SF SPCA Mistreats Volunteers and Dogs. - Volunteer San Francisco SPCA Employee Review

The SF SPCA has a lofty mission, and it's one that they have the power and drive to fulfill. I feel very lucky to get to work at a place that quite literally saves lives, while also stretching and growing me professionally. This organization is at the forefront of the animal welfare industry, and while demanding it's also incredibly exciting to be a part of it. We are at a pivotal crisis point in California. There is a tremendous veterinary shortage, and we have overwhelming overcrowding in shelters across the state. The SF SPCA sees that and jumps in headfirst. We're actively working to change the landscape for animals and their people in real and sustainable ways. I care very deeply for San Francisco, and what most drew me into the SF SPCA originally was the incredible work we're doing to strengthen the San Francisco community by building access points to care for pets and their people. In my role, I span across all the programs and work that we do, which I love as it gives me a fantastic full picture of our wok while also giving my work a lot of variety and lots to learn. I could not be more grateful to be part of this wild ride!!

The work is demanding and emotional which can lead to tension and frustration sometimes. There was also a very intentional shift in the organization's direction following COVID and in response to the thousands of deferred spay/neuters, the dramatic inaccessibility of veterinary care, etc. That shift hasn't always been communicated clearly, and there's some understandable confusion in some parts of the organization.

New leadership, many things being corrected. In general, moving in the right direction. Sort of feels like a startup right now.

multiple parallel changes lead to confusion and frustration