Pet adoption service · Berkeley, CA · reviewed since 2010
iHow the Experts Score is calculatedEach factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (standing in the category can only raise it), then weighted; problems flagged in review highlights or a recent slide in ratings are subtracted:Satisfaction 55%69+37.6Reliability 24%66+16Value 14%100+14.1Replies to reviews 7%19+1.3Craft & service penalty98−0.2Experts Score= 69Grade B: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39. Needs 10+ reviews.69SCORE
BGradeiLetter from the Experts Score: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39, F = under 20.
#8 of 22 pet rescueiPosition by Experts Score among all companies we track in this category. · better than 67%
4.7★★★★★1,470 Google reviews · 23 photos
83%five-star reviews
4.75★last 12 monthsiAverage stars on reviews from the last 12 months only.
4.9%1–2★ in 2 yearsiShare of 1–2★ reviews in the last 24 months — or the 20 newest reviews when the company had fewer than 20 in that time.
Google reviewers rate the San Francisco SPCA Adoption Center 4.7 out of 5 based on 1470 reviews. Customers frequently praise the facility's cleanliness, organized layout, and staff friendliness during the adoption of cats and dogs, noting that pets arrive with vaccinations and microchips completed. Recurring criticisms include aggressive marketing tactics following donations, language barriers for non-English speakers, and allegations of rude or dismissive staff interactions regarding animal handling and surrender policies.
Google rating: 4.7 out of 5 from 1,470 reviews (83% five-star).
Reviews on this page: 1,473 Google reviews (768 with written comments, 142 with photos).
Owner responses: the business replied to 19% of reviews.
Most recent review: October 21, 2026.
Service: Pet Rescue Organization serving Berkeley, California.
Data from Google, last updated October 25, 2026.
Score profile vs other pet rescue
Score per factor (100 = best)iEach factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (star average, share of 1–2★ reviews, price verdicts…); standing within the category can only raise it, never lower it.. Strongest: value and momentum; weakest: replies to reviews.
This companyPet Rescue median0 = centre, 100 = best
SatisfactioniSatisfaction · 54% of the scoreRecency-weighted star average (2-year half-life), shrunk toward the category mean by review volume; the company’s own lifetime average as the prior; absolute: 4.0★ = 0, 5★ = 100.San Francisco SPCA Adoption Center: 69/100 on this factor. Category median: 61.B
69
ReliabilityiReliability · 24% of the scoreHow rarely jobs go badly: share of 1–2★ reviews — 60% the last 24 months (or the 20 newest if fewer), 40% all-time; 0% = 100, 15%+ = 0; the category percentile can only raise it.San Francisco SPCA Adoption Center: 66/100 on this factor. Category median: 58.B
66
Craft & serviceiCraft & service · penalty only, up to −10 pointsGoogle review highlights: Quality, Professionalism, Responsiveness, Punctuality — how rarely reviewers flag them as a negative, per review since highlights began; 0% = 100, 5%+ = 0. Subtracted from the score (up to −10), never averaged in — clean highlights are the norm, not a bonus.San Francisco SPCA Adoption Center: 98/100 on this factor. Category median: 86.A
98
ValueiValue · 14% of the scoreCustomers’ own price verdicts (Great / Reasonable vs Overpriced) and Value highlights; 65% absolute (all “reasonable” ≈ 80, “great” = 100), the category percentile can only raise it.San Francisco SPCA Adoption Center: 100/100 on this factor. Category median: 93.A
100
MomentumiMomentum · penalty only, up to −10 pointsPenalises only a real slide: last-12-month average below lifetime (−0.5★ = 0). Still 4.8★+ over the last year, or steady/improving = 100. Subtracted from the score (up to −10), never averaged in.San Francisco SPCA Adoption Center: 100/100 on this factor. Category median: 100.A
100
Replies to reviewsiReplies to reviews · 7% of the scoreHow often the owner publicly replies to reviews under 5★ (1–4★). Needs 3+ such reviews, otherwise not counted; 65% absolute (80%+ replied = 100), the category percentile can only raise it.San Francisco SPCA Adoption Center: 19/100 on this factor. Category median: 28.F
19
Bar = this company · dark tick = category median.
