San Francisco Animal Shelter & Control: Adoption Hours 2026
Use this page like a San Francisco animal-help dashboard. Pick adoption, lost pet, found pet, reclaim, surrender, dispatch, licensing, microchip, cruelty report or shelter visit planning.
Official route: San Francisco Animal Care & Control is the City’s open-door animal shelter at 1419 Bryant Street and handles adoption, reunification, field services, licensing and animal emergencies.
Choose What You Need
- Clickable action cards
- Who to call first
- Adoption hours
- Adoption fees
- Adoption micro-steps
- Lost/found pet steps
- Reclaim fees and documents
- Surrender and rehome
- Animal control / field services
- Dog license and cat registration
- Microchip and clinic notes
- Before you leave home
- Call scripts
- Map
- Official links
- 10 FAQs
Clickable San Francisco Animal Help Cards
Tap the matching action. Each card points to the official task or phone route.
Who to Call First
Use this before driving, bringing in a found animal, or reporting an animal-control issue.
| Situation | Official route | What to say | Next micro-step |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adopt a pet | Adoptable Animals or 415-554-6364 | “Is [pet name/ID] still available to meet today?” | Arrive at least 90 minutes before closing. |
| Lost pet | Lost Pet Hotline: 415-567-8738 | “I need to file/check a lost pet report for zip code 94103, SFACC.” | Also visit 1419 Bryant Street in person. |
| Found pet in San Francisco | Found Pet page | “I found a pet in San Francisco at [exact location].” | Scan for microchip and use SFACC found-pet steps. |
| Sick, injured, distressed or loose in traffic | Dispatch: 415-554-9400 | “Animal is [injured/sick/distressed/loose in traffic] at [address].” | Calling is best; SFACC says they may not see social posts or DMs. |
| Cruelty, neglect or abuse | 415-554-9400 or official report page | “I want to report possible cruelty/neglect at [location].” | Prepare photos, video, dates and contact information if possible. |
| Outside dispatch hours with immediate danger | 311 or 911 | “There is immediate danger involving an animal at [location].” | Use 911 for immediate physical danger. |
| Owner surrender | Surrender page | “I am an SF resident and have exhausted keeping/rehoming options.” | Complete the owner surrender form before visiting. |
San Francisco Animal Shelter Adoption Hours
The official adoption center is open Tuesday through Sunday from 12pm to 5pm. SFACC says adopters should give themselves at least 90 minutes to meet an animal and complete paperwork.
| Day | Adoption Center | Service appointment note | Best action |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monday | Closed | Closed Mondays and City holidays. | Use online pet search only. |
| Tuesday | 12pm-5pm | Service appointments Tue-Sun 8:30am-5pm. | Arrive before 3:30pm if serious about adopting. |
| Wednesday | 12pm-5pm | Main phone generally 8am-5pm. | Call before leaving if a specific pet matters. |
| Thursday | 12pm-5pm | Give yourself time for paperwork. | Bring ID, household approval and housing proof. |
| Friday | 12pm-5pm | Do not start late. | Arrive early afternoon if possible. |
| Saturday | 12pm-5pm | Weekend visits can be busier. | Start with pet ID and arrive early. |
| Sunday | 12pm-5pm | Closed next day Monday. | Good day to visit, but arrive early. |
Official Adoption Fees
SFACC says fees may include a 1-year dog license or lifetime cat registration, spay/neuter surgery, microchip, vaccinations and a vet exam. Pets for Vets adoption fees are waived for qualified veterans, though dog-license payment may still be required.
