• When: First Tuesday of every month from 7:30–9:00pm.
  No registration required.
  Please arrive between 7:25–7:30pm as late entry will not be possible.

• Where: SF SPCA Adoption Center—Geraldi Building
  250 Florida St, San Francisco, CA 94103
• Directions: You can enter the Geraldi Building on 16th Street, near the corner of Florida Street. There will be signs directing you to the door and facilitators will be nearby before the group starts to help you navigate.PLEASE NOTE: You will NOT be able to enter the building from the SF SPCA’s Veterinary Hospital on Alabama Street nor through the SF SPCA’s Adoption Center or parking lot.
• Accessibility: Group will be held on the first floor. There is a ramp located in the Adoptions Parking Lot towards Geraldi Building. Masks are recommended but not required.
• Transport: Street parking is free and available in the neighborhood. The closest BART station is 16th St Mission and there are several MUNI stops (Lines 22, 33, 55, 27) nearby.
• Contact: petloss@sfspca.org

For additional information, please visit our resource page here.

About the Pet Loss Support Group

Pet guardians often feel isolated and misunderstood when coping with the death of a cherished animal companion. Recognizing the need to provide bereaved pet owners with critical support, the San Francisco SPCA continues to offer ongoing pet loss support groups.

In 1982, the SF SPCA became the first humane society to offer a regular monthly grief counseling service—led by grief counselor Dr. Betty Carmack. Although Dr. Carmack has since retired, the monthly support group continued under the supervision of Dr. Cori Bussolari, associate professor of counseling psychology at the University of San Francisco. “The universality of the group is key—being able to express your emotions to others who can understand and relate helps provide validation. This group is exceptionally important for those who are grieving the loss of a beloved animal,” she explains. The support group is currently co-facilitated by Sharleen Phillips, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, and Shaina Madfes, Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist, who both trained under Dr. Bussolari and have been involved with the group since Fall 2017.

The post Pet Loss Support Group appeared first on San Francisco SPCA.

Grab your puppy love and celebrate the paw-fect Valentine’s at SPARK. Cupid’s Bow is ready with pet-centric vendors to pamper your furry friend, Valentine’s activities everyone (pup included) will “dig,” and plenty of photo-worthy moments. Don’t miss San Francisco’s Love at First Bark, our Valentine-themed costume contest where pups are encouraged to dress as Cupid, a heart, or anything that represents love— because the cuter the costume, the sweeter the competition.

Come have a barking good time and fall in love!

15+ Local pet-centric vendors

Loveable Photo ops

Pup Cup Race
Small dogs (20 lbs or less): Race begins at 1PM
Big dogs (21 lbs or more): Race begins at 2PM

San Francisco’s Love at First Bark (Valentine-themed costume contest)

Dress your pup as Cupid, a sweet heart, or anything that screams love— from love letters and roses to matchmaking valentines and swoon-worthy looks. Love at First Bark contestants must arrive by 2PM to check in. The competition kicks off at 2:30PM.

Bark at SPARK: Puppy Love!
Sunday, February 15th, 2026 | 11AM–5PM
SPARK Social SF | 601 Mission Bay Blvd. N., San Francisco, CA 94158
(All pets must be on leash)

The post Join the SF SPCA at Bark at Spark Puppy Love! appeared first on San Francisco SPCA.

Animal Advocacy Day brings together passionate advocates, state lawmakers, and animal welfare leaders from across California for a powerful day of action at the State Capitol. Together, we raise awareness about legislative efforts to address our state’s most urgent challenges to pet owners and shelters, including access-to-care barriers and the ongoing veterinary shortage.

Thanks to your support during the 2025 legislative season, the following bills go into effect on January 1, 2026:

• AB 516: Clarifies which tasks RVTs and veterinary assistants may perform, reducing regulatory confusion and better utilizing their skills so teams can serve more animals.
• SB 602: Allows RVTs to provide wellness appointments (vaccines, parasite prevention) without a veterinarian being onsite, expanding access to preventive care—especially for pet owners in underserved communities.

These wins for animals were made possible because of advocates like you.

For more information and to RSVP, click here.

Tuesday, March 3, 2026
Time: 9am–4pm
Where: Sacramento, CA

Questions? Contact specialevents@sfspca.org 

Special thanks to the Barbara Wolfe Advocacy Fund for making this work possible.

