San Francisco Animal Care & Control

Our Mission

San Francisco Animal Care & Control is dedicated to keeping our community safe and protecting animals from abuse, neglect, and cruelty. We are the City's only open-admission shelter, welcoming all animals in need regardless of species, medical, or behavioral condition.

Our History and Purpose

Since 1989, we have served as a critical resource for the San Francisco community, providing essential housing, care, and medical treatment. Whether it is reuniting lost pets with their families or providing a second chance to those who have been abandoned, our doors remain open to every animal that needs us.

How We Care for Our Animals

Our facility at 1419 Bryant Street serves as a hub of compassion where our team rescues, reunites, and rehomes a vast array of domestic and exotic species. Beyond shelter operations, we serve as the first responder for animals in natural disasters, citizen emergencies, and instances of cruelty or neglect, always aiming to provide the highest standard of humane care.

The Adopter Connection

Welcoming a new pet into your home is a profound, life-changing responsibility. Our team is committed to making a wonderful match, taking the time to understand your needs and the unique personalities of our adoptable animals to ensure a lasting, joyful partnership.

Find Your New Best Friend

Ready to meet your new companion? We invite you to view our adoptable animals online or visit our adoption center Tuesday through Sunday from 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm. Whether you are looking for a dog, cat, or a smaller friend, we look forward to helping you find the perfect addition to your family.

Trust Assessment
GoldRated Sep 10, 2026
Municipal ShelterPhysical Facility
Online Review Highlights
  • Compassionate rescue services
  • Modern facilities
  • Operational friction regarding wait times and procedures
Coverage We Reviewed
markets.businessinsider.com

9/1 - VCA Charities Releases 2025 Impact Report Celebrating Nearly $4.2 Million Granted To Help Pets Find And Remain In Loving Homes

Los Angeles, Calif., Sept. 01, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- VCA Charities, the charitable arm of VCA Animal Hospitals, today released its 2025 annua...

SFGATE

8/18 - SF: Need A New Best Friend? Spca Waives Adoption Fees This Weekend

Good news to animal lovers! San Francisco animal shelters will waive adoption fees this weekend as part of a nationwide effort to help more shelter pets find homes.

NBC Bay Area
Improves Trust

7/29 - 'Terrified' dog spent 2 days in Caltrain tunnel in San Francisco before being rescued

A runaway dog spent two days in a dark Caltrain tunnel in San Francisco before he was rescued.

7/29 - Fugitive kitten killer busted on new animal cruelty charges

William Ohlson fled SF after allegedly torturing a kitten to death but adopted more animals in Nevada just days later.

Reno Gazette Journal

7/24 - Kitten-torture suspect arrested in Reno after missing SF court date

William Ohlson of Reno is being held at Washoe County jail on four charges. He's also accused of torturing a kitten to death in San Francisco.

Local News Matters
Improves Trust

7/11 - San Francisco Animal Care and Control offers free supplies to ease guinea pig, rabbit glut - Local News Matters

San Francisco Animal Care and Control has a big problem that came in many small packages — too many guinea pigs and rabbits. More than 30 of the critters San Francisco Animal Care and Control is offering free starter kits with cages, food and supplies to encourage adoptions as the shelter faces overcrowding from an influx of guinea pigs and rabbits.

San Francisco Chronicle

6/10 - S.F. is bringing back vicious dog hearings. Here’s who will be the new ‘dog judge’

Dog court is coming back to San Francisco after the hearings to deal with vicious canines were abruptly suspended a year ago.

Catster

6/4 - KitTea Cat Café: Inside the Cozy Cat Rescue Changing Lives in San Francisco - Catster

But KitTea Rescue & Lounge is more than just a cozy cat café—it’s a community-driven rescue space built around the belief that cats deserve to be seen, understood, and celebrated.

