San Francisco SPCA

Pet Loss Support Group
2025-05-06 19:30 - 21:00, 2025-03-04 19:30 - 21:00, 2025-02-04 19:30 - 21:00, 2025-01-07 19:30 - 21:00, 2024-12-03 19:30 - 21:00, 2024-11-05 19:30 - 21:00, 2024-10-02 19:30 - 21:00, 2024-09-03 19:30 - 21:00 (America/Los_Angeles) and 4 more dates | SF SPCA – Geraldi Building, 250 Florida St, San Francisco, CA, 94103, United States
This group is open to any pet guardians and/or pet family members who would like support coping with the loss of a pet(s). Participants must be 18 years or older. Please see details below.

When: First Tuesday of every month from 7:30–9:00pm.
No registration required.
Please arrive between 7:25–7:30pm as late entry will not be possible.

Where: SF SPCA Adoption Center—Geraldi Building
250 Florida St, San Francisco, CA 94103
Directions: You can enter the Geraldi Building on 16th Street, near the corner of Florida Street. There will be signs directing you to the door and facilitators will be nearby before the group starts to help you navigate.PLEASE NOTE: You will NOT be able to enter the building from the SF SPCA’s Veterinary Hospital on Alabama Street nor through the SF SPCA’s Adoption Center or parking lot.
Accessibility: Group will be held on the first floor. There is a ramp located in the Adoptions Parking Lot towards Geraldi Building. Masks are recommended but not required.
Transport: Street parking is free and available in the neighborhood. The closest BART station is 16th St Mission and there are several MUNI stops (Lines 22, 33, 55, 27) nearby.
Contact: petloss@sfspca.org

For additional information, please visit our resource page here.
About the Pet Loss Support Group
Pet guardians often feel isolated and misunderstood when coping with the death of a cherished animal companion. Recognizing the need to provide bereaved pet owners with critical support, the San Francisco SPCA continues to offer ongoing pet loss support groups.
In 1982, the SF SPCA became the first humane society to offer a regular monthly grief counseling service—led by grief counselor Dr. Betty Carmack. Although Dr. Carmack has since retired, the monthly support group continued under the supervision of Dr. Cori Bussolari, associate professor of counseling psychology at the University of San Francisco. “The universality of the group is key—being able to express your emotions to others who can understand and relate helps provide validation. This group is exceptionally important for those who are grieving the loss of a beloved animal,” she explains. The support group is currently co-facilitated by Sharleen Phillips, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, and Shaina Madfes, Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist, who both trained under Dr. Bussolari and have been involved with the group since Fall 2017.

3rd Annual Animal Advocacy Day
2025-04-29 09:00 - 16:00 | Sacramento, Sacramento, CA, United States
We are excited to announce the 3rd Annual Animal Advocacy Day! This inspiring event unites animal advocates, state lawmakers, and animal welfare leaders across California for a day of action at the State Capitol. Animal Advocacy Day raises awareness about legislative efforts to help address critical access-to-care issues and veterinary shortages in California.
Last year, thanks to your support:

We successfully advocated for SB 1233, which allows California veterinary schools to develop specialized programs to combat the pet overpopulation crisis, by establishing high-quality, high-volume spay and neuter certification programs to be offered as elective coursework to students and practicing veterinarians
We effectively stopped AB 2265, a bill that imposed unworkable burdens on shelters and posed significant challenges for shelter animals—a major win for animal welfare!

These achievements wouldn’t have been possible without your participation and dedication.
We hope you’ll join us again this year to continue making a meaningful impact for animals in our state.
RSVP Here
Save the Date: Tuesday, April 29, 2025
Time: 9:00 AM –4:00 PM
Where: Sacramento, CA
Questions? Contact specialevents@sfspca.org

Thank you to The Barbara Wolfe Advocacy Fund for helping to make this work possible.

Pet Loss Support Group
2025-04-08 19:30 - 21:00 | SF SPCA – Geraldi Building, 250 Florida St, San Francisco, CA, 94103, United States
This group is open to any pet guardians and/or pet family members who would like support coping with the loss of a pet(s). Participants must be 18 years or older. Please see details below.

When: First Tuesday of every month from 7:30–9:00pm. April takes place on the 2nd Tuesday.
No registration required.
Please arrive between 7:25–7:30pm as late entry will not be possible.

