Spay/Neuter Clinic

As Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Jena Valdez oversees our most innovative and impactful veterinary care programs, which are designed to offer quality, compassionate care to shelter animals and affordable, non-judgmental veterinary care to clients and their pets.

In addition to overseeing veterinary services at the SF SPCA, Dr. Valdez pioneered the launch of the Community Veterinary Clinic, a first-of-its-kind, preventative care center in San Francisco’s Excelsior district (a longstanding veterinary-resource desert). She is also working to export the scalable Community Clinic model to under-resourced communities throughout California.

A graduate of Colorado State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Dr. Valdez has extensive experience in private practice, sheltering, and high-quality, high-volume spay and neuter services. She’s a nationally recognized advocate for increasing access to veterinary care and increasing diversity within the fields of veterinary medicine and animal welfare.

Dr. Valdez shares her San Francisco home with her husband, their ball-obsessed Dachshund mix, and a regal brown tabby.

When I was five years old, I was playing outside and saw a wounded pigeon in the street. I picked it up and tried to bring it home, but my mom had me take it back outside. I put the pigeon down and never saw it again. I regretted not caring for the bird, and from that day, I vowed to be a voice for animals and to advocate for them in their times of need.

Some of the most rewarding parts of my work as a veterinarian are advocating for my patients and finding medical solutions that make practical sense for each family. This can be a challenging field, so sharing perspectives and knowledge with other vets while fostering a supportive environment enriches my experience. And it’s gratifying to know we’re working together for the shared goal of advancing animal welfare.

After graduating, my decision to work at the SF SPCA was a natural one for me. The sense of community within the organization is palpable, and I was drawn to the wealth of experience among the staff. Our collaborative approach to medicine ensures that each case benefits from multiple perspectives, enriching the care we provide. The variety of medicine is another aspect I cherish about working here. From urgent care in the main hospital to performing surgeries at our spay/neuter clinic, every day presents new challenges and opportunities to make a difference in the lives of pets.  

What I enjoy most about being a veterinarian is being able to interact daily with so many different animal patients. My days are never the same. In addition, I love working at a hospital where the goal is to support families and their pets, no matter their socioeconomic status, and to provide access to care for all animals in the San Francisco area.

Even though I’ve been practicing veterinary medicine since 1993, I still enjoy being with, observing, and working with animals and wildlife. I love drawing on my own personal and work experiences to connect with our clients and have a positive impact on people and their pets. 

Growing up in my babysitter's house in suburban San Mateo, I was immersed in a world of caring for animals, ranging from chickens to rabbits to dogs and cats. This experience solidified my desire to become a veterinarian, as I witnessed firsthand the incredible bond between animals and their human companions.  

My experience both locally and internationally in India has shown me the importance of shelter medicine and population control. Performing surgeries that can prevent overpopulation and improve animals’ health and well-being is incredibly rewarding. I’m also passionate about access to veterinary care, and I’m thrilled to work at the SF SPCA, where we strive to make veterinary experiences positive and fear-free for both animals and their owners despite income level.  

I’m proud to be part of a team that is committed to delivering exceptional veterinary care and making a positive impact on the lives of animals and their families in the community.  

I love working with animals on a daily basis, and I enjoy teaching their people how to keep them healthy and prevent future medical problems. I love the detective work of solving a mystery and learning new surgeries and techniques to help clients who might not be able to afford specialty-level care. I’m also excited to support healthy communities by teaching a new generation of veterinarians to provide compassionate care for all animals.