San Diego County Animal Services

01/11/2025

🐾 Shoutout to the incredible Carlsbad Team! 🐾 We're beyond grateful for the positive reviews we receive about our shelter and the programs that help support the animals in our care. Your feedback keeps us motivated to do even more for these amazing pets looking for their forever homes! 💙 Keep spreading the love! 🐶🐱

01/10/2025

Come meet Esme A1922874! She is located at our Carlsbad Shelter!

Esme which means she who is loved or admired lives up to her name. Esme is sweet, playful, energetic, respectful, and the biggest cuddle bug. Come meet this cutie and fall in love!

01/10/2025

🌟 Thank You, Volunteers! 🌟
We are beyond grateful for the incredible dedication and compassion of our volunteers, who have collectively donated over 22,000 hours caring for the animals in our shelter. 🐾💙 Your time, energy, and love make a world of difference in the lives of our furry friends.
Together, we’re making the world a better place for animals in need. 🙌

01/09/2025

🐾 County of San Diego Department of Animal Services Lends a Helping Hand 🐾

In response to the multiple fires in the LA area, our team has stepped up to support our neighbors. We've brought our AKC Pet Disaster Relief trailer to the Pasadena Humane Society, equipped with emergency supplies to care for lost and evacuated pets during this critical time. 🐶🐱

A heartfelt thank you to all the first responders for ensuring the safety of everyone, including our furry friends. Your dedication and bravery are truly appreciated. 💙🙏

We wish we could do even more to help during this challenging time, and we're committed to providing all the support we can.

01/09/2025

The wildfire in Los Angeles gives us time to reflect on fire preparedness. Prepare your household which includes your pets and livestock animals. https://www.countynewscenter.com/tips-to-keep-your-pets-safe-in-disasters/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR2VzPK78WFOhocaExssIerlxEeIESQXmse33UvHiyCzRaH4kDWiyOMd3nU_aem_h8JKKeHNhTwcE3_ijmM8fw

San Diego County Animal Services reminds residents to be prepared to evacuate with their pets or livestock animals in the event of a disaster such as the Pacific Palisades wildfire, in Los Angeles.

01/07/2025

After 328 days in our care, Parker has been adopted! We are thrilled to see him go to such an amazing and loving home!

01/07/2025

🚨 Fire Safety Alert for Pet Parents 🚨

With elevated fire danger in San Diego County, it’s crucial to have a disaster preparedness plan in place for your pets! 🐾🔥

Here are some important steps to keep in mind:

Prepare an Emergency Kit 👜 – Stock up on essential supplies like food, water, medications, and comfort items for your animals.

Evacuate Early 🚗 – Don’t wait for the last minute. Plan your evacuation route in advance.

Bring Your Pets with You 🐶🐱 – Never leave your pets behind. Ensure they are safely included in your evacuation plan.

Let’s stay safe and be ready for any emergency. ❤️

01/03/2025

The Truth About Breed-Specific Myths: Spoiler Alert—Your Dog’s Reputation Is Safe!

Let’s set the record straight: no breed of dog is born a villain. Yep, even your cousin’s Chihuahua with the Napoleon complex isn’t plotting world domination. (Okay, maybe just sofa domination.)

You’ve probably heard the rumors:
“Pit bulls are dangerous!”
“German Shepherds are too intense!”
“Golden Retrievers are angels in fur coats!”

And while we agree Goldens are pretty amazing (except when they eat your shoe for dessert), the truth is, dogs are individuals. Their personalities are shaped more by love, training, and how many snacks they’re allowed to steal than by their breed.

Myth-Busting 101:
Myth: “Pit bulls are aggressive.”
Reality: Pit bulls are actually just big cuddle bugs who think they’re lap dogs. Beware of their sneak attacks… of affection.

Myth: “Dobermans are scary.”
Reality: Scary? Sure, if you’re terrified of being followed around by a dog who thinks they’re your shadow.

Myth: “Small dogs aren’t as smart.”
Reality: You try saying that to a Dachshund who just outsmarted you for the last few potato chips.

Dogs don’t come with warning labels based on their breed. What they do come with are wagging tails, goofy grins, and a whole lot of love to give—regardless of whether they’re a Great Dane or a Shih Tzu.

