April 2020

Foster Win: Playful Lady has a permanent home with her foster family!

Louisa‘s adopter sent an update: “She’s slowly coming out of her shell and getting comfortable in the apartment. She tends to hide under the bed during the day, but she can sometimes be coaxed out with treats. At night she’s super playful (and loud!). We’re working on getting her sleep patterns more aligned with ours with regular feedings, evening playtime, and good old-fashioned earplugs! She gets more outgoing every day, and I’m sure she’ll be running the place in no time. I’m so happy to have her!”

A wonderful group adoption: All three of our pigeons, Marzipan, Fondant and Sabah, have found a home together, where they’ll be living with another bird, Sophie, who survived being shot with a BB. “Sophie and Sabah have become great friends! Sabah chases Marzi and Fondant off if they’re bothering Sophie. We found out that Sabah is actually 11 years old. Her band says she was born in 2009! The birds are lovely additions to our family, thank you so much! “

A purrfect Happy Tails update! Autumn and Harvest (previously known as Princess & Rusty) were adopted on 9/28/19 and are doing great: “we’re all glad to be together during the Shelter in Place!”

Juneau, formerly known as Marsha Mellow, is doing great! She’s been learning a lot from her new big sister Juliet and there is a hilarious big sister/little sister vibe between them. She has taken well to crate training and is learning some sign language commands for sit and good girl. Follow their adventures on Instagram @juneau_and_juliet”

Sweet Gwendolyn was adopted by a lovely family with an adorable little girl ready to shower her with love and affection!

“I adopted Pablo and Smokey almost five years ago from ACC at Pet Food Express. They were a bonded pair of kitten brothers and they have been glued to each other ever since. They love to play, cuddle, and sleep together. My favorite is when they jump on the toaster together to warm their butts each morning after the toast is made. I’m a dog walking volunteer at ACC but that doesn’t mean I’m not in love with the best cats in the world!”

Cutie pie Ewok was adopted a year ago next month! He’s enjoying spending quality time with his family and copying one of his all-time favorite basket players, Steph Curry, with his raw hide. His adopter says “Thank you all for everything! Ewok been the best addition to our family.”

Triple update: “Florence (left) was adopted from ACC in August 2018. She had been abandoned in Stern Grove. She is a big girl! Rizzo (middle) and Sandy (right) were bonded and adopted together from ACC about 6 weeks later when they were 4 and 5 months old. Rizzo was a runt but she has gotten perfectly chubby and is super-fast when doing zoomies around the cage. They are the one consistent part of life in SIP. They still squeal like clockwork for their veggies (no alarm clock needed) and they are enjoying more treats now that mom is around during the day.”

Handsome hunk Dermot has found his forever home!

Guinea pig cutie Guinness went home with his new family today! This is the first pet for new brother Nikko, but mom Annia has had guinea pigs all her life.

Kingsley Albus, formally known as Prince Harry, came into a household already full of fur children and a human one too. We have all been waiting excitedly to meet him: two moms, one small child, one cat, two dogs and 65, 7th grade students (who helped to name him)! At first meet, he was curious about the puppy, who wanted to give licks, and the old lady dog, who didn’t care at all. Then came time to meet Dean, an older guy who was rather grumpy at first. The first night was rough, similar to bringing a new child home from the hospital! We thought he needed space, so we gave him his own room. But he decided that wasn’t going to work, and opened the door himself. In fact, he managed to get out of a bedroom, the bathroom and the bedroom again. Kingsley was not to be contained. So one of the two moms decided to sleep with him on the couch that night, while the other mom and fur children slept in the bedroom, and the human child slept in her own. Most of the night he cried, bounded about, and explored, often jumping up to see the human and get cuddles. …The next day, he had fully moved in but was still feeling a bit shy. He spent some time under the couch, but eventually came out and explored more. On Sunday, he didn’t go under the couch at all and was ready to nap in sight and share his treats with his new kitty brother!

Sweet senior Aria has been adopted!

Sammy was one of our first virtual adoptions!

“My partner and I adopted Goose (formerly Stormy) and Tilda (formerly Josephine) 9 months ago on 7/22/19. Goose and Tilda are so affectionate and adorable and love each other very much. They have been a wonderful addition to our family and we feel very lucky to have found them. Thanks so much ACC!!”

“Here is Mimi – I got her from ACC @ Pet Food Express in March 2017 at 1yr 8mo. of age. Here is her first pic at home: First night she investigated the whole apartment…. ran up and down the hallway and the look on her face was like “This is all mine?!?!” (mind you I only have a one bedroom and her history was not known or disclosed) She was super stoked!
She is goofy, sweet and super playful. Is extremely good at playing catch (and brings it back!) she takes the “sport'” very seriously and we can play for like a solid 30 min at a time!
She’s a lady who knows what she wants and is very vocal about it. And when it gets dark out she is the first to snuggle right beside me or cuddle under the covers. Adopting her was one of the best things I could ever do! She’s a joy!”

Nietzsche the MotoCat is a world traveling adventure cat and SFACC alum who now lives in Spain! Always dressed for a formal occasion, Nietzsche loves to explore and cuddle. You can follow Nietzsche on Instagram: @nietzsche_motocat

Heijro has been adopted! His new name is Bruno and he looks super comfy cozy with his new sister! 

