The current state of shelter law and policy is insufficient to address important companion animal welfare issues in California.
The SF SPCA Shelter Policy and Legal Services (Shelter PALS) provides legal and policy aid to California shelters through collaborative efforts of in-house and pro-bono attorneys and other experts.
While we are currently working with a handful of shelters across the state, we aim to roll this effort out statewide. We are currently accepting donations to extend this life saving legal effort.
Shelter PALS is the country’s first and only legal aid organization dedicated exclusively to the needs of animal shelters.
Shelter PALS leverages the expertise of the best minds in animal welfare, and channels significant legal aid to animal shelters. We champion policy change and counsel shelter clients to reduce imbalances of expertise and resources that result in poor outcomes for animals.
We believe it’s possible for every animal shelter to get access to quality legal help. Join us as Shelter PALS improves the lives of animals in California and creates a roadmap for change nationwide.
Not ready to register as a Shelter PALS client yet? View our free shelter resources.
Does your shelter need legal help now?
Click here to register your shelter.
Lindsay Tang
General Counsel
Bruce Wagman
Lead Counsel
Barbara Schmitz
Animal Welfare Advocacy Counsel
We are facing a crisis-level veterinary shortage in California. We recently conducted a survey that found more than 344,00 animals do not have adequate access
AB 1399, will authorize telemedicine practice for veterinarians with a current California license. The use of veterinary telemedicine will significantly reduce animal suffering, alleviate financial and logistical barriers to veterinary care, improve
The San Francisco SPCA is proud to announce our first proposed legislation tackling our state’s current access-to-veterinary-care crisis. As many of you know, a growing shortage
The California State Legislature is considering two pieces of legislation that significantly improve access to veterinary care for local shelters, and for individuals across the
Prescription refills associated with a veterinary-client-patient-relationship (“VCPR”) are normally valid for only twelve months after an animal patient is last seen in-person by a veterinarian.
September 15, 2020 – Shelter PALS Shelter Law Webinar Series – Shelter Intake Shelter professionals are invited to join us for a webinar in which
August 18, 2020 – Shelter PALS Expands Veterinary Care for Shelter Animals In exciting news, Shelter PALS has unlocked ways for shelters in California to
June 4, 2020 – CA Telemedicine Victory as DCA Waives Restrictions – California veterinarians now have another tool available to them to help keep pets and
May 20, 2020 – CDPH Shares Lifesaving Protocols for Animal Shelters during COVID-19 – Shelter PALS is very excited to announce that, in a victory
March 22, 2020 – Governor Clarifies Animal Shelter Workers as Essential – Governor Gavin Newsom updated his shelter-in-place order to clarify that workers in animal care facilities
October 9, 2019 – Keeping Families Together During Emergencies – The San Francisco SPCA is thrilled to report that it will now be easier for Californians
July 3, 2019 – California’s Budget Includes $5 Million for Compassionate Veterinary Care – The San Francisco SPCA applauds the compassionate inclusion of funding to aid
October 1, 2018 – SF SPCA Leads the Way to Protect Pets in Divorce Law – Thanks to the San Francisco SPCA’s advocacy efforts, California’s pets
April 12, 2018 – SF SPCA Celebrates Lifesaving Partnership in Stockton – The San Francisco SPCA has a long and respected history of helping shelters
July 26, 2016 – Jonny Justice Joins President Breed and SF SPCA to Help Canine Victims of Dogfighting – The San Francisco SPCA is glad that
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SF SPCA – Mission Campus
201 Alabama Street
San Francisco CA 94103
415.554.3000
