Frequently Asked Questions
Veterinary Care & Clinic FAQs
If you’re an SF SPCA client seeking prescription food or medication from the Mission Campus Hospital at 201 Alabama Street, there are several options:
• Call our refill lines. For prescription food, dial (415) 522-3555 and for prescription medication, dial (415) 522-3554. Leave a message with the pet’s name, owner’s name, medication/food name, and quantity. We typically contact you via text and email, but if you prefer a phone call, please let us know.
• Text the pet’s name, owner’s name, medication/food name, and quantity to (415) 554-3030.
• Email our pharmacy the pet’s name, owner’s name, medication/food name, and quantity at mipharmacy@sfspca.org.
• Order through our online partner pharmacy, RxPro. Visit the RxPro website to create an account and have the food or medication shipped directly to you. When you shop online with us, a portion of the sales will support the SF SPCA’s Financial Assistance Program and our shelter animals.
Most prescriptions requested for hospital pick-up will be ready within 72 hours. You will receive a text notification when your items are ready. In cases where there are no remaining medication refills or special circumstances, a doctor must approve the refill request, which might extend the wait time beyond 72 hours.
If your pet has only been seen at the Community Veterinary Clinic (CVC), located at 4527 Mission Street in the Excelsior District, there are three options for medication requests and refills:
• Call the CVC prescription refill line at (415) 429-5410 and leave a message with the pet’s name, owner’s name, medication/food name, and quantity. We typically contact you via text and email, but if you prefer a phone call, please let us know. All medications must be picked up at the CVC, open Wed–Sat from 8am–6pm.
• Text the pet’s name, the owner’s name, medication/food name, and quantity to (415) 554-3030.
• Email the pet’s name, owner’s name, medication/food name, and quantity to communityclinic@sfspca.org.
Medications for pets only seen at the CVC cannot be filled at our Mission Hospital or through RxPro, our online pharmacy.
The SF SPCA Hospital does not directly authorize outside pharmacies. A written prescription for food or medication may be requested by calling us at (415) 522-3554, texting us at (415) 554-3030, or emailing us at mipharmacy@sfspca.org. Once it’s ready, you can pick up the prescription during our regular business hours or have the prescription mailed to you. We do not email prescriptions.
We accept food prescriptions from outside veterinarians. Bring your food prescription to the kiosk on the first floor of the hospital during regular business hours, 7 days a week, from 8am to 6pm. You can also call (415) 522-3555 (our food refill line) or text (415) 554-3030 to inquire about food availability. Medication prescriptions or refills from outside veterinarians cannot be filled. Contact us by calling (415) 522-3550, texting (415) 554-3030, or emailing mipharmacy@sfspca.org for assistance.
Our onsite and online pharmacies are only for SF SPCA clients. If you have a written prescription from another veterinarian, check with human pharmacies or online veterinary pharmacies for medication availability.
A valid Veterinarian-Client-Pet Relationship (VCPR) must exist for any pet to obtain prescriptions by law. An in-person examination with your pet by a veterinarian at this hospital must have occurred within the last 12 months to have a current VCPR. If your pet has been seen at a different veterinary hospital, please contact them for prescriptions.
If you still have questions or need further assistance, please contact the hospital pharmacy by calling (415) 522-3550, texting (415) 554-3030, or emailing mipharmacy@sfspca.org.
Adoption FAQs
No. Our adoption center is walk-in only, so we operate on a first-come, first-served system. When you arrive, simply sign in at one of our self-service kiosks, and our team will walk you through the next steps.
During our adoption process, we want to ensure that you have enough time to view as many animals as you’d like, get all your questions answered, and feel confident in your decision. The process takes about an hour, but can vary from person to person. We recommend visiting on a day when you’re not pressed for time.
Our adoption center has large and small dogs and a team of adoption counselors ready to help you find your perfect match. Our dogs are typically mixes of popular dog breeds like Australian Shepherds, Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds, Chihuahuas, Pit Bulls, and Terriers.
Yes. We refresh our website every 15 minutes to ensure that it reflects all our available animals. When an animal is available for adoption, we add their profile to our website. As soon as an animal is adopted, we remove their profile. When you visit our adoption center, you may see animals that aren’t listed on the website. This means that they’re not yet ready for adoption because they may be receiving health checks or recovering from surgery.
If you see that an animal is “free” or that their adoption fees have been waived, it means that our generous SF SPCA donors have sponsored their adoption. Sponsoring adoption fees help us get animals out of our shelter and into loving homes faster.