The post 4th Annual Animal Advocacy Day appeared first on San Francisco SPCA.

• When: First Tuesday of every month from 7:30–9:00pm.
  No registration required.
  Please arrive between 7:25–7:30pm as late entry will not be possible.

• Where: SF SPCA Adoption Center—Geraldi Building
  250 Florida St, San Francisco, CA 94103
• Directions: You can enter the Geraldi Building on 16th Street, near the corner of Florida Street. There will be signs directing you to the door and facilitators will be nearby before the group starts to help you navigate.PLEASE NOTE: You will NOT be able to enter the building from the SF SPCA’s Veterinary Hospital on Alabama Street nor through the SF SPCA’s Adoption Center or parking lot.
• Accessibility: Group will be held on the first floor. There is a ramp located in the Adoptions Parking Lot towards Geraldi Building. Masks are recommended but not required.
• Transport: Street parking is free and available in the neighborhood. The closest BART station is 16th St Mission and there are several MUNI stops (Lines 22, 33, 55, 27) nearby.
• Contact: petloss@sfspca.org

For additional information, please visit our resource page here.

About the Pet Loss Support Group

Pet guardians often feel isolated and misunderstood when coping with the death of a cherished animal companion. Recognizing the need to provide bereaved pet owners with critical support, the San Francisco SPCA continues to offer ongoing pet loss support groups.

In 1982, the SF SPCA became the first humane society to offer a regular monthly grief counseling service—led by grief counselor Dr. Betty Carmack. Although Dr. Carmack has since retired, the monthly support group continued under the supervision of Dr. Cori Bussolari, associate professor of counseling psychology at the University of San Francisco. “The universality of the group is key—being able to express your emotions to others who can understand and relate helps provide validation. This group is exceptionally important for those who are grieving the loss of a beloved animal,” she explains. The support group is currently co-facilitated by Sharleen Phillips, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, and Shaina Madfes, Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist, who both trained under Dr. Bussolari and have been involved with the group since Fall 2017.

The post Pet Loss Support Group appeared first on San Francisco SPCA.

Join SF SPCA, Refuse Refuse, and SF Public Works for a friendly neighborhood clean-up!

Help us beautify the neighborhood around the SF SPCA. Cleaner streets mean happier walks for everyone, especially our furry friends!

We provide trash pickers, gloves, and bags. Just show up, and we’ll equip you with everything you need.

No prior volunteer experience necessary. Sign up today and let’s beautify San Francisco together!

When: Saturday, March 14 from 9:30 am – 11:30 am

Where: Meet in front of the adoption center at 250 Florida (arrive a few minutes early)

Click Here to Sign Up

The post SF SPCA Neighborhood Clean-Up appeared first on San Francisco SPCA.

• When: First Tuesday of every month from 7:30–9:00pm.
  No registration required.
  Please arrive between 7:25–7:30pm as late entry will not be possible.

• Where: SF SPCA Adoption Center—Geraldi Building
  250 Florida St, San Francisco, CA 94103
• Directions: You can enter the Geraldi Building on 16th Street, near the corner of Florida Street. There will be signs directing you to the door and facilitators will be nearby before the group starts to help you navigate.PLEASE NOTE: You will NOT be able to enter the building from the SF SPCA’s Veterinary Hospital on Alabama Street nor through the SF SPCA’s Adoption Center or parking lot.
• Accessibility: Group will be held on the first floor. There is a ramp located in the Adoptions Parking Lot towards Geraldi Building. Masks are recommended but not required.
• Transport: Street parking is free and available in the neighborhood. The closest BART station is 16th St Mission and there are several MUNI stops (Lines 22, 33, 55, 27) nearby.
• Contact: petloss@sfspca.org

For additional information, please visit our resource page here.

About the Pet Loss Support Group

Pet guardians often feel isolated and misunderstood when coping with the death of a cherished animal companion. Recognizing the need to provide bereaved pet owners with critical support, the San Francisco SPCA continues to offer ongoing pet loss support groups.

