Thinking about adopting a dog but not able to make the trip to our shelter? The San Francisco SPCA is excited to offer virtual adoptions, a brand-new way to meet adoptable dogs and bring home your future best friend—without ever stepping foot in the shelter (until pick-up day, of course!).
What are virtual adoptions?
Virtual adoptions are exactly what they sound like: the entire adoption process—from meet-and-greet to paperwork—is done virtually. You’ll connect with our expert Adoptions team online, meet available dogs through a video call, ask questions, and, if it’s a match, you’ll complete the adoption process from home. All that’s left is to come pick up your new pup in person.
This program is all about making adoptions easier, more accessible, and more convenient. Whether you’re across the city, across the Bay, or farther away, virtual adoptions help us connect more people with our wonderful animals.
How do virtual adoptions work?
It’s easy to get started with virtual adoptions. Here’s how our process works:
1. Fill out our Virtual Adoption Form
Start by submitting our Virtual Adoption Form with your contact info and preferences. This form helps us learn a bit about you and what kind of dog might be the best fit.
2. Meet the dogs
Once we receive your form, our Adoptions team will reach out to schedule a virtual meet-and-greet. You’ll get to meet dogs currently available for adoption and chat with our team about their personalities, routines, and needs.
3. Make your decision
If you fall in love (and we think you will!), our team will walk you through the next steps to complete your adoption virtually. Please note that we cannot place dogs on hold, and your adoption isn’t finalized until payment is submitted.
4. Pick up your new best friend
The final step is the most exciting: come by the SF SPCA Adoption Center to pick up your new dog!
Why virtual adoptions?
We launched virtual adoptions to make it easier for our community to adopt and also to broaden the circle of loving homes available to our animals. For adopters, it means more flexibility and the chance to meet dogs on your own schedule. For dogs, it means more opportunities to find the perfect match—faster.
Currently, virtual adoptions are available only for dogs, but we look forward to expanding the program to include cats in the future.
Ready to adopt your new best friend? Visit our dog adoptions page to learn more and start your virtual journey today.