Latest news with #SFSPCA
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Save a Life for Free: California's Adopt-a-Pet Day is Back
The second annual California Adopt-a-Pet Day is coming up on Saturday, June 7, with the help of The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), the California Animal Welfare Association (CalAnimals), and the San Francisco Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SF SPCA). On this day, over 150 shelters will waive their adoption fees, aiming to find homes for 5,000 dogs, cats, horses, and other small animals. ASPCA grants are covering the costs of these fees for most organizations up to $500. 'Turnout for last year's event was so amazing that it inspired us to be even more ambitious with our adoption goals for this year. It's clear that families recognize all the great benefits of adoption. Shelters offer an array of amazing animals, all of whom are ready for loving, caring homes,' said Jill Tucker, CEO of CalAnimals, to ASPCA. Last year, the inaugural Adopt-a-Pet Day exceeded expectations, surpassing the goal of 2,024 adoptions by nearly 1,600 pets. Buoyed by that success, organizers are raising the bar even higher this year, more than doubling last year's goal. Los Angeles is home to one of the largest animal shelter systems in the country, taking in around 60,000 animals each year. Yet with only 30% of households adopting from shelters or rescue organizations and 60% of shelter animals making it out alive, large-scale adoption events like this one are more important than ever. Adoption not only gives an animal a home—it also frees up space in shelters, potentially saving the life of another animal in Day is focused not only on matching pets with the right families and lifestyles, but also on making the transition easy—each pet comes with basic medical care already completed, tailored to their species.'On Adopt-a-Pet Day, adopters will meet animals of different breeds, sizes, ages, and energy levels and get matched with their perfect new companion. It's a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the human-animal bond,' says Dr. Jennifer Scarlett, CEO of SF SPCA. ASPCA expects an increased impact this year with more adoptions occurring and more organizations participating in the event. Visit to find a shelter near you.
CBS News
11-03-2025
- Health
- CBS News
Bay Area high school turns to therapy dogs to help students cope with stress
High school can be a jungle with students rushing to class stressed and overwhelmed. But one campus in San Francisco found a way to tame the beast, with a pair of pooches dressed as tigers. Meet Luna, a 3-year-old Italian Greyhound, and Brixton, an 11-year-old Golden Retriever — Two therapy dogs who aren't just cute, they're the ultimate stress busters, sinking their teeth into anxiety and helping students pounce over the finish line. Aksh Varma, a senior at Lick Wilmerding High, said the dogs had given students a much-needed pause from the chaos and pressure of student life. "One lunch period changes the entire momentum of the day, whether it's having a bad day to a good day or a good day to an even better day," he said. "It's definitely a big event when they come, said Sydney Kitchimghan, a sophomore. "It's just stress relief; it's really calming." High schools are facing a growing mental health crisis worsened by the pandemic and social media. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 39.7% of high school students in America experience persistent feelings of sadness and hopelessness, 28.5% experienced poor mental health and 20.4% seriously considered attempting suicide. For years, therapy dogs have comforted hospital patients and calmed kindergarteners. Now, high schools are discovering what wagging tails and wet noses can do for stressed-out teenagers, especially around midterms and finals. Studies show these canines counselors can reduce stress, boost learning and even improve attendance. School counselor Yuka Hachiuma said the dogs are more than just classroom pets, they're changing the way students connect with each other. "It's kind of a ripple effect," she said. You see people start noticing and you then you just see more smiles." There are some concerns associated with pet therapy including safety, allergies and hygiene, but that hasn't stopped schools from booking these dogs over and over. Tina Mitchell from the SF SPCA said Luna and Brixton have an instinct for spotting students who need them the most. "I think that animals can really sense when people can use their interaction and their connection," she said.