Gorgeous Sky has found her forever home, where she’s looking quite comfy and happy!

Fun Activities for Kids & Adults During SIP

Train your cat to high-five!
You know your cat is smart. They can read your mind and manipulate you to serve their goals. Why not spend some quality quarantine time training them to impress your friends with tricks? If your cat loves treats, you can probably teach them to high-five in no time. A great activity for kids and kitties!

 

         

Match the dog to their person!
For those who enjoy a good coloring book and love dogs, download and print this Dog Activity Book, shared by the SFACC B&T team. Includes, word games and loads of great info about dog behavior. A fun learning tool for kids and adults!

Changes in SFACC Procedures During COVID-19


Starting on April 11, 2020, San Francisco Animal Care and Control will provide special “Kitten Care Kits” to people who find underage kittens on their property and have the ability to care for them. 

 

Update from Executive Director Virginia Donohue…

As we are all aware, the world has changed dramatically in the last three months. The urgency of the pandemic requires that we rethink how we operate to keep staff, volunteers and animals safe. In light of the seriousness of the pandemic, University of California at Davis and University of Wisconsin have teamed up to make a broad set of recommendations on how animal shelters should operate in these tumultuous times.

As with every other aspect of the pandemic, information and best practices evolve. We pledge to stay up-to-date on it all for the best possible outcomes for the animals in our care, our community members, volunteers and staff. Most importantly, we must take the shelter in place order seriously. Every time you leave your home, you put yourself and other people at risk. As an organization, we cannot support or promote any activity that jeopardizes human health.

These recommendations run counter to the soul of any animal welfare organization and are staggering to contemplate. However, with shelter-in-place orders in much of the country, we are placing a premium on human health and safety.

Spay/neuter surgery has been deemed not essential at this time. Shelters are being asked to place animals in homes and ask adopters to return for surgery when normal activity resumes. Veterinarians stress that while our mutual goal is population control, at this time elective surgery takes valuable protective equipment away from human health providers. It also exposes staff members to unnecessary exposure to COVID-19. SFACC is developing a system for virtual adoptions and for tracking animals who will need to be brought back for surgery.

Also, the national recommendation is that shelters no longer take in healthy kittens of any age. Advocates should not be leaving their homes to trap cats and kittens. This is not an essential function and violates the health orders that are in place. SFACC will continue to take in all animals who are ill or injured.

The guidance is based on concern for everyone involved and the extraordinary number of human interactions that take place in the care of kittens. We recognize that this will result in a surge of intact, homeless kittens. Even worse would be a surge in COVID-19 cases amongst the trappers, foster homes, kitten advocates, volunteers and shelter staff. All of the guidance can be found HERE.

If San Francisco residents find kittens in their yards, they can call SFACC and describe the situation. We will prepare customized kitten kits that can be picked up outside the shelter by appointment. This will allow residents to care for the kittens in place. If kittens are sick, injured, orphaned and unweaned, in immediate danger or the caller is unwilling to provide care, they can bring the kittens to the shelter.

SFACC is the only shelter in San Francisco that will take in animals whose guardians are hospitalized due to COVID-19 infections. We currently have three in-house, and are planning for more as the number of cases increases. To make room for them, we have more than 60 animals in foster care with fabulous volunteer families.

We expect the guidance to continue to evolve and we will adapt accordingly. Meanwhile we will be making plans for how to move forward after the crisis eases. We realize that we will have a lot of catch up work to do and hope that all of you will be there to help us.

Please stay in your homes and be safe.

Virginia Donohue, Executive Director

You can help SFACC keep Kitten Care Kits supplied by donating items from the shelter’s Amazon Amazon Wish List.

Volunteers Shelter in Place with SFACC Animals

During the shelter-in-place order as a result of COVID-19, SFACC mobilized shelter volunteers to foster adoptable animals. As of April 3, there are 62 animals in foster care, which gives the staff a break and makes more space available if needed for people who become ill and cannot care for their pet. Our sincere and deep gratitude for all the volunteer fosters giving these animals the field trip of their dreams!

 “Smallz is 14yo and Bam Bam is 9 years old, acting like he’s 5 until he realizes he’s tired. Smallz has arthritis so his walks are short and sweet. Bam Bam has been exploring Russian Hill, Aquatic Park and the Palace of Fine arts. He’s enjoying the highlights of the area without the crowds.
Bam Bam has been getting in plenty of steps every day keeping his foster mom active an away from the fridge. (Lol). Mostly the fridge is barricaded by Smallz when he lays down in the kitchen. It works great for all of us. Brushing sessions are requested daily now by Smallz. One of his admirers on the street asked if he’d been to the salon as he looked so dapper and fresh! Bam Bam is just a constant head turner by other people and dogs so he’s feeling good about himself too. They love both the brushing and hanging outside to see people walk by. They’re really good at cuddling and letting you know when they are still in need of more lovin’…These two are a treat to have around.”

Good boy Dermot is enjoying his foster time! Looks like he’s perfected chilling indoors, as well as the one ear up and one ear down look.

