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About

Access for All.

Compassion Meets Action

Since 1868, the San Francisco SPCA has been advocating for animals. 

Today, we continue transforming how pet guardians and their furry friends access lifesaving care through our world-class veterinary hospital, adoption center, and community medicine programs. 

Vision 2030 builds on our groundbreaking work to provide access to care for animals throughout California, especially in regions like the Central Valley. Our goal is to positively impact the lives of five million animals in the next ten years.

Vision

We envision a world in which the love people share with animals uplifts humanity to a state of greater compassion.

Mission

To ensure every companion animal has access to quality medical care, compassionate shelter, and a loving home.

Results that Matter

Making a significant impact to ensure positive outcomes for pets.

Latest Results →

San Francisco SPCA Shelter Dog Chewing Red Ball

National Leader

Over 150 years of preventing animal cruelty and rescuing those in need.

San Francisco SPCA founder James Sloan Hutchinson
1868
SF SPCA Founded
James Sloan Hutchinson founds the SF SPCA—the fourth humane society in the nation, and the first west of the Mississippi. California passes a bill to make cruelty to animals a crime.
San Francisco SPCA timeline 1884 horse ambulance
1884
First Horse Ambulance
Before human ambulances appeared in San Francisco, the SF SPCA designed and constructed a horse ambulance—the first of its kind in the West.
San Francisco SPCA timeline 1890 Animals Home
1890
“Animals Home” Built
SF SPCA builds “Animals Home” for lost and stray animals at the corner of 16th and Alabama Streets.
San Francisco SPCA timeline 1905 animal control
1905
Responsible for SF Animal Control
SF SPCA is given full responsibility for animal control services in San Francisco.
San Francisco SPCA timeline 1906 earthquake
1906
Helps Animals Post Quake
SF SPCA comes to the aid of animals imperiled by the earthquake and fire.
San Francisco SPCA timeline 1913 Our Animals
1913
Our Animals
SF SPCA publishes the first issue of Our Animals.
San Francisco SPCA timeline 1918 Lottie G fire department horse
1918
Fire Department Horse
Lottie G becomes the first fire department horse sent to the SF SPCA Animals Home.
San Francisco SPCA timeline 1941
1941
Pets Evacuated from Pearl Harbor
SF SPCA receives and cares for pets evacuated from the Pearl Harbor Attack until they can be reunited with their families.
San Francisco SPCA timeline 1963 building exterior
1963
New Animal Shelter
New animal shelter opens at Alabama Street site.
San Francisco SPCA timeline 1980 mobile adoption outreach
1980
Mobile Adoption Outreach and Foster Care
SF SPCA establishes one of the first mobile adoption outreach programs and a foster fare program.
San Francisco SPCA timeline 1981 Animal Assisted Therapy Program
1981
Animal Assisted Therapy
The first humane-society based Animal Assisted Therapy program is created.
San Francisco SPCA timeline 1982 Sido program
1982
Sido Program Begins
Donor leaves funds for Sido program to help animals who outlive their guardians.
San Francisco SPCA timeline 1998 Maddie's Adoption Center
1998
Maddie’s Adoption Center
Maddie’s Adoption Center opens as the first cageless adoption center in the United States.
San Francisco SPCA timeline 2009 Leanne B. Roberts Animal Care Center
2009
New Animal Care Center
Leanne B. Roberts Animal Care Center opens as the second largest veterinary center in the country.
San Francisco SPCA timeline 2020 Shelter Pals
2020
Shelter Pals
SF SPCA launches the first legal aid for shelters, Shelter PALS, that results in over 1 million animal lives positively impacted in it’s first year.
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San Francisco SPCA become a volunteer

Become a Volunteer

With a hospital, clinic, and adoption center, we offer lots of fun, interesting opportunities.

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San Francisco SPCA Our Animals Cover Image Spring 2023

News & Publications

Explore recent news, press releases, and blog updates for the latest info on animal welfare.

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San Francisco SPCA work with us

Work With Us

Make a difference daily with a team of talented people with diverse backgrounds.

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