| Animal | Type / age | Official fee | Ask before adopting |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cat | Adult cat | $127 | Ask about litter, personality, medical notes and other pets. |
| Cat | Kitten under 6 months | $202 | Ask about boosters, kitten-proofing and future vet timing. |
| Dog | Adult dog | $180 | Ask about leash skills, dogs, cats, kids and training needs. |
| Dog | Puppy under 6 months | $403 | Ask about vaccines, training class, socialization and landlord approval. |
| Rabbit | Female rabbit | $35.50 | Ask about spay status, housing, litter and diet. |
| Rabbit | Male rabbit | $35.50 | Ask about neuter status, indoor setup and bonding. |
| Hamster | Small animal | $10 | Ask about enclosure, bedding and handling. |
| Guinea pig | Small animal | $15 | Ask about pair housing, hay, vitamin C and cage size. |
| Mice | Small animal | $13 | Ask about sex, housing and social needs. |
| Rats | Small animal | $20 | Ask about bonded companions and handling. |
| Birds | Parakeets, canaries, finches | $20 | Ask about cage size, diet, noise and social needs. |
| Reptiles / other birds / other animals | Varies | Varies | Ask Shelter Service Representative for exact fee and care notes. |
Adoption Micro-Steps
Follow this order so your visit is smooth and useful.
Arrive early
Adoption Center hours are 12pm-5pm Tuesday-Sunday. SFACC recommends at least 90 minutes to meet an animal and complete adoption paperwork.
Bring required ID
Adopters must be at least 18 years old and show current government-issued photo identification.
Bring housing proof
Bring landlord approval, lease language showing pet approval, or proof of home ownership such as mortgage, deed, insurance or property tax statement.
Bring household decision-makers
SFACC says all members of a household must meet the potential new pet before adopting.
Ask about special requirements
Some adoptions may require a training class and/or home visit. Ask before you assume same-day pickup.
Lost or Found Pet in San Francisco
Do not rely only on social media. Use SFACC, microchip, in-person shelter check, lost-pet hotline and local listings together.
If your pet is lost
- Go to SFACC at 1419 Bryant Street at Alameda.
- Call the Animal Care and Control Lost Pet Hotline: 415-567-8738.
- Use zip code 94103 and select San Francisco Animal Care & Control.
- File a Lost Pet Report from 12pm to 5pm if needed.
- Post a lost pet ad with a photo on Craigslist and Nextdoor.
- Search found-pet listings and local posts repeatedly.
- If microchipped, alert the microchip company and update your contact information.
- Observe San Francisco rules for flyers; do not post illegally on City-owned public property.
If you found a pet
- If the animal is in immediate danger, sick, injured or loose in traffic, call 415-554-9400.
- If found in San Francisco, use SFACC found-pet guidance and help the pet get back to the right local shelter route.
- Scan for a microchip at a shelter or veterinarian if safe.
- Post found-pet information on Nextdoor, PetHarbor, PetFBI, PawBoost, Petco Love Lost and Craigslist.
- Keep the found animal separate from your pets until safety and health are clear.
- If the animal was found outside San Francisco, contact the local shelter for that area.
Reclaim Fees and Documents
Redemption fees can vary by situation. Bring proof first, then confirm the final fee with a Shelter Service Representative.
Bring photo ID
Bring current government-issued identification.
Ownership proof
Bring photos, vet records, microchip details, license details or other proof.
Dog license
If an impounded dog belongs to a San Francisco resident and is not licensed, a San Francisco dog license must be purchased.
Microchip required
SFACC says dogs and cats must have a microchip to be redeemed. Microchips are listed at $11 on the fee schedule.
Vaccines and vet fees
Fees may be due for veterinary services provided while the animal is in SFACC care.
