The Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA (PHS/SPCA) is a local, private, nonprofit organization devoted to animal welfare, serving the community as an open-door shelter for animals in need. That means they welcome pets regardless of age, size, or breed — and they also care for injured and orphaned native wildlife. At its heart, PHS/SPCA exists to make sure every animal that comes through its doors is met with compassion, safety, and a real chance at a better life.
For dogs especially, PHS/SPCA provides a supportive path from intake to adoption. They care for healthy, adoptable dogs and work to place them in loving homes, and they also step in for dogs who need extra help along the way. Through their charitably funded Hope Program, dogs who arrive sick, injured, or too young to thrive can receive the medical treatment and supportive care they need to recover. That extra layer of help can be life-changing — giving vulnerable dogs the time, healing, and attention required to become healthy enough for adoption.
All dogs adopted through PHS/SPCA receive medical and behavior evaluations, are vaccinated and spayed or neutered, and are microchipped before going to their new homes. The adoption package also includes 14 days of post-adoption limited medical care, a temporary leash or carrier, and a discount on behavior classes. This thorough preparation helps set both dogs and their new families up for success from day one.
Beyond adoption, PHS/SPCA offers an impressive range of services and programs for the dog-loving community. Their low-cost spay and neuter clinic performs an average of 23 surgeries per day, helping to reduce pet overpopulation across San Mateo County. The Pet Food Bank provides hundreds of thousands of meals to animals in need each year, ensuring that families facing financial hardship can continue to care for their pets. Additional programs include cruelty investigation, community education and outreach, pet assisted therapy, obedience classes, and animal rescue operations.
This commitment to second chances adds up to meaningful impact, with more than 5,000 lives saved each year. PHS/SPCA’s work is also recognized by major nonprofit evaluators, including a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator, a Platinum-level transparency rating from Candid (formerly GuideStar), and top-rated nonprofit status from GreatNonprofits. It is a trusted organization with a long history of helping animals — and for dog lovers, it is an inspiring reminder of how much good is possible when a community comes together to care for dogs who need it most.
PHS/SPCA operates from two locations in San Mateo County. The Adoption Center, Wildlife Care Center, and Humane Education House are located at the Center for Compassion at 1450 Rollins Road in Burlingame, where you can visit dogs available for adoption. Lost and found services, animal intake, and the spay and neuter clinic are housed at the Coyote Point Shelter at 12 Airport Boulevard in San Mateo. To learn more about available dogs, volunteering, or donating, visit phs-spca.org or call (650) 340-7022.
