FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q. How many animals does the SPCA care for?
A. The Sacramento SPCA will care for more than 11,000 homeless animals this year.
Q. Where do the animals come from?
A. The animals are strays from the cities of Elk Grove and Rancho Cordova, as well as owner-surrendered animals from throughout the Sacramento area.
Q. What’s the difference between the Sacramento SPCA and the Sacramento City and County shelters? Are they all connected?
A. Sacramento’s three major animal shelters are independent organizations, however the shelters do collaborate when possible to increase adoptions community-wide. The Sacramento SPCA is an independent, local, non-profit organization with no affiliation to any other local or national animal group. Sacramento County Animal Care and Regulation handles the animal control for Sacramento County, while the City of Sacramento Animal Care Services is responsible for animal control within the city limits. The Sacramento SPCA shelters owner surrendered animals and stray animals from the cities of Elk Grove and Rancho Cordova.
Q. How does the SPCA get its funding?
A. The Sacramento SPCA is a private, local charitable organization that depends on donations and fundraising events for the majority of our operating support. The SPCA currently contracts with the cities of Elk Grove and Rancho Cordova to provide animal control sheltering services, which also provides a portion of our operating budget.
Q. Is there a pet overpopulation problem in Sacramento? How can it be addressed?
A. Yes, pet overpopulation is still at crisis levels in the Sacramento area. The area’s three major shelters approximately 40,000 homeless animals each year. The solution is spay/neuter. The Sacramento SPCA operates the area’s only high-volume spay/neuter clinic which alters 25,000 animals annually.
Q. Is the Sacramento SPCA a no-kill shelter?
A. No, the Sacramento SPCA is an “open door” or open admission shelter, committed to sheltering sick, injured and homeless animals and continually accepting animals in need. “No kill,” or limited admission shelters, in order to avoid euthanasia, must limit their intake of animals to those they have room to house or foster at any given time, as well as those whose potential for adoption is very good. Unfortunately, in most communities – including the Sacramento area – there are still more homeless animals than there are homes available. “No kill” shelters can only maintain their status by turning some animals away, while “open door” shelters continue to accept those animals in need of shelter regardless of their health, age or adoptability.
Q. What is the process for adopting an animal from the Sacramento SPCA?
A. The Sacramento SPCA makes every effort to adopt animals into permanent, loving homes. Each adoption is evaluated according to how a particular animal would fit into a particular home situation. We recommend that potential adopters have an idea of what type of animal would fit best into their home prior to visiting the SPCA. Once here, potential adopters complete a “Let’s Get Acquainted” form and then meet with an adoption counselor. This process allows us to match people with animals that best fit their lifestyle, and match animals with people who are best suited to care for their particular needs, behaviors and personality type. The adoption process is an important way for potential adopters to get acquainted with animals to learn more about them and to assure that all family members get along with the animal (and vice versa).
Q. What do I do if I see someone abusing an animal?
A. If you live in the City of Sacramento, call the City of Sacramento Animal Care Services at 808-7387. If you live in Sacramento County, call the Sacramento County Animal Care and Regulation at 368-7387.
Q. What should I do if I find a stray animal with no identification?
A. You may want to put up posters and place a found ad in the newspaper. The Sacramento Bee will place a free classified ad for found animals. You can place your free ad either online or by telephone at 916-321-1234. Beware of dishonest callers when searching for the animals’ true owners. Make your found ad or flyer vague so the owner has to give you a detailed description of the animal and ask them to bring a photo. If you cannot keep the animal in your home until the owner can be found, you may take the animal to one of the facilities listed above. Please note that the Sacramento SPCA does not accept stray animals from the City or County of Sacramento.
Q. How can I help the Sacramento SPCA and the animals?
A. There are many ways to help the Sacramento SPCA and the animals in our care. Monetary contributions are appreciated, however gifts of needed supplies are also helpful as is the gift of your time. In addition to cash donations, our website outlines a variety of donation options including wills and bequests, vehicle donations, the SPCA Wish List, memorial brick and tile donations and much more. Please click here to find out the many ways YOU can help and for more information.
Q. Can I bring my pet to the Sacramento SPCA for veterinary care?
A. As your pet’s caretaker, it is your responsibility to provide your animal with regular veterinary care by a private practitioner. Sacramento SPCA staff care for thousands of homeless animals each year, but we do not operate a full-service public veterinary clinic. The SPCA does however operate a high-volume Spay/Neuter Clinic that is open to the public by appointment. We also offer regular vaccination and microchipping clinics. Click here to learn more about our spay/neuter clinic. Click here to learn more about our vaccination services.