Star ratings
1,473 Google reviews we collected
4.7of 5
5 stars1,22883%
4 stars1208%
3 stars483%
2 stars221%
1 star554%
Praise vs complaints
Phrases our text analysis found in 768 written reviews
92%praise
Praise50192%
Complaints438%
PriceiGoogle asks reviewers whether the price was great, reasonable or overpriced; these are their answers.
Price verdicts customers left with their Google review
95%fair
Great price2557%
Reasonable1432%
Overpriced25%
Not sure37%
Topic share
How often each topic comes up in the written reviews
7topics
Staff & attitude29554%
Quality & results8516%
Speed & response489%
Would recommend428%
Price & value326%
Honesty & trust224%
Communication204%
What customers talk about
We read 768 written reviews and marked every phrase about these topics. The same colors are highlighted in the reviews.
“…most emotional times for our family, they have shown us nothing but compassion, kindness, patience, and genuine love for our little Juno.…”
“…d my family away and told us that dog doesn’t like to be seen in a rude tone , if you guys are going to have a dog that doesn’t like to be seen the…”
“We had the most amazing experience yesterday at SF SPCU.”
“This place is so horrible it made me miss the normal chairs and appointment systems of the DMV.”
“He smiled throughout the entire process and immediately made us feel comfortable.”
“But during the time I was there, they processed only 1 adoption every 20 minutes while dozens of people waited for hours in discomfort.”
“I would highly recommend the SPCA if you want to adopt a fur baby.”
“Disrespectful and unprofessional, advise to stay away!”
“Definitely worth it to go to their pet hospital instead of your local vet if costs are a factor”
“People are rude and are very judgmental, way over priced stuff and adoption fees are too high compared to millbrae.”
“…, they have shown us nothing but compassion, kindness, patience, and genuine love for our little Juno.…”
“They are a scam I had to wait like 3hrs in the cold while everyone else that showed up got seen immediately.”
“He answered all of our questions, explained everything clearly, and was extremely professional while still having such a relaxed and personable personality.”
“Found out where the kennels were and I was just ignored.”
praise complaint · found by our text analysis, Google review wording unchanged.
Recent reviews
WilliamLocal Guide · 25 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 3 weeks ago★
I made a one-time donation to SFSPCA in the memory of a friend's beloved pet. The entirety of that donation seems to have been spent on direct mail marketing to me. Asking to be removed from mailing lists instead resulted in e-mail spam and text messages. I do not live in SF, but I would avoid the SPCA like the…
Not sure
JoceyLocal Guide · 36 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · a month ago★
Bad service ! I came in said hi to the lady in the front desk just stared at me and didn’t say a word , I came here wanting to adopt a dog and it was a upsetting experience I was looking at the dogs they had and one of them started barking and a staff member pushed me and my family away and told us that dog…
ENetArchLocal Guide · 122 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · a month ago★★★★
2026-08-31 .. took an adandon greyhound pit mix to them. Hyoeractive, beautiful 2 tone brown coat, 1 yr old. They only take puppies they placed. Found a microchip, and they called the caretaker, then put the dog into foster care.
Alexandra2 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 2 months ago★★★★★
We had the most amazing experience yesterday at SF SPCU. David was so helpful. He listened closely to everything we wanted and asked all the right questions to help us find our perfect dog, Kumori (now Lila). I could not recommend this shelter more to help you find your future pet. Thank you to David, all the staff, and volunteers at SF SPCU.
Great price
PeterLocal Guide · 75 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 3 months ago★★★★★
Everyone here is super kind, helpful, and happy. A great place to make a new best friend.
DonnaLocal Guide · 22 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · 3 months ago★★★★★
Well organized group with very personable staff! They made the adoption process a breeze. Shout out to Sarah!!!
