Bay Area/ San Francisco
AI Assisted Icon
Published on January 12, 2025
SF SPCA Waives Puppy Adoption Fees to Aid Pets Displaced by Southern California WildfiresSource: Google Street View

In response to the urgent need arising from the LA fires, the San Francisco Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SF SPCA) has decided to waive puppy adoption fees to encourage swift adoptions and free up space for animals displaced by the catastrophic wildfires. The measure is set to quickly accommodate an influx of needy pets from Southern California centers. The SF SPCA typically charges $400 for puppy adoptions, but to expedite the process, the organization fully removes the financial barrier for prospective pet parents.

The shelter currently houses over 50 puppies eagerly waiting for a new home. Facing an overcrowded situation even before the Southern California wildfires took their toll, the SF SPCA is looking to simultaneously provide relief to its facilities and shelters in the fire-stricken region. According to an interview with KRON4, volunteers are preparing to venture to Los Angeles next week to rescue more pets affected by the fires. This effort is part of a wider collaborative initiative to manage the crisis.

Fostering collaboration between shelters, the initiative seeks to relieve the overwhelming pressure on Southern California shelters, such as Pasadena Humane, which has undertaken the herculean task of caring for more than 300 evacuated animals, some of which are being treated for burns and other injuries. Rob Lightner, the manager of adoptions at the SF SPCA, stated to KTVU, "I think it really speaks to what we do in animal welfare. We affect our community, but when we are able to support animals across the board, and support other shelters, it really allows us to affect as many animals as possible positively."

Adoptable puppies like Calypso, a terrier mix from Tulare County, Big Sean, a cattle dog blend, and his siblings need homes. It has been about a week since these animals were made available for adoption. Besides waiving fees, the SF SPCA will provide standard veterinary services such as spaying or neutering, microchipping, and vaccinations to all adopted puppies. Per the details shared by Aeris Velasco, assistant adoption manager at the SF SPCA, per KRON4, the team is gearing up to widely take in several dogs and cats, creating space for more fire victims.