Plan for Your Pet's Future Through Our Sido Program

Sido Program

The San Francisco SPCA Sido Program offers an innovative way to plan now for your pets' future, so they will be cared for if you predecease them. 

Many people don't have a trusted, willing friend or relative to appoint as guardian for their pet.  They worry about what will happen to their pet when they pass away.  Enrolling your pet in the Sido Program provides peace of mind about the fate of your pet. 

When their owner dies, dogs and cats enrolled in the Sido Program are taken into the SF SPCA's Adoption Program where they receive loving care and attention while we work to place them in the best possible home.

For Sido enrollment, please contact Tina Ahn, Director of Development & Communications, at 415.554.3025 or tahn@sfspca.org

California Pet Trusts

On January 1st, 2009 a new law went into effect aimed at protecting animals after the deaths of their owners.  Senate Bill 685, initiated by The San Francisco SPCA and authored by Senator Leland Yee (D-San Francisco/San Marco), is expected to reduce the burden on animal shelters, conserve public services and funds, protect defenseless pets, and guarantee that people's wills are carried out as intended.

"Pets are an important part of the American family," said Yee.  "This law makes pet trusts enforceable and assures that the wishes of the pet owners are respected."

"This is a great step forward in protecting pets throughout California," said Jan McHugh-Smith, President of the San Francisco SPCA.  "This law provides the legal basis to make certain that the careful planning of pet owners is carried out and that pets continue to be cared for and safeguarded even after the passing of their owners."

Pet trusts in California had previously only been honorary, not enforceable by law.  This new law makes pet trust law consistent with other trust law by requiring trustees to carry out trust instructions regarding pets, and by incorporating oversight to guarantee performance.

"Wills and trusts are the means for people to bestow their possessions and savings as they see fit," Yee added.  "Under this new law, a pet owner will be assured that their pet will be properly cared for after their passing while also ensuring that kin are not burdened with undue pressure."

If you would like a copy of the San Francisco SPCA's sample Pet Trust, please contact Tina Ahn at 415.554.3025 or tahn@sfspca.org.