Support Animal Welfare in San Francisco by Donating Your Car to SF SPCA

When people think about supporting the San Francisco SPCA, they often picture adopting a pet, making a monetary donation, or attending a fundraising event. But there’s another meaningful way to stand behind animal welfare in San Francisco—one that transforms something you may no longer need into lifesaving support for animals.
By donating your car, boat, RV, or specialty vehicle to SF SPCA, you help provide critical funding that protects animals, advances humane care, and strengthens the bond between people and pets throughout the Bay Area.
A Legacy of Compassion That Changed Animal Welfare
Founded in 1868, SF SPCA is the fourth oldest humane society in the United States and has played a defining role in modern animal welfare. The organization was a founding force behind the No-Kill movement, reshaping how communities across the country think about sheltering and animal care.
Thanks to decades of advocacy, innovation, and community partnership, San Francisco now has the lowest euthanasia rate of any major city in the nation—a milestone that reflects both SF SPCA’s leadership and the support of people who believe animals deserve compassionate, high-quality care.
SFSPCA’s Mission and Vision
SF SPCA’s work is guided by a clear and powerful purpose:
Mission
To ensure every companion animal has access to quality medical care, compassionate shelter, and a loving home.
Vision
A world in which the love people share with animals uplifts humanity to a state of greater compassion.
Vehicle donations help make this mission possible by providing flexible funding that supports veterinary treatment, shelter operations, advocacy efforts, and programs designed to enhance the human–animal bond.
Why Vehicle Donations Matter for Animals
Unlike restricted gifts, proceeds from vehicle donations can be used where they’re needed most. When you donate a vehicle to SF SPCA, you help support:
- Medical care and treatment for animals in need
- Compassionate sheltering and recovery services
- Advocacy for animal welfare and humane policies
- Programs that strengthen relationships between people and pets
Your unused vehicle becomes a tool for long-term impact—supporting systems that protect animals today and help build a more humane future.
How to Donate Your Car to SF SPCA
Donating a vehicle is simple and rewarding. SF SPCA’s car donation program is processed by its authorized agent, Advanced Remarketing Services, and can be completed in three easy steps.
1. Provide Vehicle Information
Complete the online donation form with basic details about your vehicle, including the VIN, year, make, model, mileage, and condition.
2. Schedule a Free Pickup
Within two to three business days, a local towing company will contact you to arrange a convenient pickup time. Towing is always free.
3. Receive Your Tax Receipt
After your vehicle is sold, you will receive an email acknowledgment and access to a donor dashboard. Once the sale is complete, you will receive a tax receipt for your records.
What Can You Donate?
SFSPCA’s vehicle donation program accepts more than just cars. You can donate:
- Cars and trucks
- Boats
- RVs
- Specialty vehicles
Whether your vehicle is running or not, it can still generate funds that directly benefit animals and the people who care for them.
Donating a vehicle to SF SPCA is not only impactful, it’s also simple. Your donation may qualify for a tax deduction, and the process is designed to be convenient from start to finish. You can begin your donation online or speak with a representative by calling 877-957-2277.
Car Donation Spotlight: 1990 Buick Reatta
Written By: Sam Andrews The 1988-1991 Buick Reatta was the company’s first attempt at an exclusive compact 2-door sports car since the 1940s. The Reatta will be remembered alongside similar vehicles offered around the same time by General Motors like the Cadillac...
The Truth About Car Donation to Charity
Scenario: It's got four wheels and an engine. Sometimes it even runs. But the mechanic's estimate is more than you want to pay, so it's time to get rid of the old clunker in your driveway. A 501(c)(3) public charity you like will take it off your hands. You'll dispose...
IRS Releases the Top Tax Scams for 2012
WASHINGTON –– The Internal Revenue Service today issued its annual “Dirty Dozen” ranking of tax scams, reminding taxpayers to use caution during tax season to protect themselves against a wide range of schemes ranging from identity theft to return preparer fraud. The...
Inspirational Car Donors: American Cancer Society
Earlier this week, as one of Car Donation Wizard's customer service representatives, I took a car donation on behalf of the American Cancer Society's Cars for a Cure® program. The donor called and began telling me that he and his wife had just had a cancer scare with...
Car Donation Spotlight of the Month: 1988 Sterling 825SL
Written By: Sam Andrews Among the great things that happened in the decades after World War II was the opening of free trade. Countries once at war were now peacefully trading with each other. The Germans and Japanese, formerly part of a coalition of our enemies...
How can you make sure your dollars are used effectively to support worthwhile causes?
Just as you would spend time chosing among personal investment options, it pays to put some effort into selecting among charities. "Most people aren't good about researching charities," said Chuck McLean, a vice president at GuideStar, an information service that...
Your Guide to Donating a Motorcycle to Charity
Donating a motorcycle to charity is not only easy, but it can benefit one of our great charitable organizations. We know that, as a vehicle donors, you have a lot of choices on where to donate your car or motorcycle to. Car Donation Wizard makes a pledge to its donors...
Car Donation to National Public Radio
At Car Donation Wizard, we are proud to be partnered with Car Talk's National Public Radio, giving donors easy access to donate a car to their favorite local radio station, anywhere in the country. All you need, in order to donate is the certificate of title and a...
Car Donation Tip: Ask how and where the money will be spent
This question should be easily answered. You should search for the charity or agency that makes the best use of the funds from your car donation. Beware of programs that promise to send proceeds to an organization without having a direct relationship. All charities...
Car Donation Spotlight: 1988 Merkur XR4Ti
By: Sam Andrews Quick: what was Ford Motor Company’s last spin-off brand in the United States? If you can’t remember, don’t blame yourself. The brand was named ‘Merkur’ and it only lasted two models during the final four years of the 1980s. Merkur’s brief time on this...