In 1982, the SF SPCA became the first humane society to offer a regular monthly grief counseling service—led by grief counselor Dr. Betty Carmack. Although Dr. Carmack has since retired, the monthly support group continued under the supervision of Dr. Cori Bussolari, associate professor of counseling psychology at the University of San Francisco. “The universality of the group is key—being able to express your emotions to others who can understand and relate helps provide validation. This group is exceptionally important for those who are grieving the loss of a beloved animal,” she explains. The support group is currently co-facilitated by Sharleen Phillips, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, and Shaina Madfes, Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist, who both trained under Dr. Bussolari and have been involved with the group since Fall 2017.

The post Pet Loss Support Group appeared first on San Francisco SPCA.

• When: First Tuesday of every month from 7:30–9:00pm.
  No registration required.
  Please arrive between 7:25–7:30pm as late entry will not be possible.

• Where: SF SPCA Adoption Center—Geraldi Building
  250 Florida St, San Francisco, CA 94103
• Directions: You can enter the Geraldi Building on 16th Street, near the corner of Florida Street. There will be signs directing you to the door and facilitators will be nearby before the group starts to help you navigate.PLEASE NOTE: You will NOT be able to enter the building from the SF SPCA’s Veterinary Hospital on Alabama Street nor through the SF SPCA’s Adoption Center or parking lot.
• Accessibility: Group will be held on the first floor. There is a ramp located in the Adoptions Parking Lot towards Geraldi Building. Masks are recommended but not required.
• Transport: Street parking is free and available in the neighborhood. The closest BART station is 16th St Mission and there are several MUNI stops (Lines 22, 33, 55, 27) nearby.
• Contact: petloss@sfspca.org

For additional information, please visit our resource page here.

About the Pet Loss Support Group

Pet guardians often feel isolated and misunderstood when coping with the death of a cherished animal companion. Recognizing the need to provide bereaved pet owners with critical support, the San Francisco SPCA continues to offer ongoing pet loss support groups.

In 1982, the SF SPCA became the first humane society to offer a regular monthly grief counseling service—led by grief counselor Dr. Betty Carmack. Although Dr. Carmack has since retired, the monthly support group continued under the supervision of Dr. Cori Bussolari, associate professor of counseling psychology at the University of San Francisco. “The universality of the group is key—being able to express your emotions to others who can understand and relate helps provide validation. This group is exceptionally important for those who are grieving the loss of a beloved animal,” she explains. The support group is currently co-facilitated by Sharleen Phillips, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, and Shaina Madfes, Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist, who both trained under Dr. Bussolari and have been involved with the group since Fall 2017.

The post Pet Loss Support Group appeared first on San Francisco SPCA.

• When: First Tuesday of every month from 7:30–9:00pm.
  No registration required.
  Please arrive between 7:25–7:30pm as late entry will not be possible.

• Where: SF SPCA Adoption Center—Geraldi Building
  250 Florida St, San Francisco, CA 94103
• Directions: You can enter the Geraldi Building on 16th Street, near the corner of Florida Street. There will be signs directing you to the door and facilitators will be nearby before the group starts to help you navigate.PLEASE NOTE: You will NOT be able to enter the building from the SF SPCA’s Veterinary Hospital on Alabama Street nor through the SF SPCA’s Adoption Center or parking lot.
• Accessibility: Group will be held on the first floor. There is a ramp located in the Adoptions Parking Lot towards Geraldi Building. Masks are recommended but not required.
• Transport: Street parking is free and available in the neighborhood. The closest BART station is 16th St Mission and there are several MUNI stops (Lines 22, 33, 55, 27) nearby.
• Contact: petloss@sfspca.org

For additional information, please visit our resource page here.

About the Pet Loss Support Group

Pet guardians often feel isolated and misunderstood when coping with the death of a cherished animal companion. Recognizing the need to provide bereaved pet owners with critical support, the San Francisco SPCA continues to offer ongoing pet loss support groups.

In 1982, the SF SPCA became the first humane society to offer a regular monthly grief counseling service—led by grief counselor Dr. Betty Carmack. Although Dr. Carmack has since retired, the monthly support group continued under the supervision of Dr. Cori Bussolari, associate professor of counseling psychology at the University of San Francisco. “The universality of the group is key—being able to express your emotions to others who can understand and relate helps provide validation. This group is exceptionally important for those who are grieving the loss of a beloved animal,” she explains. The support group is currently co-facilitated by Sharleen Phillips, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, and Shaina Madfes, Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist, who both trained under Dr. Bussolari and have been involved with the group since Fall 2017.

