It is a truth universally acknowledged that pretty much everybody loves animals. Living in San Francisco and paying out the nose for rent, parking, and the occasional slice of $8 avocado toast, however, can make owning a beloved pet basically impossible. But hey, don’t you fret! We’ve got some paw-sitively sweet places to check out if your budget leaves no room for a furry friend.
KitTea Cat Cafe
Meow are welcome! That’s cat for, “All are welcome - including humans!” KitTea Cafe offers an array of activities every day (excluding Tuesdays - those are dedicated to their cat naps), ranging from yoga sessions and happy “meower” to cat-assisted movie nights. Book a reservation and enjoy an unlimited amount of green tea while watching those precious little fur balls run around. And we can't forget to mention the delectable (people) food menu that features pawsome salads, waffles, and sandwiches. Playing with cats and eating yummy food? That's the best of both worlds.
Pot A Gold Adventures: Horseback Riding
Golden Gate Park + McLaren Park
Need to escape the hustle and bustle of San Francisco city life? Put on your riding boots and saddle up for a gorgeous ride through Golden Gate Park or McLaren Park with Pot A Gold Adventures. Take a trot away from the noise while learning about the equestrian history of San Francisco and finding your zen with nature’s gentlest giants. Riding season is short, but Pot A Gold does give 25% off to San Francisco residents with a valid ID. Well, what are you waiting for? Go on and hop on that saddle, ya hear!
Corgi Con
Ocean Beach
Corgi Con is one of San Francisco’s best-attended pooch-friendly events - and with good reason. 930 corgis were accounted for at this summer's event - and that number goes up with each con! There are two corgi cons per year, meaning you're never too far from a chance to chill with pretty much every corgi in the Bay
at the same time. The races, group photo, and costume contest make the biannual event unmissable, so grab your friends and hang loose with the fabulous corgis at Ocean Beach!
San Francisco Animal Care and Control
1200 15th Street
Do good while hanging out with animals through SFACC's volunteer program. Work and play with a whole host of animals - cats, dogs, rabbits, rats, hamsters, guinea pigs, and iguanas included! SFACC's expansive volunteer program also offers opportunities to assist with animals requiring medical care, contribute to outreach and social media projects, work with Animal Control Officers to enforce animal welfare laws, and provide a temporary home for special needs animals. Think of it as the cutest way to chalk up a few charity points and find more info here.
Discovery Tidepool
California Academy of Sciences, Golden Gate Park
If you’re feeling the need to live the life aquatic, swim over to the Discovery Tidepool at the California Academy of Sciences. Pet everything from starfish to sea urchins, which aren't exactly furry, per say, but are super intriguing nonetheless. Most importantly, these creatures are not miles from their natural environment: these animals all come from tidepools along the California coastline. It's easily our favorite fun and humane way to appreciate natural sea life in the city!
Bison Paddock
Golden Gate Park
One of San Francisco's most historic attractions, the bison paddock in Golden Gate Park has been going strong since the 1890s. Today, the all-female herd - bulls are too much of a hassle come mating season, apparently - can be seen grazing and lazing about in the grass. Since its tenants are horned, weigh in at about 3,000 pounds a pop, and enclosed by two fences, the paddock is no petting zoo, but it does make for an enjoyable stop if you ever get the urge to take an afternoon stroll through the park.
San Francisco Zoo Free Days
Sloat Boulevard & Great Highway
Over 2,000 exotic, endangered, and rescued animals call San Francisco Zoo home, and you can see them all for free on certain days announced by the Zoo throughout the year. Prove you're a San Francisco resident with a valid ID or cable bill and then go enjoy a plethora of wildlife and exhibits, including a three-acre, mixed-species African savanna enclosure, the beloved sea lion pool, Eagle Island, Grizzly Gulch, and Boone, a black rhino named after 49ers lineman Alex Boone.
SF SPCA Volunteer Program
250 Florida Street + 2343 Fillmore Street
The San Francisco SPCA offers fun, hands-on volunteer experiences at both of their locations. Volunteers work within a range of roles, including helping to nurture and socialize dogs and cats in advance of adoption. If you're super committed, check out the foster volunteer program, which allows you to give shelter animals a temporary home until they’re ready for adoption. Find more resources for volunteering with SF SPCA
here.
Dog Parks
Crissy Field, Lafayette Park, Dolores Park, Fort Funston, McLaren Park, Golden Gate Park, etc.
There are a whole lot of parks in San Francisco to stumble upon some dogs who want to play! Enjoy a picnic with your friends and let a few dogs in on your fun. There's no shortage of dog parks around these parts, so we made an entire guide to
The Bay's Best Dog Parks to help you find them.
Keep the furry fun going with our guide to the best dog-friendly bars and restaurants and stay up on KitTea Cafe's schedule for more movie nights and special events.
Written by Melissa Tenenbaum
