Gyde
Open prototypeProto
Back to all San Francisco places

San Francisco, California / History

Presidio Pet Cemetery

A touching, tiny cemetery for the animal companions of U.S. Army families, featuring 424 handmade headstones enclosed by a white picket fence in the Presidio.

Open prototype Official site Get directions
Presidio Pet Cemetery
presidio.gov, og_image_presidio.gov

What is the Presidio Pet Cemetery known for?

It is an endearing final resting place for hundreds of beloved animal companions of U.S. Army families, featuring 424 handmade headstones enclosed by a white picket fence.

Is it free to visit?

Yes, the cemetery is open to the public seven days a week and there is no ticket or entry fee.

Where is it located?

The cemetery is located in a valley on McDowell Avenue, near Doyle Drive and the approach to the Golden Gate Bridge, just south of Crissy Field in the Presidio.

When was the cemetery established?

The cemetery was established in the early 1950s, with some sources specifically dating it to 1950 or 1952.

Can I bury a pet there?

No, the cemetery is officially closed to new interments.

What should I check before going?

Use Gyde for context, then check official sources for current hours, tickets, construction, and closures.

What to know

The Presidio Pet Cemetery is an endearing final resting place for hundreds of beloved animal companions of U.S. Army families. Established in the early 1950s, the site serves as a poignant reminder of the bond between military personnel and their pets. During this era, the Presidio housed approximately 2,000 Army families, making the cemetery a central part of their community life. This petite half-acre plot is enclosed by a white picket fence and contains 424 lovingly handmade headstones. Each marker honors a cherished pet, reflecting the personal touch of the families who created them. The cemetery is tucked away in a valley, located on McDowell Avenue near Doyle Drive, just south of Crissy Field. While the site is officially closed to new interments, it remains open to the public seven days a week. In 2001, the Presidio Trust appointed the nonprofit organization Swords to Plowshares as the official caretaker of the cemetery to ensure the site is preserved. Visitors can experience the quiet beauty of the cemetery from McDowell Avenue, where the miniature gravestones create a unique and intriguing landmark in the Presidio.

Visitor tips

  • View the cemetery from McDowell Avenue for the best perspective of the miniature headstones.
  • Allow about 15 minutes to appreciate the handmade markers and the white picket fence.
  • Since it is open seven days a week with no entry fee, it is a great flexible stop on a Presidio walk.
  • Combine this visit with a walk to nearby Crissy Field for scenic views.

Nearby context

The cemetery is located in a quiet valley of the Presidio, just south of Crissy Field and near the approach to the Golden Gate Bridge. It is a peaceful contrast to the nearby Murals and sculpture installations on the JFK Promenade.

Sources

Evidence and links