Holiday Highlights

Shelter Animal Toy Drive
Spread holiday magic to shelter animals waiting for their forever homes. On Saturday, December 13, 11 a.m.–5 p.m., donate new cat or dog toys at the SF SPCA tent in Winter Walk (Stockton at O’Farrell). Cast members from Cirque du Soleil ECHO will join the Animal-Assisted Therapy Animals from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m..

SF SPCA at Winter Walk
Visitors can visit the SF SPCA’s booth at Winter Walk to meet Animal-Assisted Therapy Animals, pose for photos, and purchase SF SPCA swag and personalized gifts.

• Saturday, December 13, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
• Sunday, December 14, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
• Friday, December 19, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
• Saturday, December 20, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.
• Sunday, December 21, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Special Holiday Partnership

The SF SPCA has partnered with Cirque du Soleil ECHO to spread holiday cheer beyond Union Square. Through this collaboration, theatergoers can save 25% on tickets, and for every ticket purchased through this offer, $3 will be donated to the SF SPCA to support our lifesaving work for animals.

“The holidays should be a time of joy for every animal, not just those already in homes. Our 39-year partnership with Macy’s Union Square transforms window shopping into lifesaving action,” said Dr. Jennifer Scarlett, CEO of the SF SPCA. “Between our iconic Holiday Windows and KTVU and FOX LOCAL on 2’s toy drive on December 13, our community has multiple ways to make a difference. Whether through adoption, toy donations, or simply spreading the word, together we can rewrite these animals’ stories before the year ends.”

Name Your Price Adoptions
As Union Square becomes a festive destination for the holiday season, the Holiday Windows emphasizes the importance of adoption for families considering welcoming a new furry companion. To help more than 500 animals get adopted this holiday season, the SF SPCA will have Name Your Price adoptions for all animals over 5 months old throughout the entire holiday period. Those looking for a new best friend can view adoptable animals at sfspca.org/adopt.

The SF SPCA is grateful for the support of our generous Holiday Windows corporate sponsors, including Fetch, Nestle Purina PetCare Company, and KPMG.

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 San Francisco, CA—The San Francisco SPCA celebrated another successful legislative session this year, with both bills sponsored by the organization being signed into law by Governor Gavin Newsom. As a result, more animals will have access to critical care services, making for safer, healthier pets across California.

Both Assembly Bill 516 (AB 516), authored by State Assemblymember Ash Kalra (D-San José), and Senate Bill 602 (SB 602), authored by State Senator Dave Cortese (D-Silicon Valley), were passed by the State Legislature and officially enacted into law by Governor Newsom.

Both bills will expand the roles and duties of Registered Veterinary Technicians (RVTs)— licensed professionals who provide medical care for animals under the supervision of a veterinarian.

“Because of the ongoing veterinary shortage in California, many of our state’s most vulnerable animals are unable to access critical services and care,” said SF SPCA CEO Dr. Jennifer Scarlett. “By empowering our highly skilled RVTs to take on certain tasks and responsibilities, we are freeing up our veterinarians to address the most crucial needs of the day. This makes the public safer and our animals healthier. I want to thank our amazing partners, Assemblymember Kalra and Senator Cortese, for their leadership on this advance in care, and Governor Newsom, for signing these bills into law.”

AB 516 will significantly expand the tasks that RVTs and veterinary assistants perform while working for a veterinarian. It clarifies that RVTs and veterinary assistants are able to perform any and all tasks not forbidden by law, giving their supervising veterinarians more time to perform other critical procedures, like surgeries.

“I am grateful Governor Newsom has signed AB 516! By clarifying the scope of practice for RVTs, we can create a critical pathway toward addressing veterinary care shortages in California,” said Assemblymember Kalra. “Thank you to our partners for their advocacy and work to bring this bill across the finish line.”

SB 602 will allow RVTs in designated animal care facilities to conduct appointments providing basic but critical vaccination clinics and parasite control without their supervising veterinarian on the premises.

“By allowing shelters to hold more wellness and vaccination clinics, the new law reduces barriers to basic care for low-income pet owners,” said Senator Cortese. “The law is designed to combat the profound impact of the veterinary professional shortage on vulnerable animals. By maximizing the roles of veterinary staff, it opens up new paths to treat animals in need at most shelters.”

