On Monday, February 3, 2025, the San Francisco SPCA collaborated with San Francisco Animal Care and Control (ACC), St. Anthony Foundation, and Full Belly Bus to host a free mobile vaccine clinic in the heart of the Tenderloin.
With funding from the San Francisco Foundation, this Tenderloin Mobile Vaccine Clinic provided life-saving preventive care for dogs in a community facing a surge in parvovirus cases.
A critical need for accessible veterinary care
The Tenderloin district has been at the center of a concerning parvovirus outbreak, with the ACC reporting a sharp increase in cases since November 2024—nearly double the total seen in previous years.
Canine parvovirus (parvo) is highly contagious and often fatal without proper treatment, yet it is entirely preventable with timely vaccinations. Recognizing this urgent need, we and our partners brought essential services directly to the community, offering free distemper/parvo vaccinations, flea treatment, deworming, and microchips.
Bringing veterinary care directly to communities
Held at the Golden Gate Greenway, the clinic saw an overwhelming response from the community. Dozens of pet owners arrived early to secure a spot, and many shared their excitement for the opportunity to protect their dogs from disease.
The event provided proactive veterinary care and laid the groundwork for long-term impact. The SF SPCA’s mobile vaccine clinics have served over 5,000 animals in the last fiscal year, and this event serves as a model for expanding access to care in other areas with limited access to veterinarians.
“Access is at the heart of our mission,” said Jessica Bogosian, Director of Community Medicine Programs at the SF SPCA. “We recognize that many communities face obstacles to establishing consistent veterinary care, so we’re building a system that actively removes those barriers—creating pathways for lasting relationships with trusted animal care providers and ensuring pets receive the preventive care they need to stay healthy.”
Beyond the clinic: A system of care
This initiative is part of our broader mission to address the nationwide crisis of access to veterinary care. One issue, in particular, is the lack of affordable and accessible spay and neuter services, which has led to an explosion of homeless pets and overcrowded municipal shelters.
By providing mobile clinics, forging strong community partnerships, and offering affordable spay/neuter services, the SF SPCA is working to create a sustainable system of care that ensures no pet is left behind.
Looking ahead
This most recent clinic continues our efforts to expand access to care in San Francisco. The next Tenderloin Mobile Vaccine Clinic will be held on March 3, 2025. This upcoming clinic will focus on administering booster vaccinations and continuing the fight against parvovirus in the Tenderloin.
If you’re interested in volunteering at our mobile vaccine clinics in the future, please click here!