Where: SF SPCA Adoption Center—Geraldi Building
250 Florida St, San Francisco, CA 94103
Directions: You can enter the Geraldi Building on 16th Street, near the corner of Florida Street. There will be signs directing you to the door and facilitators will be nearby before the group starts to help you navigate.PLEASE NOTE: You will NOT be able to enter the building from the SF SPCA’s Veterinary Hospital on Alabama Street nor through the SF SPCA’s Adoption Center or parking lot.
Accessibility: Group will be held on the first floor. There is a ramp located in the Adoptions Parking Lot towards Geraldi Building. Masks are recommended but not required.
Transport: Street parking is free and available in the neighborhood. The closest BART station is 16th St Mission and there are several MUNI stops (Lines 22, 33, 55, 27) nearby.
Contact: petloss@sfspca.org

For additional information, please visit our resource page here.
About the Pet Loss Support Group
Pet guardians often feel isolated and misunderstood when coping with the death of a cherished animal companion. Recognizing the need to provide bereaved pet owners with critical support, the San Francisco SPCA continues to offer ongoing pet loss support groups.
In 1982, the SF SPCA became the first humane society to offer a regular monthly grief counseling service—led by grief counselor Dr. Betty Carmack. Although Dr. Carmack has since retired, the monthly support group continued under the supervision of Dr. Cori Bussolari, associate professor of counseling psychology at the University of San Francisco. “The universality of the group is key—being able to express your emotions to others who can understand and relate helps provide validation. This group is exceptionally important for those who are grieving the loss of a beloved animal,” she explains. The support group is currently co-facilitated by Sharleen Phillips, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, and Shaina Madfes, Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist, who both trained under Dr. Bussolari and have been involved with the group since Fall 2017.

Telemedicine & Vaccine Clinics Webinar for Vets, RVTs, and Shelters
2025-03-12 12:00 - 14:00 | CA
Join the San Francisco SPCA and CVMA (California Veterinary Medical Association) for an exclusive webinar
Telemedicine and Vaccine Clinics in California: How to Use and Comply with the New Laws
This informative session will feature Grant Miller, DVM, Director of Regulatory Affairs for CVMA, and Bruce Wagman, Special Counsel for the SF SPCA’s Shelter Policy and Legal Services program, who will share their expertise on 2025 legislative updates and best practices for veterinarians in private practice and shelters, shelter managers, registered veterinarian technicians, and veterinary assistants in California.
March 12, 2025
Noon – 2:00 PM
For more information and to register, click here.
This program has been RACE-approved for 2 hours of continuing education credit in jurisdictions that recognize RACE approval.

We look forward to helping you navigate these exciting updates and empower your practice and the work of shelters in 2025!

Join the SF SPCA at Bark at Spark Puppy Love!
2025-02-23 11:00 - 17:00 | Spark Social, 601 Mission Bay Blvd. North, San Francisco, CA
♥️ Grab your puppy love and celebrate the paw-fect Valentine’s with us! 💘Cupid’s Bow is ready, with pet-centric vendors to pamper your furry friend, Valentine’s activities everyone (pup included) will “dig,” and a chance to vote for San Francisco’s Ultimate Pup Contest to find the Pawsitively Cutest Pet in San Francisco!
Come have a barking good time and fall in love!
🛍️Local Pet-centric Vendors!
💋Kissing Booth and Photo Ops
❤️ DIY Valentines
🐾 Pup Cup Race
Small Dogs(20lbs or less): Race Begins at 12PM
Big Dogs (21lbs or more): Race Begins at 1PM
🏆 San Francisco’s Ultimate Pup Contest – Vote for the Pawsitively Cutest Pet in San Francisco!
Come by the SF SPCA outpost at Spark Social to visit with our Animal Assisted Therapy ambassadors. Spin the wheel for some great SF SPCA swag and learn about our programs and adoptable animals.
Bark at SPARK – Puppy Love!
Sunday, February 23rd, 2025 | 11AM-5PM
SPARK Social SF, 601 Mission Bay Blvd. N., San Francisco, CA 94158
(All Pets Must Be On Leash)

Spread Joy to SF SPCA Shelter Animals: Union Street Merchants Toy Drive!
2024-11-30 - 2024-12-23 | Union Street Merchants, Union Street – Gough to Fillmore – San Francisco, CA
Paws & Play for the Holidays
From November 30th to December 23rd, Union Street Merchants are teaming up with the SF Firefighters Toy Drive and the San Francisco SPCA to make this holiday season brighter.