Working with the State Legislature, the SF SPCA helped craft the bills and usher them forward from concept to law, further establishing the organization as a strong and powerful advocate for animal welfare in Sacramento.

The SF SPCA worked collaboratively with other animal welfare organizations, such as bill co-sponsors San Diego Humane Society and the California Veterinary Medical Association, forging a key alliance with the group that represents almost 8000 veterinarians and 800 RVTs.

Last year, the SF SPCA supported a series of bills that were passed by lawmakers and approved by Governor Newsom. Those new laws made veterinary telemedicine available to all Californians, improved pet health across the state, and created a program to increase the availability of lifesaving spay-neuter surgery.

Earlier this year, the organization helped kick off the third annual Animal Advocacy Day, an important day of action in Sacramento featuring the California Animal Welfare Association (CalAnimals), San Diego Humane Society, Best Friends Animal Sanctuary, Michelson Animal Foundation, the ASPCA, Humane World for Animals, and Valley Humane Society.

Both SB 602 and AB 516 will officially go into effect on January 1, 2026.

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About the San Francisco SPCA

The San Francisco SPCA is an independent, community-supported nonprofit animal welfare organization dedicated to saving, protecting, and providing immediate care for cats and dogs who are homeless, ill, or in need of an advocate. The SF SPCA also works long-term to educate the community, reduce the number of unwanted kittens and puppies through spaying and neutering, and improve the quality of life for animals and their human companions. The organization does not receive government funding.

For more information, visit sfspca.org

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The live display transforms the busiest shopping season into an opportunity to save a life and welcome a new family member. The Holiday Windows will be open from November 21 to December 31, Wednesday through Sunday, from noon to 5 p.m. During these hours, the SF SPCA will staff an adoption information station on Macy’s main floor to help visitors take the next step toward adoption. Macy’s will be closed on November 27 and December 25.

To increase adoptions during the holiday season and help 500 animals find their forever homes, the SF SPCA will have Name Your Price adoptions for all animals over 5 months old throughout the entire holiday period. Those interested in adopting can also visit the SF SPCA’s Adoption Center in the Mission District, where hundreds more animals are waiting to find their forever families.

” The SF SPCA and Macy’s Holiday Windows have been bringing joy to San Francisco for nearly four decades, and each year we see the incredible impact of this tradition,” said Dr. Jennifer Scarlett, CEO of the SF SPCA. “By offering Name Your Price adoptions, we’re removing barriers and making it possible for more families to experience the unconditional love of a pet this holiday season. Every adoption creates space for us to save another life.”

For those who can’t visit in person, the magic continues online with Holiday Live Cams streaming daily on the SF SPCA website, sfspca.org/holiday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., November 21 through December 31.

The SF SPCA will host a special Shelter Animal Toy Drive in partnership with KTVU & FOX LOCAL on Saturday, December 133, at Macy’s. The event offers a chance to bring holiday cheer to the animals at the SF SPCA shelter. Additional activations and events will be announced at a later date.

The SF SPCA is grateful for the support of our generous Holiday Windows corporate sponsors, including Fetch, Nestle Purina PetCare Company, and KPMG.

The post The San Francisco SPCA Celebrates 39 Years of Holiday Magic with Iconic Windows at Macy’s Union Square and Name-Your-Price Adoptions appeared first on San Francisco SPCA.

“We are thrilled to welcome Justin and Monica to the SF SPCA,” said Dr. Jennifer Scarlett, CEO of the SF SPCA. “They each bring a unique blend of passion, strategic leadership, and experience that will help us deepen our lifesaving work and expand access to care for animals and the people who love them.”

Justin Leal brings more than 20 years of leadership experience in healthcare and public health, most recently serving as System Vice President of Clinical Operations at Piedmont Healthcare, a 26-hospital system based in Atlanta, where he also held the role of Chief Operating Officer for Piedmont Mountainside Hospital. Known for founding First Call Staffing Solutions, an in-house agency that grew to over 1,500 clinicians, and for launching a virtual nursing program supporting 2,700 acute care beds across 17 hospitals, Justin brings a deep understanding of operational excellence at scale. At the SF SPCA, he will lead operations with a focus on continuous improvement, inclusive collaboration, and driving innovative solutions to strengthen the human-animal bond across the Bay Area.

