"A growing and increasingly influential movement of philosophers, ethicists, law professors and activists are convinced that the great moral struggle of our time will be for the rights of animals." – Michael Pollan
The San Francisco SPCA was founded on the principal that a small group of people, working together and working strategically, could make a huge impact on the lives of animals. Over a century and a half, that has proven to be true. We are in the constant pursuit of how to make the work more effective and the changes long-lasting.
While we have a long history of profound achievements in supporting legislative changes to secure the rights of animals, our participation in the broader scope of companion animal advocacy has been marginal – until now. In fact, no organization in the country has focused on the rights and welfare of companion animals as a legislative priority.
The SF SPCA founded Shelter PALS and is defining a new discipline of animal law. It is an effort supported by distinguished legislative strategists and eminent litigators contributing their talents to defining and defending the rights of animals in California.
The impacts of working on a prioritized legal agenda can potentially far exceed the impact we can make through rescue and treatment alone.
The San Francisco SPCA has a long history of advocating for animal welfare. We have actively participated with fellow animal advocates, lawyers and governmental representatives to accomplish much in California in the last ten years. Here are some of the highlights.
2012-2014
2016
2018
2015
2017
2019
Leading Animal Welfare Organizations Herald State Support for Grants Benefiting People Experiencing Homelessness and Their Pets
California’s 2019-20 budget includes $5 million to support veterinary care and other pet-related needs for those experiencing homelessness.
July 3, 2019 – Three animal welfare organizations are applauding the newly enacted 2019-20 state budget’s inclusion of $5 million in grants to ensure the State of California supports local efforts to aid people experiencing homelessness and their pets. San Diego Humane Society, San Francisco SPCA and Front Street Animal Shelter have been working diligently in their communities to highlight the significance of the human-animal bond for people experiencing homelessness.
The San Francisco SPCA and The Humane Society of the United States Herald Coalinga’s Commitment to Animal Welfare Improvements
Thanks to police chief’s humane leadership, last animal shelter gas chamber in California is dismantled as state legislation advances to close loophole that allowed its use
June 3, 2016 – With financial, training and moral support from the San Francisco SPCA (SF SPCA) and The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), the City of Coalinga Animal Shelter today dismantled its gas chamber for good. Believed to be the last remaining shelter in California using any method other than the industry standard “euthanasia by injection,” Coalinga’s move paves the way for California to enact Assembly Bill 2505 (AB 2505) authored by Assemblyman Bill Quirk (D-Hayward), which would outlaw the use of carbon dioxide to kill dogs and cats in California.
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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.