Policy & Legal Services

Shelter Policy and Legal Services (Shelter PALS) establishes a new area of law and policy to empower California shelters with legal support and education to bring compassionate care to companion animals.

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.

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Meet the Team

Lindsay Tang
General Counsel

Bruce Wagman
Lead Counsel

Barbara Schmitz
Animal Welfare Advocacy Counsel

Shelter PALS Advocacy Legislation

Our Bill to Prohibit the Use of Gas Chambers to Kill Dogs and Cats Signed into Law

July 25, 2016 – Our Bill to Prohibit the Use of Gas Chambers to Kill Dogs and Cats Signed into Law – In partnership with

July 25, 2016

SF SPCA Helps Dismantle the Last Known Gas Chamber in CA Shelter

June 3, 2016 – SF SPCA Helps Dismantle the Last Known Gas Chamber in CA Shelter – With training and support from the San Francisco

June 3, 2016

Fighting to Protect California Tenants and Pets

May 1, 2016 – Fighting to Protect California Tenants and Pets – The San Francisco SPCA is proud to have helped defeat AB 2760, a

May 1, 2016

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Stay up to the date on our advocacy work, and receive notifications when we need public support for legislation!

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Note: This list is for advocacy only. You won’t receive marketing emails, and you can unsubscribe anytime.

Terms & Conditions

SF SPCA – Mission Campus

201 Alabama Street
San Francisco CA 94103
415.554.3000

Ready To Adopt?

Get started.

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.

Find the perfect match.

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.

Meet and greet.

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).

Make it official.

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.

Stay in touch.

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.