“I’m honored to be joining an organization with such a powerful legacy and mission,” said Justin Leal, Chief Operating Officer. “As someone whose life has always been enriched by animals, I’m excited to help expand our impact and improve the lives of pets and their people across the Bay Area.”

Monica Bonny joins the SF SPCA with a strong track record in nonprofit financial leadership, including roles at Bay Area Discovery Museum, Alder Graduate School of Education, and Canal Alliance. In her most recent position as Chief Financial and Operating Officer at the Bay Area Discovery Museum, Monica oversaw Finance, Facilities & Exhibits, IT, and Food Services. Recognized for her commitment to making finance and budgeting accessible and empowering for all teams, Monica will oversee the SF SPCA’s

financial strategy and operations to ensure sustainability and support the organization’s evolving impact in animal welfare.

“I’m passionate about making financial systems work for everyone, and I’m excited to bring that approach to the SF SPCA’s mission, which resonates with me,” said Monica Bonny, Chief Financial Officer. “The SF SPCA’s work benefits so many lives, and I’m thrilled to support its continued growth and impact.”

These appointments come as the SF SPCA continues its work to expand access to affordable veterinary care, strengthen community partnerships, and improve the lives of animals and the people who love them.

The post San Francisco SPCA Welcomes New Executive Leaders to Advance Animal Welfare and Community Impact appeared first on San Francisco SPCA.

“Shelters across California are facing a critical overcrowding crisis, and we’re seeing the ripple effects throughout our state’s animal welfare network,” said Jennifer Scarlett, CEO of the SF SPCA. “Clear The Shelters provides a vital lifeline not just for the animals in our care, but for the overwhelmed shelter system statewide. Every adoption we facilitate through this campaign creates space for another animal in desperate need and helps us save more lives throughout the Bay Area.”

Clear The Shelters fundraising will be led by Greater Good Charities, a global nonprofit and longtime campaign partner. Donations to the SF SPCA can be made from Aug. 1 to 31 at SFSPCA.org and ClearTheSheltersFund.org.

Potential adopters can also utilize the SF SPCA’s virtual adoption service, which allows website users to browse adoptable pets, schedule a virtual meet and greet, and submit applications.

Hill’s Pet Nutrition, a global leader in science-based pet nutrition, is returning as the campaign’s national sponsor for the eighth consecutive campaign. For more on Clear The Shelters, including participating animal shelters and rescues, along with details on local events, visit ClearTheShelters.com and the Spanish-language site DesocuparlosAlbergues.com.

Follow Clear The Shelters on social media:

• X: @ClearTheShelter
• Instagram: cleartheshelters
• TikTok: @cleartheshelters
• Hashtags: #ClearTheShelters & #DesocuparLosAlbergues

About Clear The Shelters
NBCUniversal Local’s Clear The Shelters is an annual nationwide pet adoption and donation campaign held each August. As part of the initiative, NBC- and Telemundo-owned and affiliated stations partner with animal shelters and rescues in communities across the U.S. to promote pet adoption and raise funds for participating shelters. Since its 2015 inception, Clear The Shelters has led to nearly 1.2 million pet adoptions and raised more than $5 million. Longtime campaign supporters include Hill’s Pet Nutrition, a national sponsor for eight consecutive years, Greater Good Charities and WeRescue. Clear The Shelters was inspired by a 2014 North Texas pet adoption event hosted by NBC 5 / KXAS and Telemundo 39 / KXTX. For more information, visit ClearTheShelters.com.

About the San Francisco SPCA

The San Francisco SPCA is an independent, community-supported, nonprofit animal welfare organization dedicated to saving, protecting and providing immediate care for cats and dogs who are homeless, ill or in need of an advocate. The SF SPCA also works long-term to educate the community, reduce the number of unwanted kittens and puppies through spaying and neutering, and improve the quality of life for animals and their human companions. The organization does not receive government funding. For more information, visit sfspca.org.