No, we do not reserve or place holds on animals. Your adoption is not complete until you submit your payment.
No. Although the SF SPCA rescued animals like pigs and horses when we were first founded in 1868, we currently only house cats and dogs.
Although our animals are cute, you can only physically interact with them if considering adoption. Our animals get plenty of love from our staff and volunteers during the day, and we don’t want to stress them out by introducing them to too many strangers.
Every animal on our adoption floor is medically and behaviorally assessed throughout their time at our shelter. Each animal is altered (spayed or neutered), microchipped, vaccinated, and given preventative flea, tick, and worm medications before they’re available for adoption. However, we recommend taking your new cat or dog to the veterinarian for a standard check-up after adoption.
Yes. All of our adoptable animals receive a complimentary round of age-appropriate vaccines. However, your veterinarian may recommend additional vaccines and other preventive care.
We will only accept a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license, state identification card, or U.S. passport.
When you adopt from the SF SPCA, we send you and your new companion home with a few days’ worth of food, a collar, a leash (if you’re adopting a dog), a cardboard carrier (if you’re adopting a cat), and a 20% discount coupon to Pet Food Express. We also sell basic supplies like harnesses, slow feeders, cat toys, and more at our adoption center.
Yes. We completely understand if an adoption doesn’t work out. The SF SPCA will always accept animals previously adopted from us with no judgment and no time limit. If behavior is an issue, we recommend meeting with our veterinary behaviorists or reviewing our behavior resources for advice.
Behavior FAQs
A board-certified veterinary behaviorist is a veterinarian with advanced training in animal behavior who has been certified by the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists (DACVB)—think of them as pet psychiatrists. During their training, behaviorists complete an internship, residency, extensive casework, publish research, and pass a board exam. Their expertise includes medical and behavioral knowledge, allowing them to treat issues like anxiety, aggression, phobias, and compulsive behaviors.
While both dog trainers and veterinary behaviorists address behavior, their roles and qualifications are very different. Dog training is unregulated, and trainers are not licensed to diagnose or treat medical or behavioral disorders. In contrast, veterinary behaviorists are licensed veterinarians with advanced training in clinical animal behavior medicine. They treat the root causes of behavior issues, which may involve medical conditions and neurochemical imbalances. Their care often includes diagnostics, behavior plans, and medication when appropriate.
The methods and tools used to train your pet can have a lasting impact on their behavior, emotional well-being, and overall quality of life. Punishment-based tools like shock or prong collars can increase fear, anxiety, and aggression. While they may seem to work in the short term, they often cause long-term harm. Leading veterinary organizations, including the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists, recommend positive reinforcement methods, which are humane, science-based, and effective. Our team can connect you with qualified professionals who use safe, evidence-based training tailored to your pet.
Yes! A veterinary behaviorist focuses on diagnosing and treating the root causes of behavior issues, while a skilled trainer can help implement the behavior modification plan in a practical, hands-on way. If you already have a trainer, we’ll work with them if their approach aligns with our recommendations. Punishment-based methods can harm progress, so we may not continue collaboration in those cases. If you’re looking for a skilled trainer, our experienced behavior team can provide trusted recommendations.
Veterinary behaviorists are trained to treat all domestic species. While we may not have hands-on experience with every type of animal, we have the expertise to develop effective treatment plans tailored to their needs.
Dogs and cats are the most common patients we see, but we also welcome birds, rabbits, and other species. Additionally, we offer consultations for zoo animals and captive wildlife when needed. If you’re unsure whether we can help with your pet’s specific needs, feel free to reach out.
A behavior consultation includes a detailed evaluation of your pet’s history, behavior, and medical background. The doctor will ask detailed questions and may perform a gentle physical exam and recommend diagnostic tests to rule out medical causes. We never provoke problem behaviors. While training strategies are discussed, hands-on training does not take place during the consultation. After the consultation, you’ll receive a personalized treatment and follow-up plan that may include behavior modification, environmental changes, and medication if needed.
Yes, but with some limitations. To comply with federal and state regulations, we require that the initial consultation be conducted in person. At least one in-person visit per year is necessary to maintain a legal doctor-patient relationship. If clinic visits are stressful for your pet, we may do a brief outdoor exam followed by a virtual consult.
For clients unable to visit our facility, we offer telemedicine consultations in collaboration with your primary veterinarian. Your veterinarian will be responsible for implementing and overseeing the treatment plan, including prescribing any recommended medications. Follow-ups may be done remotely at the doctor’s discretion. We’re happy to help you find the best option for your pet.