The San Francisco SPCA Is Truly Doing Angel’s Work ❤️
There are not enough words to express how grateful we are to the entire team at the San Francisco SPCA. During one of the scariest and most emotional times for our family, they have shown us nothing but compassion, kindness, patience, and genuine love for our little Juno.
Juno was diagnosed with a disease that is often fatal, and while we are still waiting for the medication we hope will help her recover, the team has given us something invaluable during this incredibly difficult time: hope.
I especially want to recognize Dr. Wilson, who has been an absolute blessing to our family. Her intelligence, knowledge, and calm, reassuring presence have meant more to us than she probably realizes. In such a frightening and uncertain situation, having a veterinarian who is not only incredibly smart and capable but also genuinely kind and compassionate makes all the difference. Dr. Wilson has a way of making you feel heard, cared for, and confident that your beloved pet is in thoughtful, capable hands. The kindness she has shown our family has been extraordinary, and we are so grateful that Juno has had her looking after her. She is the kind of veterinarian you never forget.
Her entire team has been equally wonderful. From the veterinarians to the pharmacy staff to everyone working at the front desk, every single person we have encountered has treated us with warmth, understanding, and compassion. Everyone has been accommodating, patient, and genuinely invested in Juno’s care. You can feel that these people truly love what they do and care deeply about the animals and families who come through their doors.
As a young family, our kitten means the world to us. Our pets are family, and when one of them is seriously ill, the fear and helplessness can be overwhelming. Navigating something like this is difficult enough without the added worry of how to afford the care your animal desperately needs. The SF SPCA provides something truly extraordinary by making compassionate veterinary care accessible to families who need it most.
The San Francisco SPCA is doing angel’s work. They are not simply treating animals; they are supporting families, giving people hope, and helping keep beloved family members where they belong: at home, surrounded by love.
We will never forget the kindness and care this team has shown Juno and our family. We are beyond grateful to Dr. Wilson, her incredible medical team, the pharmacy, the front desk, and every person who plays a part in making this organization so special.
If you are looking for a place that genuinely cares about animals and the people who love them, we cannot recommend the SF SPCA enough. They have made an enormous difference in our lives, and we are so thankful that organizations like this exist in our city.
From the bottom of our hearts, thank you, Dr. Wilson, and thank you to the entire SF SPCA team, for caring for our Juno, for treating our family with such kindness, and for giving us hope during a time when we needed it most. The work you do matters more than you will ever know. ❤️
✨ “Yinz are angels, and we’re so grateful for everything you’ve done for our Juno!”✨
Price assessment: Great price
William ScullinLocal Guide · 25 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews William has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
I made a one-time donation to SFSPCA in the memory of a friend's beloved pet. The entirety of that donation seems to have been spent on direct mail marketing to me. Asking to be removed from mailing lists instead resulted in e-mail spam and text messages. I do not live in SF, but I would avoid the SPCA like the plague as you'll never get them out of your mailbox and inbox.
Price assessment: Not sure
Response from the owner · 3 weeks ago
Hi William, thank you for supporting us in memory of your friend's pet, and we're sorry this has been frustrating. Every email and text we send includes an unsubscribe method, but we want to make sure nothing slipped through. If you email [email protected] with the email address and phone number you're receiving messages at, we'll double-check that they've been removed from all of our lists.
Jocey _jayLocal Guide · 36 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Jocey has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Bad service ! I came in said hi to the lady in the front desk just stared at me and didn’t say a word , I came here wanting to adopt a dog and it was a upsetting experience I was looking at the dogs they had and one of them started barking and a staff member pushed me and my family away and told us that dog doesn’t like to be seen in a rude tone , if you guys are going to have a dog that doesn’t like to be seen there should be a sign on the glass , yet everybody was looking at that dog and only yelled at us.
