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Animal Shelters & Rescues in San Francisco, CA

16 of the 131 dog parks, shelters, trainers and boarding kennels we list in San Francisco are shelter and rescue services.

Organizations vary between open-admission municipal facilities and private, foster-based rescues that do not operate a public viewing kennel. Choosing where to adopt depends on whether you want to walk through on-site kennels or submit an application online before meeting dogs in private homes. Adoption fees, home visit requirements, and hold periods for stray animals differ significantly across locations.

  1. Pet Camp Cat Safari

    3233 Sacramento St, San Francisco, CA 94115

    Mon-Fri 7am-7pm, Sat 8am-5pm, Sun 10am-6pm

    Fenced
    Call Website Directions

  2. Muttville Senior Dog Rescue

    255 Alabama St, San Francisco, CA 94103

    Tue–Sun 11am–4pm

    Call Website Directions

  3. The Kitty Chateau

    4406 18th St, San Francisco, CA 94114-2429

    Call Website Directions

  4. Toni's Kitty Rescue

    415 Buena Vista Ave E, San Francisco, CA 94117

    Call Website Directions

  5. Leanne B. Roberts Animal Care Center

    201 Alabama St, San Francisco, CA 94103

    Call Website Directions

  6. Ahan

    3739 Balboa St, San Francisco, CA 94121

    Call Website Directions

  7. Animals Asia Foundation

    300 Broadway, San Francisco, CA 94133-4528

    Call Website Directions

  8. Golden Gate Labrador Retriever Rescue

    268 Bush St PMB 4322, San Francisco, CA 94104-3503

    Website Directions

  9. Yggdrasil Urban Wildlife Rescue

    2200 25th St, San Francisco, CA 94107

    Call Directions

  10. Muttville

    750 Florida St, San Francisco, CA 94110

    Call Directions

  11. Rescue Row

    16th St & Alabama St, San Francisco, CA 94103

    Website Directions

  12. Andrea’s Dream Rescue

    1975 Market St, San Francisco, CA 94103-1012

    Website Directions

  13. Animals in the Attic

    2715 Ingalls St G, San Francisco, CA 94124

    Call Directions

  14. MarleneCummins

    600 Guerrero St, San Francisco, CA 94110-1528

    Call Directions

  15. Family Dog Rescue

    2253 Shafter Ave, San Francisco, CA 94124-1918

    Directions

  16. San Francisco Spca Holiday Windows

    170 O'Farrell St, San Francisco, CA 94102-2202

    Directions
Check visitor policies early. Municipal facilities usually allow walk-in visits during public hours, but private rescues often require an approved application before scheduling a meet-and-greet.

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Good to know

What is the difference between an animal shelter and a rescue organization?

Shelters typically operate a physical facility that houses stray or surrendered animals directly on site. Rescue organizations are often run by volunteers using network foster homes, meaning animals live in private residences until adoption.

How much does it typically cost to adopt a dog?

Adoption fees typically range from $50 to $350 depending on the organization and the age of the dog. Puppies usually carry higher fees, while standard fees generally include spay or neuter surgery, initial vaccinations, and a microchip.

Can I bring my current dog to meet a potential rescue dog?

Most organizations require or strongly encourage a controlled meet-and-greet between your existing dog and the rescue dog before finalizing an adoption. Staff or foster parents usually facilitate this interaction on neutral ground at the facility or a local park.