such as PetCo Love, Ridwell, and other local groups have allowed us to expand our reach, offer more services, and bring our vision to life. We are excited to grow and continue to serve our community with love, care, and support.

Join Us

Whether you’re looking for support for your own pets or want to contribute to our mission, there are many ways to get involved with HAPI. From volunteering at our events to making a donation, your support will help us continue our vital work.

Together, we can help more pets stay with the families who love them.