Celebrate Rich Avanzino Day
November 14 is a day to celebrate the life, vision, and lasting impact of Rich Avanzino, who led the San Francisco SPCA from 1976 to 1999. Rich, who passed away […]
Honoring Rich Avanzino: A Legacy of Compassion and Courage
Rich Avanzino, the visionary former president of the San Francisco SPCA whose leadership helped reshape the future of animal welfare, passed away on September 20, 2026. For the millions of […]
Governor Newsom Signs the SNIP Act
Good news for animals across California: Governor Gavin Newsom has signed AB 2010, the Spay and Neuter Improvements for Pets Act, also known as the SNIP Act, into law. The […]
Our Position on Mandatory Spay/Neuter Laws
San Francisco has long been recognized as a national leader in animal welfare. This success is built on decades of collaboration between animal welfare organizations, veterinary professionals, community partners, and […]
Governor Newsom Officially Recognizes California Adopt-a-Pet Day
As California prepares for the third annual California Adopt-a-Pet Day on June 6, Governor Gavin Newsom has issued a letter officially recognizing the statewide event and its role in helping […]
California’s Hidden Animal Welfare Challenge: Survey Results
A new statewide survey, California’s Hidden Animal Welfare Challenge, takes a closer look at one of the biggest pressure points in animal welfare today: access to veterinary care. Building on momentum […]
Animal Advocacy Day 2026 Recap
On March 3, the San Francisco SPCA united with animal advocates, lawmakers, and animal welfare leaders from across California for our fourth annual Animal Advocacy Day at the State Capitol. […]
Thank You for Making 2025 a Lifesaving Year
As we reflect on what we’re grateful for in 2025, the team at the San Francisco SPCA is grateful for you. Your compassion helped us take major steps toward Vision 2030—our plan […]
California Strengthens Animal Welfare Leadership with 5 New Laws
As of January 1, 2026, five pieces of legislation that were sponsored or supported by the San Francisco SPCA went into effect. These laws will expand access to veterinary care, […]
Clearing the Path: Transforming Animal Welfare in California
Animal advocacy has been at the heart of the San Francisco SPCA since our founding. In 1868, local banker James Sloan Hutchinson was walking through downtown San Francisco when he […]
Making a Difference: Championing Change for Animals
Q&A with Bruce Wagman, Keith C. Wetmore Shelter PALS Special Counsel How long have you been involved with the SF SPCA? I’ve been serving as special counsel for the SF […]
Shelter PALS Featured in HumanePro
What happens when animal shelters face confusing laws and regulations, outdated ordinances, or legal barriers that stand in the way of saving lives? In California, they can turn to our […]