San Diego Humane Society

09/21/2024

In light of Puppy Mill Awareness Day on Sept. 21, the San Diego Animal Welfare Coalition is urging our community to "think adoption first" when adding a new pet to the family. Right now, there are record numbers of dogs and puppies in shelters across San Diego, meaning you’ll find pets of nearly every size, shape, age and breed available for adoption. By adopting, you give one pet a second chance and free up space for another life to be saved. Plus, every pet adopted from a shelter comes microchipped, vaccinated and spayed or neutered!

Puppy Mill Awareness Day highlights the critical importance of adoption, and the work still to be done to end unethical breeding. Thanks to Bella’s Act, a law passed in 2020 and sponsored by San Diego Humane Society, pet stores in California can no longer sell pets from puppy mills. However, some individuals are still profiting from animals who come from puppy mills or backyard breeders. We encourage the community to report inhumane breeding situations to our Humane Law Enforcement team at 619-299-7012 (press 1) or, if outside of our jurisdiction, to your local animal services provider.

Together, we can keep animals safe and ensure that San Diego County can Stay at Zero euthanasia of healthy or treatable shelter pets. To read our full statement, visit sdhumane.org/breeder.

09/20/2024

Our friend Lauren from Coles Fine Flooring stopped by our San Diego Campus to hang out with Mochi (904633) and remind everyone that adoption fees are just $20 for all adult dogs (7 months and older) through Sept. 22, thanks to Purina! Mochi and so many other adoptable friends are ready to find loving homes of their own. We bet you’ll find your match at our shelters or at sdhumane.org/pets!

09/20/2024

Our incredible veterinary team ensures that every dog and cat in our care, like Gani pictured here, is spayed or neutered before they find their new family! Not only do these procedures provide important health benefits — like reducing the risk of certain cancers and infections — but they also play an essential role in stopping pet overpopulation at its root.

Each year, thousands of animals enter shelters due to unplanned litters. By spaying or neutering your pets, you prevent this cycle, reduce shelter overcrowding and give more pets the chance to find loving homes. It’s one of the most impactful decisions you can make for your pet and for animals in our community.

That’s why we’re committed to spaying and neutering every pet before adoption and providing resources to help our community access affordable services. To learn more about spay/neuter options throughout San Diego County, visit sdhumane.org/spay.

09/20/2024

Who is this divine creature, you ask? Meet Grace, and yes, she’s truly gracing us all with her presence! With a snaggletooth that could melt hearts and a talent for making herself at home in your office chair, Grace is as charming as she is adorable. Her hobbies include gracing us with her hilariously relatable facial expressions, being a social butterfly and mastering the art of lounging. According to her previous foster, she’s a potty-trained, professional couch potato! While she can be a bit selective with canine companions, she’s sure to be a graceful, loving addition to the right family. If you'd like to pamper this pittie princess by giving her a home, stop by our Oceanside Campus to adopt Grace (650491) today!

09/19/2024

We are deeply disappointed to learn that a second rodeo has been scheduled in San Diego for 2025. When the first rodeo at Petco Park was announced, we made it a priority to advocate for a ban on inhumane rodeo practices in our city. This new announcement only strengthens our commitment to protecting animal welfare and creating a more humane San Diego.

Rodeos often involve calf roping, steer wrestling and bull riding, practices that can cause unnecessary physical and psychological harm to the animals involved. Additionally, animals are often forced to perform in rodeos through the use of inhumane tools like electric prods and bucking straps. San Diego, a city that prides itself on compassion and respect for all living beings, should not endorse forms of entertainment that subject animals to fear, distress and cruelty.

We believe that compassion for animals must coexist with respect for communities that value rodeos as part of their culture and history. We will continue to engage the community, policymakers and animal welfare advocates to push for a ban on inhumane rodeo practices.

If you support a ban on inhumane rodeo practices in San Diego, please add your name to our petition at sdhumane.org/rodeo. Together, we can advocate for a better future for animals.

Please click the link to complete this form.