So, next time someone says, “Oh, I’d never trust a [insert breed here],” hit them with this nugget of wisdom: Dogs are like people—some are sweet, some are quirky, and some just really need a nap.

Remember, it’s not the breed; it’s the human behind the leash. Let’s celebrate all dogs for who they really are: adorable, drooly, slightly unhinged (in the best way), and absolutely perfect.

So, if you agree—and you absolutely should—please share this post and help us spread the truth about our four-legged friends! After all, sharing is caring, and if you’d like to take it a step further, why not show some love to a bunch of random (and ridiculously adorable) breeds waiting for their forever homes? Consider making a $25 donation to San Diego County Animal Services athttps://licensepet.com/wl3/don/sndg3/329 Your support helps us care for pets of all shapes, sizes, and personalities. Because every dog deserves love, belly rubs, and maybe a Puppuccino or two.

License your animals online.

01/03/2025

Zayn has found his furever home!

01/03/2025

Come meet Cookie A1930264 at the Carlsbad location! She will be here until December 7th and then goes back to foster!

Cookie is a bubbly, playful, and affectionate young dog who absolutely loves to have fun! She enjoys playtime and has tons of energy, making her a great companion for active families or individuals. Cookie gets along wonderfully with other dogs—she’s currently in a foster home with another dog and they’re the good friends!

She’s also well on her way to becoming fully potty trained, making her a great choice for any home.
While Cookie is still working on her manners and learning not to jump on people, she’s making excellent progress. Her foster family has been actively working with her, and she’s already gone out to restaurants and the laundromat to practice her behavior in public spaces. With some direction and clear rules, Cookie has proven that she’s capable of learning and adjusting well to boundaries.

Cookie would do well in a home that can continue her training, and she’d thrive with a dog sibling to play with. She’s a sweet, energetic girl who’s ready to find her forever family.

01/03/2025

📣 We’ve Got Extended Hours!
Great news! We’re now open Tuesday - Sunday from 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM! 🎉

Come by to:

Adopt 🐶🐱
Foster 💕
Microchip for safety 🔐
Vaccinate for health 💉
License your pet 🏷️
Or just view our wonderful animals! 👀
Whether you're looking to bring a new friend home or give your pet the best care, we're here for you!

12/31/2024

🌟 New Year, New Resolutions! 🌟

This year, why not make a difference in an animal's life? 🐾

✨ Adopt an animal ✨ Volunteer to help ✨ Foster a pet

From January 2nd to 15th, all adoptions are just $25! 🐶🐱 Give a furry friend a fresh start in 2025! 🏡

Let’s make this year a time for love, care, and pawsitive change. 🐾❤️

12/25/2024

🎄🕎 Happy Holidays from all of us at the Department of Animal Services! Whether you're celebrating Hanukkah, Christmas, or just enjoying the holiday season, we hope your day is filled with love and joy. While we are closed today to spend time with our loved ones, rest assured our furry friends are being well cared for by our dedicated team. We'll be back open tomorrow, ready to welcome you and help you find your new best friend! 🐾❤️

12/24/2024

🎄🐾 Happy Christmas Eve! 🐾🎄
Great news from the shelter! Meet Winston, the sweetest dog who has been waiting for his forever family since June 2024. Today, on this magical Christmas Eve, Winston finally found his loving home! 🏡❤️
Let’s celebrate Winston’s new beginning and send warm wishes to his wonderful adoptive family. May their holiday season be filled with joy, love, and countless tail wags! 🎅✨

12/22/2024

Congrats to Dante 🐺 and Family! After 506 days of waiting, he’s now home. 🏡 🎄🐾

12/19/2024

🚨 Technical Rescue Training – Operations Level 🚨

Our dedicated team from the Department of Animal Services had an incredible day working side by side with the San Diego Humane Society SDHS – Emergency Response Team! 🤝🐾

This hands-on training is crucial for ensuring that we are ready for any emergency, ready to respond with expertise and compassion when animals are in need. 🐕🚑

Together, we're building stronger partnerships and honing our skills to save lives. 💪