The San Francisco SPCA
Founded on April 18, 1868, the San Francisco SPCA was the nation's fourth humane society and the first west of the Mississippi. It has become one of San Francisco's most enduring and respected institutions, as well as a national leader in saving homeless cats and dogs.

Past . . .
On a spring day in 1868 San Francisco banker James Sloan Hutchinson caught sight of two men dragging a terrified hog along the rough cobblestone street. Appalled, Hutchinson stepped in to stop the cruelty and rescue the hog. The incident crystallized Hutchinson's concern over widespread animal abuse, and he soon rallied 15 like-minded citizens to found the San Francisco SPCA.

In 1884 The SF/SPCA built the first horse ambulance in the West. It rescued hundreds of horses during the devastating 1906 earthquake and fire, and later built watering stations for workhorses in burned-out areas of the city. It also established a "pensioners fund," so former Fire and Police Department horses could retire to country ranches.

In 1905 The SF/SPCA was given responsibility for animal control services in San Francisco, a role the organization played for the next 84 years. Throughout the 20th century, The SF/SPCA introduced pioneering programs and services:

Present . . .
The SF/SPCA finds homes for thousands of dogs and cats each year. Its Hospital treats more than 20,000 animals annually and is a national leader in providing charitable services to the community. Its low-cost Spay/Neuter Clinic, which has altered more 125,000 cats and dogs, has played a major role in reducing pet overpopulation in San Francisco. In partnership with San Francisco Animal Care and Control, The SF/SPCA has made San Francisco the nation's safest city for homeless cats and dogs.

Future . . .
The SF/SPCA is preparing to build a world-class veterinary and training facility, The Leanne B. Roberts Animal Care Center. Construction will begin in 2006 and it is anticipated that the new Center will open in 2007. Located in a building adjacent to The SF/SPCA's Maddie's Pet Adoption Center, the 60,000 sq. ft. facility will offer the most advanced and comprehensive medical services, including specialty referral services. To find out how you can help The SF/SPCA build this pioneering health care center for animals, contact Mary Casey, 415-554-3025 or