09/19/2024

A huge thank you to our friends at UNITE Hair for their incredible partnership! UNITE is deeply committed to helping as many dogs as possible find loving homes. That’s why 100% of the proceeds from every sale of Doggy 'Poo Shampoo and Detangler go directly towards supporting San Diego Humane Society and Shelter to Soldier. Want to pamper your pup while making a difference? Visit unitehair.com/collections/pet-care to learn more!

09/19/2024

You've already changed one animal's life by adopting, but now's your chance to make a difference for even more shelter pets awaiting homes! If you’ve adopted from San Diego Humane Society, you can help us win up to $100,000 from Petco Love to support animals in need – simply by sharing your Love Story! Tell us how your adopted pet has made a difference in your life by submitting your story at petcolove.org/lovestories by Sept. 30. Your story could help more pets find their happily ever after!

09/19/2024

Who knew fostering could be so cute?! (Spoiler: we did.) While fostering brings heartwarming and adorable moments like these, it also makes a lifesaving impact! By fostering, you give pets like Creamsicle the one-on-one attention and comfort that only a home can provide. Plus, it opens up crucial space in our shelters for other animals with nowhere else to turn! When you foster, we're here to support you every step of the way, providing training, supplies, veterinary care and guidance. Ready to make a difference by fostering one of the hundreds of adoptable pets in our care? Visit sdhumane.org/foster today!

09/18/2024

Are you manifesting all the cozy fall vibes with a new fur-iend? Now's your chance to fall head over heels for one of our adorable, adoptable dogs! From Sept. 20-22, you can adopt any adult dog (7 months or older) for just $20 thanks to our friends at Purina. Find a companion for cool autumn evenings, pumpkin patch trips and happy memories in every season to come!

Take the leap and fall in love by visiting our campuses in El Cajon, Escondido, Oceanside and San Diego from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. to find your match.

09/18/2024

Milo (903736) can barely contain his excitement because our adoption hours on Thursdays and Fridays are extended from 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. at all our campuses! That means more time to visit him and the more than 600 adoptable pets in our care!

09/18/2024

It's no secret — Xoco has stolen the hearts of our staff! Over the past 11 months, we've had the pleasure of getting to know this sweet, goofy girl. Xoco is brimming with energy and dreams of a home where long walks and playtime are part of her daily routine. While she’s got a spirited side, she’s also eager to please and would thrive in a home that continues her positive reinforcement training. Since she’s an enthusiastic pup, Xoco would do best as the only dog in the household — but she’s more than happy to soak up all the love herself. If Xoco sounds like the perfect match for you, stop by our El Cajon Campus to meet her!

09/16/2024

Join our Behavior and Training team online on Monday, Sept. 23, from 6 – 7 p.m. for an informative session about your cat and the litter box! Litter box challenges are one of the main reasons cats are surrendered to shelters. They often signal a medical issue or environmental stress and are your cat's way of communicating this discomfort. In this session, you'll learn how to set your cat up for success, proactively address potential problems and troubleshoot any issues you may already be experiencing. Click here to sign up: bit.ly/3ZG9Ooz

09/15/2024

Need a Sunday pick-me-up? We've got you covered! Check out the delightful array of adorable faces awaiting adoption on our rehoming platforms at sdhumane.org/newhome!

Through our partner rehoming sites, community members who need to find a new home for their pets can connect directly with those looking to adopt, allowing potential new pet parents to learn about an animal's personality and needs from their current caregivers. If you or someone you know needs to rehome a pet, visit our rehoming sites to learn more.

09/15/2024

Meg was absolutely devastated after she lost her beloved dog, Jack, last year. Though still heartbroken, she decided a few months later that a new furry friend might be just what she needed to heal. When she met Gable (now Sawyer), it was love at first sight, and the rest was history! Meg shares how Sawyer helped mend her heart in this evening's :

"When I lost my Jack in September 2023 at 16 years old, my heart was, and still is, broken. In December it was time to find another lost soul to love. 'Gable' as he was listed as at the time, had the most mesmerizing eyes and I knew I had to meet him. It was love at first sight despite his untrusting and fearful mannerisms. He was also in the same kennel as my Jack when I adopted him in 2008; it was meant to be! 'Gable' is now Sawyer, and is spoiled rotten and living life to the fullest! Thank you for giving me a piece of my heart back!"