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Sacramento, Calif. (July 9, 2025) – The California Animal Welfare Association (CalAnimals), the San Francisco Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SF SPCA), and the ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) today announced that nearly 5,000 animals were adopted into loving homes as part of the second California Adopt-a-Pet Day on June 7, 2025, making for another hugely successful statewide event. The ASPCA provided funds to waive adoption fees at most participating shelters.

A total of 148 animal welfare organizations across 212 event locations worked collaboratively to find homes for 4,979 pets, outpacing the 3,609 pets that were adopted during the inaugural event in 2024. The initiative was generously supported by actor Rob Lowe, who served as the official celebrity ambassador for California Adopt-a-Pet Day, with additional support spreading the word on social media from celebrities including Paris Hilton, Toks Olagundoye, Eric McCormack, Anjelica Huston, Allison Janney, Alexandra Shipp, Christian Meier, Juan Pablo Espinosa, Maxwell Jenkins, and the Los Angeles Chargers.

California lawmakers also formally recognized June 7 as California Adopt-a-Pet Day, with Senate President pro Tempore Mike McGuire (D-North Coast) authoring Senate Resolution 44 to solidify its status as an official day of recognition across the state and Gov. Gavin Newsom urging Californians to adopt.

“We are beyond thrilled that so many people turned out to adopt pets for California Adopt-a-Pet Day. Shelters have the very best selection of pets ready for new homes, and it is our hope that, year-round, people will check with their local shelters first when they are ready for a new companion,” said Jill Tucker, CEO of CalAnimals. “We are profoundly grateful to the ASPCA for generously sponsoring adoption fees and to the San Francisco SPCA for sponsoring immensely effective advertising that inspired so many people to adopt from their local shelter for the very first time.”

Of the 4,979 animals adopted on California Adopt-a-Pet Day, there were 2,847 cats, 1,900 dogs, 1 equine, and 231 others including rabbits, guinea pigs, and other small animals. One of the pets who went home on the day was a two-year-old dog named Jett from Bradshaw Animal Shelter in Sacramento who had been at the shelter since March 11, one of their longest-stay dogs at the time. Jett was the shelter’s first adoption of the day, catching the eye of a family who came in specifically to meet him, and he is now living the life that he long waited for in a loving home. Los Angeles Animal Services also adopted 200 animals on the day, one of the highest same-day adoption totals among shelters that had their adoption fees covered by the ASPCA.

“We are incredibly grateful to be part of this lifesaving statewide effort. Seeing so many members of our community show up to open their hearts and homes to shelter animals was truly inspiring,” said Annette Bedsworth, Director, Bradshaw Animal Shelter. “Thanks to the support from CalAnimals, the ASPCA, the SF SPCA, and our dedicated staff and volunteers, 97 of our animals found loving homes during California Adopt-a-Pet Day. It’s moments like these that remind us of the power of collaboration and compassion.”

In 2024, 5.8 million dogs and cats entered U.S. animal shelters and rescues, many staying longer due to staffing and veterinarian shortages, limited pet-friendly housing, and a lack of affordable veterinary care. Tens of thousands of equines also remain in shelters awaiting adoption. With these issues mirrored in California, the statewide event—managed by CalAnimals with support from the SF SPCA and ASPCA—helped local shelters adopt more animals into their communities, with 46 percent of adopters doing so for the first time.

“California Adopt-a-Pet Day showed how much is possible when animal welfare organizations unite with a common goal to find shelter animals loving homes,” said Dr. Jennifer Scarlett, CEO of the San Francisco SPCA. “The day shined a light on the benefits of supporting local shelters at a time when lack of access to veterinary care is impacting animals’ lives, and demonstrated how collaboration can create lasting change for animals and the people who love them.”

“The incredible success of California Adopt-a-Pet Day is a powerful reminder of just how strong the human-animal bond is, and how deeply people care about giving shelter animals the second chance they deserve,” said Matt Bershadker, President & CEO, ASPCA. “The adoption of 4,979 animals in a single day shows what’s possible when national and local animal welfare groups work together with purpose. By removing barriers to adoption, we’re not just helping more pets find loving homes—we’re building a more compassionate future for animals.”