The post Pet Loss Support Group appeared first on San Francisco SPCA.

• When: First Tuesday of every month from 7:30–9:00pm.
  No registration required.
  Please arrive between 7:25–7:30pm as late entry will not be possible.

• Where: SF SPCA Adoption Center—Geraldi Building
  250 Florida St, San Francisco, CA 94103
• Directions: You can enter the Geraldi Building on 16th Street, near the corner of Florida Street. There will be signs directing you to the door and facilitators will be nearby before the group starts to help you navigate.PLEASE NOTE: You will NOT be able to enter the building from the SF SPCA’s Veterinary Hospital on Alabama Street nor through the SF SPCA’s Adoption Center or parking lot.
• Accessibility: Group will be held on the first floor. There is a ramp located in the Adoptions Parking Lot towards Geraldi Building. Masks are recommended but not required.
• Transport: Street parking is free and available in the neighborhood. The closest BART station is 16th St Mission and there are several MUNI stops (Lines 22, 33, 55, 27) nearby.
• Contact: petloss@sfspca.org

For additional information, please visit our resource page here.

About the Pet Loss Support Group

Pet guardians often feel isolated and misunderstood when coping with the death of a cherished animal companion. Recognizing the need to provide bereaved pet owners with critical support, the San Francisco SPCA continues to offer ongoing pet loss support groups.

In 1982, the SF SPCA became the first humane society to offer a regular monthly grief counseling service—led by grief counselor Dr. Betty Carmack. Although Dr. Carmack has since retired, the monthly support group continued under the supervision of Dr. Cori Bussolari, associate professor of counseling psychology at the University of San Francisco. “The universality of the group is key—being able to express your emotions to others who can understand and relate helps provide validation. This group is exceptionally important for those who are grieving the loss of a beloved animal,” she explains. The support group is currently co-facilitated by Sharleen Phillips, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, and Shaina Madfes, Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist, who both trained under Dr. Bussolari and have been involved with the group since Fall 2017.

The post Pet Loss Support Group appeared first on San Francisco SPCA.

• When: First Tuesday of every month from 7:30–9:00pm.
  No registration required.
  Please arrive between 7:25–7:30pm as late entry will not be possible.

• Where: SF SPCA Adoption Center—Geraldi Building
  250 Florida St, San Francisco, CA 94103
• Directions: You can enter the Geraldi Building on 16th Street, near the corner of Florida Street. There will be signs directing you to the door and facilitators will be nearby before the group starts to help you navigate.PLEASE NOTE: You will NOT be able to enter the building from the SF SPCA’s Veterinary Hospital on Alabama Street nor through the SF SPCA’s Adoption Center or parking lot.
• Accessibility: Group will be held on the first floor. There is a ramp located in the Adoptions Parking Lot towards Geraldi Building. Masks are recommended but not required.
• Transport: Street parking is free and available in the neighborhood. The closest BART station is 16th St Mission and there are several MUNI stops (Lines 22, 33, 55, 27) nearby.
• Contact: petloss@sfspca.org

For additional information, please visit our resource page here.

About the Pet Loss Support Group

Pet guardians often feel isolated and misunderstood when coping with the death of a cherished animal companion. Recognizing the need to provide bereaved pet owners with critical support, the San Francisco SPCA continues to offer ongoing pet loss support groups.

In 1982, the SF SPCA became the first humane society to offer a regular monthly grief counseling service—led by grief counselor Dr. Betty Carmack. Although Dr. Carmack has since retired, the monthly support group continued under the supervision of Dr. Cori Bussolari, associate professor of counseling psychology at the University of San Francisco. “The universality of the group is key—being able to express your emotions to others who can understand and relate helps provide validation. This group is exceptionally important for those who are grieving the loss of a beloved animal,” she explains. The support group is currently co-facilitated by Sharleen Phillips, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, and Shaina Madfes, Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist, who both trained under Dr. Bussolari and have been involved with the group since Fall 2017.

The post Pet Loss Support Group appeared first on San Francisco SPCA.