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Many people don’t have a trusted, willing friend or relative to appoint as their pet’s legal guardian so they worry what will happen to their pet(s) when they pass away. Enrolling in the SF SPCA’s Sido Program means peace of mind about the fate of your pet.

Since 1979, dogs and cats enrolled in Sido Program have moved seamlessly into the SF SPCA’s adoption program with complimentary medical care for two years. Adoption staff provide loving care and quick placements for pets in our shelter; and staff relay medical history, food preferences and other important details to new adoptive families.

For Sido Program enrollment, please contact our Development Office at 415.554.3029 or sido@sfspca.org.

Keeping Your Pets Safe in a Disaster

It’s important to keep your pets in mind as you make plans for a disaster. If you don’t have a plan already, now is the time to make one. Below are some tips for keeping your furry friends safe.

Ensure that your pets are microchipped and wearing collars. Keep your contact information up-to-date with the microchip company. Not sure which company you’re using? Your veterinarian can help.

Plan a safe place to stay. Not all hotels allow pets. Make a plan with friends or relatives, or research which nearby hotels are pet friendly.

What would happen to your pet if a disaster struck and you weren’t home? Designate a trusted caregiver, preferably someone who lives close to you, and make sure that person has a set of your keys.

Put together a disaster kit. This kit should contain:

4 – 7 day supply of food and bottled water, including bowls.
At least a 2 week supply of any medications, plus medical records, stored in a waterproof container. Consider including a pet first aid book.
A leash, harness, and carrier so you can easily
transport your pet to a safe location. Blankets
and towels inside the carrier will help keep your
pet comfortable.
Litter box, litter, scoop, and garbage bags.
Current photos and descriptions of your pets. If you become separated, this will help rescue workers find your animals.

If you evacuate, take your pet. It’s impossible to know how long you’ll be away from home; assume you won’t be allowed to return for several weeks, even if you’re told it will only be a day. Pets left behind in a disaster can be easily injured, killed, or lost. Don’t wait for a mandatory evacuation order – leaving before will reduce stress and help everyone stay safe.

Join the Sido Program! The San Francisco SPCA’s Sido Program offers an innovative way to plan now for your pets’ futures, so your dog or cat will be cared if they outlive you. Enrolling your pet in the Sido Program is easy. To get started contact the Development Team at sido@sfspca.org or 415-554-3029.

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Ready To Adopt?

Get started.

To expedite the adoption process, please complete the cat or dog adoption form and bring a printed copy with you to the SF SPCA Adoption Center (Hours & Location). This helps us better understand what sort of pet you’re looking for so we can guide you every step of the way! Please bring a valid photo ID and verification that you are allowed to have a pet where you currently live.

Find the perfect match.

First, we’ll meet with you to find out more about you and your pet preferences and answer your questions. Our goal is to help you find the pet that best fits your lifestyle and living situation so we want to make sure you have a realistic understanding of the time and resources necessary to provide training, medical treatment, and proper care for your new pet. This can take time so please allow at least one hour for the adoption process.

Meet and greet.

Once we have a good understanding of your living situation and the type of pet you’re interested in, we’ll make introductions and let you spend some quality time getting to know each other to see if there’s a love connection. It’s important that all household members take part in this important decision so please make sure everyone is present (including any resident dogs if you’re considering adding a new pooch to your pack).

Make it official.

Once love happens, we’ll complete the paperwork, review all the SF SPCA adoption benefits, provide information on any known medical or behavioral issues, and share tips to make the transition a success for both you and your new pet.

Stay in touch.

We consider you and your new furry friend a part of the SF SPCA family so please reach out with questions ― and be sure to share your adoption stories and pet photos at sfspca.org/stories

Don’t forget to schedule your first free health exam at the SF SPCA Veterinary Hospital within three days of adopting.

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