The next annual California Adopt-a-Pet Day will take place in June 2026. For those interested in adopting or fostering an animal at a local shelter in their community, visit ASPCA.org/TheRescueEffect to learn more.

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About the California Animal Welfare Association

The California Animal Welfare Association (“CalAnimals”) was formed in 2018 through a merger between California’s two statewide animal-welfare associations: California Animal Control Directors Association (CACDA) and State Humane Association of California (SHAC). The organization exists to support the success of animal welfare and sheltering organizations in meeting the needs of animals and people in their communities. Programs and activities include trainings, conferences, certifications, disaster response, leadership development, legislative advocacy and more. Interested in learning more about the California Animal Welfare Association? Visit www.calanimals.org.

About the San Francisco SPCA

The San Francisco SPCA is an independent, community-supported, nonprofit animal welfare organization dedicated to saving, protecting, and providing immediate care for cats and dogs who are homeless, ill or in need of an advocate. The SF SPCA also works long-term to educate the community, reduce the number of unwanted kittens and puppies through spaying and neutering, and improve the quality of life for animals and their human companions. The organization does not receive government funding. For more information, visit sfspca.org, and follow the SFSPCA on Facebook, X, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube and LinkedIn.

About the ASPCA^®
Founded in 1866, the ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) was the first animal welfare organization to be established in North America and today serves as the nation’s leading voice for vulnerable and victimized animals. As a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation with more than two million supporters nationwide, the ASPCA is committed to preventing cruelty to dogs, cats, equines, and farm animals throughout the United States. The ASPCA assists animals in need through on-the-ground disaster and cruelty interventions, behavioral rehabilitation, animal placement, legal and legislative advocacy, and the advancement of the sheltering and veterinary community through research, training, and resources. For more information, visit www.ASPCA.org, and follow the ASPCA on Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok.

The post Second California Adopt-a-Pet Day Finds Homes for Nearly 5,000 Pets appeared first on San Francisco SPCA.

When the January fires forced evacuations across Los Angeles County, overwhelmed animal shelters issued an urgent call for help through CalAnimals. In response, the San Francisco SPCA dispatched a specialized team led by Dr. Hannah Weitzenfeld to Downey and Lancaster Animal Care Centers. The team identified and transported 30 vulnerable animals to the Bay Area, including those with acute medical needs. Prior to the transport, the SF SPCA waived adoption fees for the 118 animals already in their care to create the necessary space for these emergency rescues.

Disaster response grants made by PetSmart Charities promote people and pets staying together during crises when they need each other most. When people suffer during natural disasters, their pets often suffer too. As important members of the family, pets, too, have urgent needs for shelter, medical care, nutritious food, and social support.

“Our team saw firsthand how the wildfires placed immense strain on the already-full Los Angeles County shelters,” said Dr. Jennifer Scarlett, CEO of the SF SPCA. “With PetSmart Charities’ support, we were able to transport and care for these animals, giving the LA shelters breathing room to take in pets displaced by the fires.”

PetSmart Charities’ support of this rescue effort underscores the importance of collaboration across California’s animal welfare network during emergencies so that vulnerable animals can receive proper care during times of crisis.

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San Francisco, CA– With California pet owners experiencing a crisis-level shortage of veterinary professionals, the San Francisco SPCA (SF SPCA) is proud to sponsor two valuable laws that will enhance opportunities for the state’s animals to receive important health care.

Both bills will mean more veterinary services will be available for more Californians. Current laws with respect to the tasks that registered veterinary technicians (RVTs) can perform are unclear. In response, Assembly Bill 516 (AB 516), authored by State Assemblymember Ash Kalra (D-San José), will clarify that RVTs and veterinary assistants are allowed to do any task that they are not otherwise prohibited from performing by law. This will remove artificial limits on their practices, opening up more time for animals to obtain beneficial protection.

Additionally, Senate Bill 602, authored by State Senator Dave Cortese (D- Silicon Valley), will allow RVTs in designated animal shelters to conduct appointments providing basic but lifesaving vaccination clinics and parasite control without their supervising veterinarian on the premises.