Donate a new toy for children – toys will be distributed to boys and girls in need throughout San Francisco.
Donate a new toy for dogs or cats – all toys will help spread cheer to SF SPCA shelter animals.

Visit any participating Union Street merchant. Your generosity brings joy to those who need it most this holiday season!

Holiday Windows and Live Cams
2024-11-22 - 2024-12-31 | Macy’s & SF SPCA Holiday Windows, Stockton St & O'Farrell St, San Francisco, CA, 94102, United States
San Francisco SPCA Holiday Windows
at Macy’s Union Square

It’s that time of year again—when the puppies and kittens take over the windows of Union Square!

This beloved San Francisco holiday tradition is back again bringing smiles and stealing hearts this season. Our adoptable puppies and kittens are ready to find their forever homes as they romp and play in the windows.

November 22–December 31
Wednesday–Sunday, noon–6pm*
For a complete list of Holiday events and to view our Live Cams visit sfspca.org/holiday.

Join the SF SPCA at Bark at Spark Howl-O-Ween
2024-10-27 11:00 - 17:00 | Spark Social, 601 Mission Bay Blvd. North, San Francisco, CA
🎃Calling all furry friends and spooky souls—it’s time to paw-ty! This isn’t just your average day at the dog park. We’ve got tail-wagging fun and paws-itively awesome activities for you and your four-legged besties. 🐾👻
🛍️ Pet-tastic Vendors – Treats, Toys, and more from local pet-loving businesses!
🏁 Pup Cup Race – Zoomies, but make it competitive!
🎃 Spook-tacular Photo Ops – Snap Insta-worthy pics with your costumed pets at our spooky backdrops!
📸 Costume Contest – Strut your stuff and show off those pawsome costumes!
🦮 Puppy Parade – Show off your pet’s best tricks and treats in our howlin’ Halloween parade!
Come by the SF SPCA outpost at Spark Social to visit with our Animal Assisted Therapy ambassadors. Spin the wheel for some great SF SPCA swag and learn about our programs and adoptable animals.
So, grab your matching costumes, put on your game face (or fur!), and get ready for a day of paw-some fun and hauntingly good times!

Join the SF SPCA at Dog Days at Oracle Park
2024-09-28 13:05 - 16:30 | Oracle Park, 24 Willie Mays Plaza, San Francisco, CA, 94107, United States
Inviting all dog lovers and pup parents to Oracle Park for a PAW-SOME day. Cheer on the Giants as they take on the St. Louis Cardinals—but before you do, suit up your furry friends in costume for a chance to snag a contest crown. Join us for a pregame on-field parade. Partial proceeds from each special event ticket will benefit the SF SPCA.
Game time: 1:05pm
Ticket sell out fast! To purchase tickets click here.

Join the SF SPCA at Thrive City's Paws-itively Summer
2024-07-20 10:00 - 12:00, 2024-06-22 10:00 - 12:00 | Thrive City, 1725 3rd Street, San Francisco, CA, 94158, United States
Attention all dog parents! Head on over to Thrive City’s Paws-itively Summer series.
Visit the SF SPCA pop-up booth and visit with our Animal Assisted Therapy Ambassadors.
Enjoy pet-friendly activities including a pup park, pup cup bar, and puppy mixers where you can connect with other pet owners.
Put on your best outfit and decorate a pet bandana at our craft station, then snap a photo at our paw-parazzi photo opportunity!
Eventbrite registration is required. Click here to RSVP.

Explore the San Francisco SPCA
2024-06-24 11:00 - 12:30 | San Francisco SPCA Adoption Center, 250 Florida Street, San Francisco, CA, 94103, United States
Join us for an exclusive tour of our adoption center, where you’ll have the opportunity to learn about our furry friends eagerly awaiting their forever homes.
Our knowledgeable staff will guide you through our seamless adoption process, providing insights into how you can make a difference in the life of a deserving animal. Whether you’re a seasoned pet owner or a first-time adopter, there’s a perfect match waiting for you.
Come, be a part of the San Francisco SPCA family and experience the joy of making a difference, one paw at a time. Visit us today and discover the extraordinary bond that awaits you!
Please RSVP by June 19, 2024.

