Returns &

Surrenders

The SF SPCA can only accept returns of pets that were originally adopted at this shelter.

No. For all stray pets, please reach out to your local municipal shelter. Click here to find the shelter in your county.

No. The SF SPCA is only able to house dogs and cats previously adopted from our shelter.

Yes. Appointments are required to make sure we have a room available for your pet. Please start by booking a phone consultation with an adoption counselor so we can learn more about your experience with the pet. The consultation should take no more than 30 minutes. During the phone consultation, we can book a date and time to drop your pet off safely at the SF SPCA Adoption Center.

Please bring the pet you are returning, including any medical records from visits to the vet. You are welcome to bring up to one grocery bag filled with toys, beds, or other supplies to be sent home with the pet to their next home. You are also welcome to bring any crates or carriers to be kept with the pet or to be donated. Any pet items that do not need to stay with the returned pets may be donated for shelter and public use at the time of the appointment. 

Most appointments last no longer than 5 minutes. During your appointment, you will read and sign a relinquishment form, which transfers ownership of your pet to the SF SPCA. This form can be signed on your mobile phone or on paper. Lastly, you will hand off your pet to our care team.

Return appointments are typically available between 1-3 days after your phone consultation. Appointments are required to make sure we have a room available for your pet. 

After a pet is returned, they will be evaluated by our medical and behavior teams to set them up on the best pathway out of the shelter. Most returned pets are adopted into new homes.

Euthanasia only occurs if a pet has serious behavior or medical concerns that cannot be treated or managed in a shelter. We never euthanize animals due to a lack of space. The SF SPCA’s top priority is to maintain a good quality of life for each pet in our care and the safety of our staff, volunteers, and community. 

SF SPCA policy does not allow us to provide updates once a pet has been returned. Rest assured, your pet will be in good hands!

We do not offer exchanges. However, our Adoptions Team would be happy to facilitate the adoption of another pet, should we have one that better suits your needs and lifestyle. We realize not every pet is the best fit for every home.