Long weekends are a popular time to bring home a pet, but several Bay Area shelters close on the holidays themselves. Check before you go.

Oakland Animal Services

Oakland's city shelter lists these remaining 2026 holiday closures: Nov. 11 (Veterans Day), Nov. 26 and 27 (Thanksgiving and the day after) and Dec. 25.

Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA

The Burlingame and San Mateo shelters close Nov. 11, Nov. 26 and Dec. 25. The Saratoga and San Jose wildlife care centers stay open on those days.

SF SPCA

The SF SPCA's Maddie's Pet Adoption Center at 250 Florida St. is walk-in only, first come, first served, with free parking. Hours:

  • Monday: closed
  • Tuesday–Thursday: 1–7 p.m.
  • Friday–Saturday: 11 a.m.–7 p.m.
  • Sunday: 11 a.m.–6 p.m.

The SF SPCA says adoption takes about an hour. All animals are free to adopt with proof of veteran or active-duty military status, and adoption fees are waived for monthly donors. With a kitten adoption, the fee for a second kitten adopted within 30 days is waived.