As a nonprofit, we are committed to serving our community as best we can—especially for clients who may face financial barriers. After careful consideration and analysis, we have decided to close the San Francisco SPCA Hospital on Sundays, effective May 4, 2025. This small change will help us protect our ability to provide great care for the long haul without compromising on quality or compassion.
We know changes can feel like a big deal, and as members of our beloved community, we want to ensure you understand why and what it means for you and your pets. Our adoption center remains open on Sundays with our standing invitation to come in and say hello!
Why the change?
Like many animal hospitals across the country, we are feeling the effects of a nationwide shortage of veterinary professionals. The shortage is something we care deeply about and are working to address in many ways. As an organization, this reality impacts us, particularly in terms of staffing challenges on Sundays. Fortunately, an analysis of our services, staffing, and appointment flow confirms that we are able to provide more care more efficiently, Monday through Saturday.
By closing on Sundays, we can focus our energy and people where they’re needed most—keeping the same number of appointments available throughout the week, just in a slightly different schedule.
What if my pet needs urgent help on the weekend?
We will still be open on Saturdays, as usual. If your pet needs care after 5pm on Saturdays or on Sundays, we recommend visiting SAGE San Francisco, located just a few blocks away at 600 Alabama Street. They’re a trusted partner and well-equipped to handle emergency situations.
What happens to pets already hospitalized on Saturday?
We want you to feel supported and confident, even outside of regular hours, so we have a plan in place for every situation. If your pet requires overnight care on Saturday nights and Sundays, there are multiple options offered:
- Critical cases will be transferred to SAGE for continued care.
- Stable pets who need extra support but don’t require emergency care will go home with a spectrum of care plan, which means you’ll have clear instructions on how to monitor them and keep them comfortable.
- We’ll schedule rechecks or readmissions first thing Monday morning so nothing falls through the cracks.
- Your pet’s doctor will talk with you directly to discuss the plan and help you schedule any follow-ups.
Will it be harder to get an appointment?
Actually, no! By shifting our team’s schedules, we anticipate being able to accommodate the same number of appointments, just spread over six days instead of seven. That means no loss in availability—just a smarter, more sustainable setup for everyone.
Our new hours (starting May 4)
📅 Monday-Saturday
🕗 8am-6pm
📞 By appointment