“We applaud the leadership of Assemblymember Kalra and Senator Cortese for authoring these critical bills,” said SF SPCA Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Jennifer Scarlett, DVM. “A dramatic shortfall of veterinarians in California has resulted in many pets not receiving the care and resources they need. By allowing veterinarians and their teams to maximize resources, we can open up new pathways to treat vulnerable animals most in need of care.”

With RVTs performing auxiliary tasks and conducting vaccine and parasite control appointments, veterinarians will be able to focus on other, more serious issues facing pets, thereby opening up more time for appointments and attention to our pets.

More than 344,000 California shelter animals do not have adequate access to veterinary care staff, according to a survey released in 2023 by the SF SPCA that highlights how veterinary professional shortages are profoundly impacting California’s most vulnerable animals. Those numbers have only grown since the 2023 survey was conducted.

AB 516 makes a declarative and affirmative statement that clarifies what kind of care that RVTs and veterinary assistants can provide to animals in shelters. These valuable veterinary professionals possess advanced training that often goes unutilized or underutilized, and AB 516 will change that dramatically. For instance, RVTs can perform dental services, extract teeth, induce anesthesia, place casts and splints, administer controlled substances, and much more. The bill confirms the authority of RVTs to undertake tasks for which they are trained, always under the order of a supervising veterinarian.

“RVTs and veterinary assistants are versatile professionals, trained to support their supervising veterinarians by performing a wide range of critical animal care tasks,” said Assemblymember Kalra. “Unfortunately, current regulations result in inefficient veterinary practices that are less able to meet the needs of our communities, especially amidst California’s ongoing veterinary care shortage. I am happy to collaborate with SF SPCA, CVMA, and San Diego Humane Society on AB 516, a bill that will address this issue by clarifying that RVTs and veterinary assistants are able to perform any tasks that are not forbidden by law.”

SB 602 is a complementary piece of legislation to 2023’s Senate Bill 669 (SB 669), which allows RVTs to administer vaccines on-location while their supervising veterinarian is available by phone. Vaccinations and parasite control represent vital preventive care that members of the public might not receive without this important law.

“This bill will help stop the spread of rabies and get more pets vaccinated statewide. It’s a win-win for public health and keeping our animals healthy,” said California State Senator Dave Cortese (D-Silicon Valley)

The SF SPCA is a co-sponsor of both bills, along with the California Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) and San Diego Humane Society.

“AB 516 and SB 602 represent a transformative leap forward in ensuring that every animal in California receives the veterinary care it deserves,” said Dr. Gary Weitzman, president and CEO, San Diego Humane Society. “By empowering registered veterinary technicians to provide essential medical services, these bills will not only reduce animal suffering but also strengthen public health and expand lifesaving care for those most in need. Supporting these measures is a commitment to both the well-being of our animals and the dedicated professionals who care for them.”

“AB 516 will provide veterinarians with a much-needed legal clarification that will increase confidence within the veterinary profession that the tasks of RVTs and veterinary assistants can be expanded to provide more care to animals in need. SB 602 will help shelters meet an existing state mandate to provide low-cost rabies vaccines to the public’s animals — which promotes public health and increases access to veterinary care,” says Dr. Grant Miller of the California Veterinary Medical Association.

If passed by the State Legislature and approved by Governor Gavin Newsom, the bills will go into effect on January 1, 2026.

Through several different initiatives, the SF SPCA has acted as a leader in the effort to address California’s access to veterinary care crisis. The organization embarked on the statewide survey to assess the scale of the issue, helped launch the first ever California Adopt-a-Pet Day, cosponsors an annual Advocacy Day bringing animal issues directly to our state legislators, and continues to advocate for much-needed animal welfare reforms at the State Legislature. Additionally, SF SPCA veterinarians frequently perform and oversee spay-neuter and vaccine services along with adoptions efforts in the Central Valley, where access issues are particularly acute.

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Since November 15, 2024, SFACC has seen a steep increase in suspected and confirmed cases of Parvovirus—nearly double the total number of cases seen in 2022 and significantly higher than they have seen since 2019. This sharp increase is particularly alarming, with recent cases concentrated in the SoMa and Tenderloin neighborhoods.