The Voice of San Francisco

6/4 - Out and about June 4–10, 2026 - The Voice of San Francisco

Well, it’s sorta kinda summer, and we all know that means weather-wise. Regardless, there are indoor and outdoor venues for some suggestions for the next several days from theater and music, to pet events, street festivals, and more. Thursday, June 4 Don’t miss Andrew Lloyd Webber’s legendary Phantom of the Opera in a newly “revitalized […]

Recent Videos

10/10 - Crickey! We've got 2 Aussies in the building! Robert is from the wilds of San Francisco streets but has tidied himself up to make his debut on the dancefloor. His sister Bindi is a tenderhearted and sweet gal who is looking for a family that can show her that the wilds of the world aren't so scary. They've both got the moves to quickstep into the hearts of all judges and rumba into the homes of their new lucky families. If you're ready to waltz either of these dazzling little pups out of the shelter, meet Bindi or Robert today! They're looking for separate homes of their own. A59893/5, 4 months old

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10/9 - Available at noon, Friday 10/9. Need a little pep in your life? Pogo is ready to bounce into your heart. This joyful, vivacious little fellow gets along well with other dogs, cruises the city streets with confidence, and loves a cuddle when the action winds down. Pogo might be a good fit for a first-time adopter or a home with another dog. Let him hippity hop into your life today. Pogo A598730

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10/9 - Available at noon, Friday 10/9. Get your boogie on! This little dancer was found roaming the city streets, presumably looking for some fun. As his name suggests, Boogie sure knows how to have a good time. He'll party til he drops during puppy play group, and is wildly enthusiastic about his toys. Boogie will need lots of early, positive socialization and routine grooming to look--and feel--like a good doodle citizen. Come on down to boogie town and meet this little pup today! BOOGIE A598747, 3.5 months old, Maltese/poodle mix

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10/8 - Thank you @andytownsf for visiting and bringing some fun coffee cup squeaky toys for our dogs! And for meeting some of our great dogs like Yorkie mix Pogo, Border Terrier Dante, and Pittie mix Shimmy!

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10/7 - Natty Gann really has been on a journey, just like her namesake. This tender girl was roaming alone in San Francisco for over seven months, fending for herself, befriending the local wildlife, and trying desperately to find her family. Natty is a special adoption due to being a bit shy here, but she warms up very quickly to be total mush. Natty loves other dogs and may benefit from a canine companion in her forever home. Natty has come a very long ways to find her home - could it be with you? Natty is a part of our Overstock.Dog program - you may not see her when you come to the shelter, but please ask to meet her! Natty Gann A595234

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10/6 - Here is a handsome fellow who looks like he belongs amongst snow-capped mountains and old growth forests. Rainier is a fabulous husky/shepherd mix with a wild spirit and fun-loving attitude. He was surrendered due to housing issues at no fault of his own, and seeks a new lease on life with adventure on the horizon. This clever dog is highly motivated, very trainable and lives to learn. Ask front desk to meet Rainier today! RAINIER A582136

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10/5 - Get your shimmy on! Dog, dance partner, and professional wiggle worm Shimmy arrived at SFACC with a serious case of wiggling booty syndrome. Shimmy’s tail seems to have a life of its own, aspiring to serve as a fly swatter, fan, or maybe a plane propeller. This soft soul can be a bit uncertain in new places, but he’s quickly growing confidence. Other dogs, human friends, toys and treats are his bread and butter. Shimmy on over and meet him today! It's a great time to adopt: the adoption fee for all pitties is waived for qualified adopters in October. A596799 #opttoadopt #pibble

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10/2 - Are you on the fence about scruffy little dogs? Dante has enough terrier-tude to win anyone over! This confident little creature struts around the neighborhood like he runs the city, head held high and a plush toy always along for the ride. Dante lives to play and will fetch until your arm goes numb; ball or plushie, he's not picky! Affectionate, eager to engage, and wildly silly, Dante has the heart of a lion in a scrappy little body. Come meet Dante today! DANTE A597696, 22 lbs, 8 months old, Border Terrier

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Visit Us At

1419 Bryant St, San Francisco, CA 94103

(415) 554-6364
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