Hardship waiver
SFACC says fees may be waived by the Director or designee if payment would cause significant financial difficulty.
| Redemption / related fee | Official amount | When it may apply |
|---|---|---|
| Progressive redemption fee | $47 first impound, $95 second, $142 third | Progressive fee for all animals. |
| Unaltered animal state fine | $35 first, $50 second, $100 third | Additional fine for unaltered animals. |
| Cat — altered | $47+ | Base redemption line item. |
| Dog — altered | $47+ | Base redemption line item. |
| Other animals | $47+ | Other animal redemption line item. |
| Vaccinations given at impound | $15 | If provided during impound. |
| Daily care — dogs and cats | $39/day | Daily care fee. |
| Daily care — other animals | $16/day | Daily care fee for non-dog/cat animals. |
Surrender and Rehome Route
SFACC says San Francisco City and County residents can surrender a pet if they have exhausted every option for keeping or rehoming the animal.
| Need | Official route | Fee / note | Prepare |
|---|---|---|---|
| Owner surrender at shelter | Surrender page | $0 listed on fee schedule. | Owner surrender form, ID, records and honest behavior/medical notes. |
| Owner surrender with field transport required | Call 415-554-6364 | $63 listed on fee schedule. | Explain why field transport is needed. |
| Humane euthanasia request | Humane Euthanasia | $39 listed on fee schedule. | Use the owner surrender / euthanasia form before visiting. |
Animal Control / Field Services
Use dispatch for animal emergencies and field response. Calling is the best route because SFACC says they may not see social media posts or direct messages.
| Issue | Official route | What SFACC says | Micro-step |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sick, injured, distressed animal | 415-554-9400 | Call dispatch between 6am and 12am. | Give exact location, species, condition and danger level. |
| Animal loose in traffic | 415-554-9400 | Dispatch call is the correct urgent route. | Do not chase into traffic. |
| Cruelty, neglect or abuse | 415-554-9400 or email via official page | Officers investigate complaints and may ask for evidence. | Save photos, videos, dates and exact address if safe. |
| Immediate danger outside dispatch hours | 311 or 911 | Official guidance says use 311 or 911 if humans or animals are in immediate physical danger outside dispatch hours. | Use 911 for life-safety emergencies. |
| Dead animal on street | 415-554-9400 | Field services include pickup of dead animals from San Francisco streets. | Provide closest address and safe access details. |
Dog License and Cat Registration Fees
San Francisco residents can use online dog licensing. The fee schedule also lists lifetime cat registration and late/replacement fees.
| Dog license type | 1 year | 2 years | 3 years |
|---|---|---|---|
| Altered dog | $32 | $47 | $63 |
| Altered dog, senior citizen owner | $16 | $23.50 | $31.50 |
| Unaltered dog | $79 | $150 | $221 |
| Unaltered dog, senior citizen owner | $39.50 | $75 | $110.50 |
Other license / registration fees
- Replacement license tag: $9.
- Lifetime cat registration: $19.
- Late license renewal charge: $39.
- Dog license term should match rabies vaccine expiration on the application.
- Senior-citizen discount requires proof when applicable.
Microchip and Clinic Notes
This section helps owners avoid assuming SFACC is a full-service private veterinary clinic.
Microchips
SFACC clinic information says microchips are $10 or free if dogs have a current San Francisco Dog License.
Shelter animal care
SFACC veterinarians take care of shelter animals. Check official clinic pages for current public clinic events.
Rabies / vaccine clinics
SFACC posts clinic information and event flyers when rabies or microchip clinics are offered.
Bring paperwork
For license or clinic services, bring proof of residency, rabies vaccination, prior license and sterilization proof when relevant.
Keep records
Keep digital and paper copies of your dog license, microchip number and vaccination certificate.
Call before visiting
Clinic availability can change. Call 415-554-6364 before making a special trip.
Before You Leave Home
Pet screenshot, ID, household members, landlord/homeownership proof, payment and carrier/leash.
Recent photo, microchip number, collar/tag details, last-seen date and location.
Photo ID, ownership proof, license/microchip details, vaccine records and payment.
Exact address, animal description, photos/video if safe, date/time and urgency level.