The vaccine clinics will take place on Monday, February 3, and Monday, March 3, at the Golden Gate Greenway provided by St. Anthony’s (100 block of Golden Gate Avenue, 94102). Services will include distemper/parvo vaccinations, flea control, deworming, and microchips. This follow-up clinic will be particularly crucial for the dozens of dogs who received their first vaccines in February and now require booster shots to ensure complete protection. The Full Belly Bus Pet Food Pantry will also be on-site, providing pet food and supplies.

“This collaborative effort highlights the power of partnerships in addressing urgent public health concerns for pets and their families,” said Jessica Bogosian, Director of Community Medicine Programs at the San Francisco SPCA. “By bringing resources directly to the Tenderloin community, we aim to curb the current outbreak and provide pet owners with the tools they need to keep their animals healthy.”

Volunteers and staff from the SF SPCA will staff the clinics, ensuring a seamless experience for attendees. Services will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis, with attendees encouraged to arrive early to secure a spot. The second clinic on Monday, March 3, will focus on providing critical booster vaccines to enhance immunity.

Key Details:

• What: Free Dog Vaccine Clinics
• When: 12–2 p.m., Monday, March 3, 2025
• Where: Golden Gate Greenway, St. Anthony’s, Tenderloin District
• Services Provided: Distemper/parvo vaccines, flea control, deworming and rabies vaccinations

For the upcoming March clinic, rabies vaccinations will also be offered in addition to distemper/parvo vaccines, flea control, and deworming. Rabies vaccination is not only a critical public health measure but also a key requirement for pet-friendly housing. Many shelters and transitional housing programs require proof of rabies vaccination for residents to keep their pets, making access to this service especially vital for pet owners experiencing housing insecurity. By including rabies vaccines in this clinic, we aim to help keep pets and their families together while promoting broader public health and safety.

The successful February clinic and upcoming March event demonstrate the potential for sustained community impact through collaborative partnerships. The SF SPCA Mobile Vaccine Clinic served 5,314 animals last fiscal year, highlighting the ongoing need for accessible veterinary care in our communities.

This collaboration aims to protect the pets of the Tenderloin district, promote a healthier community, and reflect the SF SPCA’s dedication to supporting and strengthening the bond between people and their pets.

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About the San Francisco SPCA

The San Francisco SPCA is an independent, community-supported, nonprofit animal welfare organization dedicated to saving, protecting and providing immediate care for cats and dogs who are homeless, ill or in need of an advocate. The SF SPCA also works long-term to educate the community, reduce the number of unwanted kittens and puppies through spaying and neutering, and improve the quality of life for animals and their human companions. The organization does not receive government funding. For more information, visit sfspca.org.

About the San Francisco Department of Animal Care & Control (SFACC)

The San Francisco Department of Animal Care & Control (SFACC) is a taxpayer-funded, open-admission animal shelter. Since 1989, SFACC has provided housing, care, and medical treatment to wild, exotic and domestic stray, lost, abandoned, sick, injured, and surrendered animals. SFACC’s doors are open to all animals in need regardless of species, medical, or behavioral condition.

About St. Anthony Foundation
Located in the heart of the Tenderloin, St. Anthony Foundation is one of the largest, primarily privately funded whole-person care providers in San Francisco and a place of great love. We offer essential services, health care, and employment informed by our Franciscan values and evidence-based best practices for people experiencing homelessness, poverty, or addiction. Our goal is to build trust over time with individuals and to give each person the tools and opportunity to sustainably exit homelessness. We offer a welcoming healing community, a pathway to stability, and a model for broader change., and employment informed by our Franciscan values and evidence-based best practices for people experiencing homelessness, poverty, or addiction. Our goal is to build trust over time with individuals and to give each person the tools and opportunity to sustainably exit homelessness. We offer a welcoming healing community, a pathway to stability, and a model for broader change.

Full Belly Bus

Full Belly Bus mobile pet care team is an all-volunteer non-profit organization that is committed to supporting San Francisco pet owners who are working to prevent and end their homelessness. Since 2015, they have worked to provide free licensed veterinary care, certified animal behavior training, grooming, and pet food, as well as supplies like leashes, collars, harnesses, and pet coats to unhoused people with companion dogs and cats. Our primary goal is to help people to keep their pets.

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