About

Access for All.

Compassion Meets Action

Since 1868, the San Francisco SPCA has been advocating for animals.

Today, we continue transforming how pet guardians and their furry friends access lifesaving care through our world-class veterinary hospital, adoption center, and community medicine programs.

Vision 2030 builds on our groundbreaking work to provide access to care for animals throughout California, especially in regions like the Central Valley. Our goal is to positively impact the lives of five million animals in the next ten years.

Vision

We envision a world in which the love people share with animals uplifts humanity to a state of greater compassion.

Mission

To ensure every companion animal has access to quality medical care, compassionate shelter, and a loving home.

Results that Matter

Making a significant impact to ensure positive outcomes for pets.

National Leader

Over 150 years of preventing animal cruelty and rescuing those in need.

San Francisco SPCA founder James Sloan Hutchinson

1868

SF SPCA Founded

James Sloan Hutchinson founds the SF SPCA—the fourth humane society in the nation, and the first west of the Mississippi. California passes a bill to make cruelty to animals a crime.

1884

First Horse Ambulance

Before human ambulances appeared in San Francisco, the SF SPCA designed and constructed a horse ambulance—the first of its kind in the West.

1890

“Animals Home” Built

SF SPCA builds “Animals Home” for lost and stray animals at the corner of 16th and Alabama Streets.

1905

Responsible for SF Animal Control

SF SPCA is given full responsibility for animal control services in San Francisco.

1906

Helps Animals Post Quake

SF SPCA comes to the aid of animals imperiled by the earthquake and fire.

1913

Our Animals

SF SPCA publishes the first issue of Our Animals.

1918

Fire Department Horse

Lottie G becomes the first fire department horse sent to the SF SPCA Animals Home.

1941

Pets Evacuated from Pearl Harbor

SF SPCA receives and cares for pets evacuated from the Pearl Harbor Attack until they can be reunited with their families.

1963

New Animal Shelter

New animal shelter opens at Alabama Street site.

1980

Mobile Adoption Outreach and Foster Care

SF SPCA establishes one of the first mobile adoption outreach programs and a foster fare program.

1981

Animal Assisted Therapy

The first humane-society based Animal Assisted Therapy program is created.

1982

Sido Program Begins

Donor leaves funds for Sido program to help animals who outlive their guardians.

1998

Maddie’s Adoption Center

Maddie’s Adoption Center opens as the first cageless adoption center in the United States.

2009

New Animal Care Center

Leanne B. Roberts Animal Care Center opens as the second largest veterinary center in the country.

2020

Shelter Pals

SF SPCA launches the first legal aid for shelters, Shelter PALS, that results in over 1 million animal lives positively impacted in it’s first year.

Become a Volunteer

With a hospital, clinic, and adoption center, we offer lots of fun, interesting opportunities.

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San Francisco SPCA Our Animals Cover Image Spring 2023

News & Publications

Explore recent news, press releases, and blog updates for the latest info on animal welfare.

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Work With Us

Make a difference daily with a team of talented people with diverse backgrounds.

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