No, seeing the behavior in person isn’t necessary. We rely on your detailed observations, medical records, and, if available, naturally recorded videos (never staged). These insights are often more valuable than witnessing a single incident. We also assess body language during appointments and welcome input from trainers if you’re working with one. With this information, we can confidently create an effective treatment plan.
Yes. If your pet finds clinic visits stressful, we can do a brief physical exam (sometimes just visual) outside our facility to meet legal requirements, then complete the consultation virtually. This option lets your pet stay comfortable at home and helps you focus during the appointment. We’re happy to work with you to find the least stressful option for your pet’s care.
We have lots of availability! We’ll get you scheduled in as soon as possible, usually within 1-2 weeks.
The initial consultation costs $595. Total treatment costs vary depending on factors like diagnostic tests, follow-up visits, and additional services. On average, intensive treatment lasts 3-6 months, with costs ranging from $1,500 to $3,000. As treatment progresses, the frequency of visits and costs decrease. Each treatment plan is personalized, and we strive to use your time and resources efficiently to achieve the best results for your pet.
Yes! We offer 15-minute vet-to-vet consultations, where our behaviorist reviews your pet’s records and discusses treatment options with your primary vet. This is a cost-effective way to access our expertise without the full consultation fee. We also accept CareCredit to help manage costs. We’re committed to supporting you in providing the best care for your pet, regardless of your budget.
Pet insurance coverage for behavior consultations varies by policy. Some plans cover veterinary visits and diagnostics but not behavioral therapy. We recommend reviewing your policy for specifics on coverage and exclusions. If needed, we can help with claim forms and provide statements. Please note that payment is due at the time of service, and insurance will reimburse you directly.
Behavioral change takes time and varies by pet. Treatment duration depends on factors like behavior severity, health issues, and adherence to the plan. Typically, an intensive treatment phase lasts 3-6 months, with follow-up visits every 2-4 weeks. Steady, gradual improvement is our goal, but every pet’s timeline is unique.
We cannot guarantee a specific outcome, as behavior is complex and influenced by many factors. Every pet responds differently to treatment, and success depends on their unique needs and your involvement in the process. While we can’t predict exact results, we work with you to set realistic goals and offer personalized care. What we can promise is a professional, transparent approach and our commitment to exploring every option to support your pet’s well-being. We’ll continue to provide new strategies as needed to help you achieve your goals.
Returns FAQs
The SF SPCA can only accept returns of pets that were originally adopted at this shelter.
No. For all stray pets, please reach out to your local municipal shelter. Click here to find the shelter in your county.
No. The SF SPCA is only able to house dogs and cats previously adopted from our shelter.
Yes. Appointments are required to make sure we have a room available for your pet. Please start by booking a phone consultation with an adoption counselor so we can learn more about your experience with the pet. The consultation should take no more than 30 minutes. During the phone consultation, we can book a date and time to drop your pet off safely at the SF SPCA Adoption Center.
Please bring the pet you are returning, including any medical records from visits to the vet. You are welcome to bring up to one grocery bag filled with toys, beds, or other supplies to be sent home with the pet to their next home. You are also welcome to bring any crates or carriers to be kept with the pet or to be donated. Any pet items that do not need to stay with the returned pets may be donated for shelter and public use at the time of the appointment.
Most appointments last no longer than 5 minutes. During your appointment, you will read and sign a relinquishment form, which transfers ownership of your pet to the SF SPCA. This form can be signed on your mobile phone or on paper. Lastly, you will hand off your pet to our care team.
Return appointments are typically available between 1-3 days after your phone consultation. Appointments are required to make sure we have a room available for your pet.
After a pet is returned, they will be evaluated by our medical and behavior teams to set them up on the best pathway out of the shelter. Most returned pets are adopted into new homes.
Euthanasia only occurs if a pet has serious behavior or medical concerns that cannot be treated or managed in a shelter. We never euthanize animals due to a lack of space. The SF SPCA’s top priority is to maintain a good quality of life for each pet in our care and the safety of our staff, volunteers, and community.
SF SPCA policy does not allow us to provide updates once a pet has been returned. Rest assured, your pet will be in good hands!
We do not offer exchanges. However, our Adoptions Team would be happy to facilitate the adoption of another pet, should we have one that better suits your needs and lifestyle. We realize not every pet is the best fit for every home.