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A Comprehensive Guide to Animal Care and Control in San Francisco

San Francisco is a city with a rich history of animal welfare. The city's animal care and control services are provided by the San Francisco Animal Care and Control (ACC), which is a department of the city's Department of Public Health.

The ACC is responsible for a wide range of animal-related services, including:

Animal control: The ACC responds to calls about stray animals, injured animals, and dangerous animals.
Animal adoption: The ACC has a shelter that houses animals that are available for adoption.
Animal licensing: The ACC issues licenses for dogs and cats in San Francisco.
Animal welfare: The ACC investigates cases of animal cruelty and neglect, and provides resources to pet owners.

The ACC is committed to providing high-quality care to the animals in its care, and to promoting responsible pet ownership in San Francisco.

Animal Control in San Francisco

The ACC responds to a wide range of animal-related calls, including:

Stray animals: The ACC picks up stray animals and takes them to its shelter. Stray animals are held for a period of time to give their owners a chance to claim them. If an animal is not claimed, it may be adopted out or euthanized.
Injured animals: The ACC provides medical care to injured animals. Injured animals are typically brought to the ACC by members of the public.
Dangerous animals: The ACC responds to calls about dangerous animals, such as aggressive dogs or wild animals. Dangerous animals may be impounded or euthanized.

In 2021, the ACC responded to over 50,000 animal-related calls. Of these calls, over 20,000 were about stray animals.

Animal Adoption in San Francisco

The ACC has a shelter that houses animals that are available for adoption. The ACC's shelter is located at 1241 9th Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94122.

The ACC's shelter is open to the public seven days a week. Adoption fees vary depending on the type of animal.

In 2021, the ACC adopted out over 1,000 animals.

Animal Licensing in San Francisco

The ACC issues licenses for dogs and cats in San Francisco. Dog licenses are required for all dogs over four months old. Cat licenses are required for all cats over six months old.

Licenses can be purchased at the ACC's shelter or online. The cost of a license varies depending on the type of animal and whether the animal is spayed or neutered.

In 2021, the ACC issued over 120,000 licenses for dogs and cats.

Animal Welfare in San Francisco

The ACC investigates cases of animal cruelty and neglect. The ACC also provides resources to pet owners, such as information on spaying and neutering, microchipping, and pet training.

In 2021, the ACC investigated over 1,000 cases of animal cruelty and neglect.

Tips for Responsible Pet Ownership

There are a number of things that pet owners can do to be responsible pet owners, including:

Spaying or neutering their pets
Microchipping their pets
Keeping their pets on a leash in public
Cleaning up after their pets
Providing their pets with adequate food, water, and shelter

Pros and Cons of Pet Ownership

There are a number of benefits to pet ownership, including:

Companionship: Pets can provide companionship and emotional support.
Exercise: Walking your dog can be a great way to get exercise.
Stress relief: Spending time with pets can help to reduce stress.
Improved health: Studies have shown that pet ownership can improve overall health.

However, there are also some challenges to pet ownership, including:

Cost: Owning a pet can be expensive.
Time: Pets require a significant amount of time and attention.
Responsibility: Pet owners are responsible for the health and well-being of their pets.

FAQs about Animal Care and Control in San Francisco

Q: What is the phone number for the ACC?
A: The phone number for the ACC is (415) 554-9400.

Q: What are the hours of operation for the ACC shelter?
A: The ACC shelter is open to the public seven days a week from 10:00am to 5:00pm.

Q: How much does it cost to adopt a pet from the ACC?
A: Adoption fees vary depending on the type of animal.

Q: How can I report animal cruelty or neglect?
A: To report animal cruelty or neglect, call the ACC at (415) 554-9400.

Q: What are the requirements for licensing my dog or cat?
A: Dogs and cats over four months old must be licensed in San Francisco. Licenses can be purchased at the ACC shelter or online.

Q: What are the benefits of spaying or neutering my pet?
A: Spaying or neutering your pet can help to prevent unwanted litters, reduce the risk of certain cancers, and improve your pet's behavior.

Call to Action

If you are interested in adopting a pet, volunteering with the ACC, or learning more about responsible pet ownership, please visit the ACC's website at https://www.sfacc.org/.