The SF/SPCA understands that circumstances may arise that require guardians to relinquish their companion animals. We accept a limited number of animals into our Re-homing Program. The criteria for acceptance vary according to our shelter population.
Before surrendering your dog or cat to The SF/SPCA, please explore the possibility of finding your animal a new home through your personal networks of friends, coworkers, family, and acquaintances.
If you are unable to locate a home for your animal, and you would like us to evaluate your animal(s) for our Re-homing Program: Download and complete the Dog or Cat Re-homing Application. Then, Call our Re-homing Line at 415-522-3541, and leave a message. We will call you back. The fee for the evaluation appointment is $25 for the first animal and $10 for any additional animals.
- You must be the legal owner of this animal and have had the animal in your custody for a minimum of thirty days. If you have found a stray, contact your local animal control agency to file a report. Contact ACC at 415-554-6364 for more information.
Download Cat Rehoming form | Download Dog Rehoming form
Animals must pass our medical and behavioral screening to be offered a place in the Re-Homing Program. We will make every effort to find your companion a loving new home. However, we cannot guarantee that your animal will not be humanely euthanized due to medical or behavioral issues that develop while the animal is under our care.
Resources
Not every animal is appropriate for our Re-homing Program. In some cases, relinquishment can be avoided through counseling or other support. In other cases, another organization may be better equipped than The SF/SPCA to appropriately place your animal.
If you are a San Francisco resident, you may surrender your animal to San Francisco Animal Care and Control. There is no appointment necessary.
If you need financial assistance for a medical problem, call our hospital at 415-554-3038.
If you need information about pet-friendly housing:
Visit www.sfspca.org/opendoor/index.shtml.
If you need guidance for managing a behavior problem:
Call our Cat Behavior Helpline at 415-554-3075 or
our Dog Behavior Advice line at 415-901-6646.
Rescue groups can sometimes take animals that are not good candidates for our programs. Here are lists of some rescue groups to start with:
Cat Rescue Groups | Dog Rescue Groups
