This isn't just what we do. This is who we are.
It’s all for the love of pets! At the San Francisco SPCA, we offer care and protection to animals in need, and we believe all cats and dogs (and the people who love them) deserve access to high-quality veterinary care. As the largest animal shelter in the SF Bay Area and the first cageless animal shelter established in the U.S., we are transforming the way pet guardians and their beloved furry family members access lifesaving resources. Through our public hospitals, shelter hospital, and offsite community medicine clinics, we are reaching beyond ordinary care models to provide new, innovative pathways to service. At the SF SPCA, we are ensuring that access to care means access for all.
We envision a world in which the love people share with animals uplifts humanity to a state of greater compassion.
Our mission is to ensure every companion animal has access to quality medical care, compassionate shelter, and a loving home.
Here for animals since 1868, the SF SPCA is one of San Francisco’s most enduring and respected nonprofit organizations.
The SF SPCA is an independent non-profit supported entirely by our community
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San Francisco Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is a 501 (c)(3) non profit organization. EIN: 94-0836580
To expedite the adoption process, please complete the cat or dog adoption form and bring a printed copy with you to the SF SPCA Adoption Center (Hours & Location). This helps us better understand what sort of pet you’re looking for so we can guide you every step of the way! Please bring a valid photo ID and verification that you are allowed to have a pet where you currently live.
First, we’ll meet with you to find out more about you and your pet preferences and answer your questions. Our goal is to help you find the pet that best fits your lifestyle and living situation so we want to make sure you have a realistic understanding of the time and resources necessary to provide training, medical treatment, and proper care for your new pet. This can take time so please allow at least one hour for the adoption process.
Once we have a good understanding of your living situation and the type of pet you’re interested in, we’ll make introductions and let you spend some quality time getting to know each other to see if there’s a love connection. It’s important that all household members take part in this important decision so please make sure everyone is present (including any resident dogs if you’re considering adding a new pooch to your pack).
Once love happens, we’ll complete the paperwork, review all the SF SPCA adoption benefits, provide information on any known medical or behavioral issues, and share tips to make the transition a success for both you and your new pet.
We consider you and your new furry friend a part of the SF SPCA family so please reach out with questions ― and be sure to share your adoption stories and pet photos at sfspca.org/stories
Don’t forget to schedule your first free health exam at the SF SPCA Veterinary Hospital within three days of adopting.