At this time, the SF SPCA is leaning into solving the crisis-level veterinary professional shortage we are experiencing in California. This shortage has detrimental impacts on animal shelters and underserved communities. For example, the demand for life-saving spay/neuter surgeries greatly exceeds the ability to provide those surgeries, which limits the public’s ability to adopt, and leads to overcrowded shelters and a rising pet overpopulation.

The overall lack of access to veterinary care, including emergency care, has resulted in delayed treatment, pet relinquishment to shelters, and significant stress on shelters, practicing veterinarians, veterinary technicians, and pet owners. The SF SPCA is committed to continuing to find and advance policy solutions to this shortage, thereby saving animals from suffering.

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