We have our first foster win! Guinea pig cuties Pigglesworth and Pygmalion will be adopted by their foster as soon as we resume adoptions!

Playful Lady is loving foster life and her foster feels likewise! “Lady has been a dream to have. She is such a sweet cat with tons of love to give. Thank you again for allowing me to foster her, it’s been a pleasure.”

Foster dog Hans is clearly an expert at cuddling in place! Who wouldn’t mind staying indoors if you get to snuggle up with a big handsome German Shepherd?

Guinea pig foster update! “Here is our little foster girl, her name was piggy but we call her Gwendolyn! She is so pretty and sweet! Great eater and makes the loveliest sounds

Lop eared buns Nala and Bella are enjoying their foster home, with lots of tasty treats, a bun house and lots of love!

“Travis is loving his life and getting as many snuggles as possible. We love having this little man.”

Beautiful Miss Moey is making the most out of sheltering in place in her foster home. She looks pretty comfy cozy!

Fluffy foster gent Evante is doing great in his foster home. He was understandably nervous at first but now he’s out and about! “He loves being pet, makes muffins and purrs when I’m nearby.”

“Pecan Sandy loves garden views and dozing off in the sun after a long walk around the neighborhood.”

It’s a pigeon party! Foster birds Sabah, Marzipan and Fondant enjoy a sunny breakfast.

Foster cat Sammy has elegance and flair as well as a stellar view of the city.

Pretty girl Minna is thriving in her foster home, recovering from her spay surgery in loving surroundings.”Overall she’s doing great! So full of energy and cuddles. She’s such a sweet, good girl.”

“We just brought Louisa to her foster home today. She is super sweet and was exploring immediately. We let her have some time alone to settle in and she immediately found the bed we set up by the window. She played with a feather toy for a bit and then settled on my lap while I ate dinner. I think the only time she isn’t talking is when she’s settled on a lap”

Advice from cat behaviorist GoCatGo (SF)…”Louisa started off her first days home in a chatty mood. It was hard to leave her alone without her singing her favorite tune. We’ve redirected her attention to food puzzles, giving her a job to do each day while #shelterinplace . (Hey, you can repurpose those #toiletpaper rolls! ) She’s quieted down some, but she’s probably always going to be that quirky and chatty kind of cat. Big Thanks to resourceful and creative foster parents that want to make the best of these challenging times.”

“Prince Harry is an active, kittenish teen. …Cuddly too and likes head scratches and belly rubs. He’s sweet and very gentle. He figured out the lay of the land very quickly and is curious about whatever I’m doing. He’s super playful and loves chasing the fishing pole toy. Happy lounging by himself too, watching DogTV.”

Wee pup Pinnocchio is now with Grateful Dogs Rescue. Check out how cute he is with his foster siblings!

March 2020

In March 2020, 52 animals found new forever homes!

Here is Chauncey! Chauncey was adopted from us in February of 2007. He celebrated his 20th Birthday and his 14th gotcha adoption day.

kitten Powder Puff, now named Marshmallow, was adopted! Powder Puff came into the shelter as a tiny bottle feeding baby and has grown into a beautiful healthy kitten thanks to a Toni’s Kitty Rescue foster home. 

Fruity Pebbles has gone home! She’s going to get to go to work with her new parents!

Fluffy kitten Possum has been adopted! It’s a major upgrade from the car engine he was found in!

Sweet kittens Greta and Bert went home together.

Bobart the rabbit was also adopted March 1st.

Cory will be his guardians’ first dog! They will be living in Manteca with a beautiful pool, jacuzzi and plenty of room in their backyard.

Timid kitten Opie went home with a wonderful adopter with a quiet household. She is going to spoil him and help him become a super confident cat!

Ramona (L) with Cory in the SFACC yard

A triple ACC alumni update and all in black and white!
“We adopted Shadow (then Badger) on March 28. 2015. Here’s an updated photo 5 years later. Both the kid and the dog grew. For good measure, here are our kitties, also from you. Adopted 10/31/2013. They were Daisy and Daphne, now Iris and Isis.”

 “Just wanted to say thank you & update about my adopted kitten. I adopted Silverton (then named Wendy) this January at 5 months old. I love her so much she’s been the most amazing kitten, mellow, loves to cuddle and lick my hair when I’m sleeping, and is so perfectly well behaved. I couldn’t have asked for a better cat! Thank you all so much! I always recommend you for people to adopt from! Thanks again for such a wonderful addition to my life!”

Sweet senior Bella was adopted to a wonderful young woman today, who wanted a quiet companion to come home to at the end of the day! She is so in love with her and they are going to be so happy together!

Wee chi guy Jimmy was adopted just a couple of weeks ago and he’s already settled in with his new pack! His adopters report “Jimmy is fitting in with our 2 dogs. He is such a love bug.”

Evie

KitKat

Lorelai

Luke

Olivia

Foster win! Senior bob-tailed sweetie Oreo has found her forever home: with her fosters. Lots of playing and couch snoozing is in her future. Congratulations!

Taffy

Tiger went to Grateful Dogs Rescue!