Copy/Paste Call Scripts
Adoption
Hi, I am interested in [pet name/ID]. Is this animal still available, and what should I bring today to complete the adoption process?Lost pet
Hi, my [dog/cat] is missing near [cross streets]. Description: [color/size/collar/microchip]. Has a matching animal been brought to SFACC?Found pet
Hi, I found a [dog/cat/rabbit] at [exact location] in San Francisco. The animal is [safe/injured/aggressive]. What should I do next?Cruelty / injury report
Hi, I want to report an animal that appears [injured/sick/neglected/abused] at [address]. I have [photos/video/details]. Can an officer respond?Map: San Francisco Animal Care & Control
Use this for adoption, lost/found, reclaim, licensing and surrender planning. For animal emergencies, call dispatch first.
Official San Francisco Animal Links
The important details are summarized above. Use these official pages for live pets, current fee changes, forms and final verification.
San Francisco Animal Shelter FAQ
What is the main San Francisco animal shelter?
The main official shelter covered here is San Francisco Animal Care & Control at 1419 Bryant Street at Alameda, San Francisco, CA 94103.
What is the San Francisco Animal Care & Control phone number?
The main information phone number is 415-554-6364.
What is the San Francisco animal emergency dispatch number?
The SFACC emergency dispatch and animal-control officer number is 415-554-9400. Animal Control Officers are listed as on duty from 6am to 12am.
What are San Francisco animal shelter adoption hours?
SFACC Adoption Center hours are Tuesday through Sunday from 12pm to 5pm. SFACC is closed Mondays and City holidays.
When should I arrive to adopt from SFACC?
SFACC recommends giving yourself at least 90 minutes to meet an animal and complete adoption paperwork, so arrive around 3:30pm or earlier for a same-day adoption attempt.
How much does it cost to adopt a dog from SFACC?
SFACC lists adult dog adoption fees at $180 and puppy adoption fees under 6 months at $403.
How much does it cost to adopt a cat from SFACC?
SFACC lists adult cat adoption fees at $127 and kitten adoption fees under 6 months at $202.
What does the SFACC adoption fee include?
SFACC says adoption fees may include a 1-year dog license or lifetime cat registration, spay/neuter surgery, microchip, vaccinations and a vet exam.
What should I do if I lost my pet in San Francisco?
Go to SFACC at 1419 Bryant Street, call the Lost Pet Hotline at 415-567-8738, use zip code 94103 and select San Francisco Animal Care & Control, post with a photo on local platforms, and update your microchip company.
Can San Francisco residents surrender a pet to SFACC?
Yes. SFACC says San Francisco City and County residents can surrender a pet if they have exhausted every option for keeping or rehoming the animal.
Animal Shelter Action Planner: Lost Pet, Found Pet, Adoption, Reclaim & Surrender Helper
Use this free tool to create a practical next-step plan before visiting or contacting an animal shelter, humane society, rescue, or animal control agency. It does not search a live shelter database, but it helps you prepare the right documents, questions, safety steps, and official-source searches.
Build a USA-wide shelter action plan
Select your situation and location. The tool will create a general action plan, search links, call questions, and a copyable checklist.
Lost pet recovery checklist
Check the steps you have completed. This helps you stay organized during the first urgent hours and days.
Found pet safety decision helper
Use this when you find a stray or loose pet and need a safe next step.
Adoption readiness checker
This helps adopters prepare before visiting a shelter or rescue. It is not a guarantee of approval.
Pet reclaim document checklist
If your pet may be at a shelter, prepare proof before visiting. Exact requirements and fees vary by agency.
Owner surrender preparation helper
Surrender rules vary. Many shelters require appointments, proof of residence, behavior/medical information, and may offer alternatives.
Animal control contact decision helper
Choose the situation and get a general USA-wide contact path. Local rules may differ.
Adoption and first-month budget planner
This is a planning guide, not a shelter fee database. Always confirm adoption fees and included services with the shelter.
Your generated shelter plan
Your action plan, search links, call script, checklist, or budget guide will appear here.
Start with the Planner tab
Select your state, city/county/ZIP, pet type, and goal. The tool will create a practical USA-wide shelter action plan.
Privacy note: this tool runs in your browser. It does not send your entries to animal-shelter.org.