Response from the owner · a month ago
We're sorry to hear about your experience. The concerns you've raised are serious, and we'd like the opportunity to look into this directly. Please reach out to us at [email protected].
ENetArchLocal Guide · 122 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews ENetArch has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
2026-08-31 .. took an adandon greyhound pit mix to them. Hyoeractive, beautiful 2 tone brown coat, 1 yr old. They only take puppies they placed. Found a microchip, and they called the caretaker, then put the dog into foster care.
Response from the owner · a month ago
Thank you for stopping to help him. We're glad the microchip led back to his caretaker and that he landed in foster care. We know our intake limits can be frustrating when you have a dog who needs help. For anyone who finds a stray in San Francisco, San Francisco Animal Care and Control is the city's intake shelter for found animals.
Clariedell CraigLocal Guide · 10 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Clariedell has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
A Wonderful Adoption Experience at SF SPCA ❤️🐾
I visited the SF SPCA yesterday with my son and sister to adopt a cat, and I have to say, our experience was truly wonderful. There was an adoption event happening, and it was clear that so many of the employees genuinely cared about helping these animals find loving homes. Everyone we encountered was welcoming, compassionate, and excited to help.
We were first assisted by SALLY during the process of meeting the cats. She was incredibly patient, positive, and attentive. She helped us explore several cats we were interested in. As we waited for some of the cats we originally wanted to become available, we decided to continue looking at other cats so we could make the most of our time. That's when we came across Blossom.
Blossom had caught the attention of several people, but some ultimately decided not to adopt her because she had a URI (a common cat cold). Sally remained so positive, patient, and encouraging throughout the process. My son ultimately chose Blossom, and he told us, *“It was meant to be.”* ❤️ That moment made the experience even more special, and Blossom officially became the newest member of our family.
Afterward, we went downstairs to complete the paperwork and were assisted by DAVID. From the moment we met him, he was genuinely enthusiastic, friendly, and positive. He smiled throughout the entire process and immediately made us feel comfortable. He answered all of our questions, explained everything clearly, and was extremely professional while still having such a relaxed and personable personality.
Sally and David truly left an impression on our family. They represent exactly what a supportive, compassionate, and amazing animal shelter should be. Their work ethic, patience, positive attitudes, and genuine care deserve to be recognized and acknowledged. I sincerely hope their efforts are noticed and rewarded because they made what could have simply been an adoption process into a truly memorable experience for our family.
And honestly, the same can be said for the rest of the staff we encountered. Everyone seemed genuinely excited to help these beautiful animals find their forever homes.
Thank you, SF SPCA, Sally, David, and the entire team for everything you do. We are so grateful that you helped bring Blossom into our family. ❤️🐱
Response from the owner · a month ago
Clariedell, thank you for writing this. We've shared it with Sally and David and with their managers. A few people passed on Blossom because of her URI, so we're glad she ended up with you. Congratulations to your family.
J.R. ParishLocal Guide · 19 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews J.R. has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Hola buenas tarde quiero saber cm ago para adoptar un perrito
Response from the owner · a month ago
¡Hola! Gracias por tu interés en adoptar. Puedes conocer a nuestros perritos disponibles y encontrar toda la información sobre el proceso de adopción en sfspca.org. También puedes visitarnos en nuestro Centro de Adopciones. Si tienes alguna pregunta, escríbenos a [email protected] y con gusto te ayudamos.
Alexandra Bell2 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Alexandra has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
We had the most amazing experience yesterday at SF SPCU. David was so helpful. He listened closely to everything we wanted and asked all the right questions to help us find our perfect dog, Kumori (now Lila). I could not recommend this shelter more to help you find your future pet. Thank you to David, all the staff, and volunteers at SF SPCU.
Price assessment: Great price
Response from the owner · a month ago
Alexandra, thank you. Finding the right match comes down to asking the right questions, and David is good at that. We've passed this along to him and his manager. All the best with Lila.
Solo Mon13 reviewsiTotal number of Google reviews Solo has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