Join the SF SPCA at the Union Street Festival
2024-06-02 10:00 - 18:00, 2024-06-01 11:00 - 19:00 | CA
Come by the SF SPCA outpost at the Union Street Festival. Visit with our Animal Assisted Therapy ambassadors. Spin the wheel for some great SF SPCA swag and learn more about our programs and adoptable animals.
The 46th annual Union Street Festival is located on Union Street between Fillmore Street and Octavia Street; Saturday, June 1st from 11am to 7pm and Sunday, June 2nd from 10 am to 6pm.
This annual celebration of San Francisco’s vibrant culture, brings together locals and visitors alike for a weekend of up-and-coming musicians, art, and unforgettable experiences.

Explore the San Francisco SPCA
2024-05-20 12:00 - 13:30 | San Francisco SPCA Adoption Center, 250 Florida Street, San Francisco, CA, 94103, United States
Join us for an exclusive tour of our adoption center, where you’ll have the opportunity to learn about our furry friends eagerly awaiting their forever homes.
Our knowledgeable staff will guide you through our seamless adoption process, providing insights into how you can make a difference in the life of a deserving animal. Whether you’re a seasoned pet owner or a first-time adopter, there’s a perfect match waiting for you.
Come, be a part of the San Francisco SPCA family and experience the joy of making a difference, one paw at a time. Visit us today and discover the extraordinary bond that awaits you!
Please RSVP by 5/19/22024.

Explore the San Francisco SPCA
2024-04-29 15:00 - 16:30 | San Francisco SPCA Adoption Center, 250 Florida Street, San Francisco, CA, 94103, United States
Join us for an exclusive tour of our adoption center, where you’ll have the opportunity to learn about our furry friends eagerly awaiting their forever homes.
Our knowledgeable staff will guide you through our seamless adoption process, providing insights into how you can make a difference in the life of a deserving animal. Whether you’re a seasoned pet owner or a first-time adopter, there’s a perfect match waiting for you.
Come, be a part of the San Francisco SPCA family and experience the joy of making a difference, one paw at a time. Visit us today and discover the extraordinary bond that awaits you!
Please RSVP by April 28, 2024.

Join the SF SPCA at Dog Days at Oracle Park
2024-04-27 17:00 - 20:30 | Oracle Park, 24 Willie Mays Plaza, San Francisco, CA, 94107, United States
We’re inviting all dog lovers and pup parents to Oracle Park for a PAW-SOME day. Cheer on the Giants as they take on the Pittsburgh Pirates—but before you do, suit up your furry friends in costume for a chance to snag a contest crown. Join us for a pregame on-field parade. Partial proceeds from each special event ticket will benefit the SF SPCA.
Game time: 6:05pm
Ticket sell out fast! To purchase tickets click here.

Join the SF SPCA at Spark Social
2024-04-19 16:00 - 18:00 | Spark Social, 601 Mission Bay Blvd. North, San Francisco, CA
Come by the SF SPCA outpost at Spark Social to visit with our Animal Assisted Therapy ambassadors. Spin the wheel for some great SF SPCA swag and learn more about our programs and adoptable animals.
SPARK Social SF is a community gathering space located in the heart of Mission Bay. Enjoy a variety of food trucks, beer/sangria garden, and event spaces designed to bring the neighborhood together for fun times, day or night.

Animal Advocacy Day
2024-04-16 09:00 - 16:00 | Sacramento, Sacramento, CA, United States
We are excited to announce the 2nd Annual Animal Advocacy Day, which brings together animal advocates from across the state for a day of action at the California State Capitol. Last year’s event brought state lawmakers, animal welfare leaders, and other advocates together. The event raised awareness about legislative efforts to help address critical access-to-care issues and veterinary shortages in California.
The impact of Animal Advocacy Day became evident as AB 1399, which allows for the use of veterinary telemedicine, and SB 669, which expands access to wellness care by, for example, allowing Registered Veterinary Technicians (RVTs) to administer vital vaccines at vaccine clinics when the veterinarian is off-site. Both bills were successfully enacted into law and Advocacy Day last year helped to build momentum and awareness of access-to-care legislation as well as other animal welfare needs.
We hope you will join us on this special day to improve animal welfare in our state.