Cheers to Meg and Sawyer!

09/13/2024

Today we had the pleasure of visiting our friends at NBC 7 San Diego to show off sweet Mochi (904633) and talk about how our community can help animals in need by adopting, fostering and spaying or neutering! And if you're interested in adopting the sweetest pup, Mochi is your perfect treat available at our San Diego Campus!

09/13/2024

Does your dog hesitate to come when called, especially when distractions are present? If you’re hoping for quicker, more enthusiastic returns, our Rapid Recall training class is perfect for you! Join us on Sept. 18, either live online at 6 p.m. or in person at our San Diego Campus at 6:30 p.m. This class will teach you various techniques and strategies to boost your dog’s motivation to return to you. Ready to see your dog respond with speed and excitement? Sign up today at sdhumane.org/trainingclasses.

09/12/2024

Today we confront the disturbing actions exposed by the Los Angeles Times, where out-of-state puppy mills, brokers, and in-state sellers are actively deceiving California consumers and profiting off the suffering of puppies and breeding dogs.

We are committed to working closely with our local and state partners to ensure that existing laws are enforced, will advocate for stronger policy and the resources needed to end these deceitful practices, and commit to redoubling our own efforts to educate the public about the risks associated with buying puppies online.

We commend journalists Melody Gutierrez and Alene Tchetchekmedyian for their diligent investigation in bringing these issues to light.

With our animal shelters already overflowing with dogs and puppies desperate for a second chance, it is imperative that we find a way to shut down puppy mill operations nationwide.

A Times investigation has found that truckloads of dogs from profit-driven mass breeders pour into the state from the Midwest, feeding an underground market where they are resold by people claiming to be small, local home breeders.

09/11/2024

Eloise (898104) wants to know: Do you like her bandana? The only acceptable answers are "Of course!" and "Aww, what a cute girl!" Now that Eloise has your attention, she kindly requests you swing by our San Diego Campus to do her the teeny tiny (OK, life-changing) favor of adopting her. Our adoption hours are extended on Thursdays and Fridays from 10 a.m. – 7 p.m., giving you extra time to fall in love with this dapper girl!

09/10/2024

To help pet parents keep their furry friends safe, we're offering FREE microchips at our El Cajon Campus on Thursday, Sept. 12 from 5:30 p.m. - 6:45 p.m. and at San Ysidro High School on Saturday, Sept. 14 from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. No appointment is needed — just bring your dog on a leash or your cat in a carrier!

Microchips are a form of permanent identification that helps reunite lost pets with their families. The process is quick and simple and can protect your pet should they ever go missing.

09/10/2024

This is Camelus Dromedarius. He may look like an adorable puppy, but according to his name and its scientific specificity, he is actually a camel. Unlike his desert-dwelling kin, however, this little guy does not prefer to sleep standing up. But he does prefer to sleep … A LOT. He prefers it much more than, say, waking up. Waking up is not his favorite. As you can see in this brief video clip, he thought about doing it, tried it on for size, didn’t like how it felt (note the ever-so-subtle nose scrunch at 0:09) and then decided that extending his nap was the way to go. We support his decision wholeheartedly and will let you know of any other developments as we continue to study this uncharacteristic camel.

09/08/2024

As you may know, our shelters are currently over capacity with record numbers of pets in need. We're asking every community member who needs to give up a pet to try using our rehoming platforms first. This not only creates critically needed space in our shelters, but also allows your pet to transition directly to their new home.

Platforms like Home To Home and Rehome by Adopt-a-Pet are designed to connect you directly with people who are looking to adopt. These resources help you find adopters who align with your pet’s unique personality, needs and history. As the person who knows them best, you can help them find the right new family!

To learn more about rehoming your pet, visit sdhumane.org/rehome.

09/07/2024

September is National Preparedness Month, a perfect time to remind pet owners of the importance of having an emergency plan for their animals of all sizes. In emergencies — such as a fire, earthquake or flood — the best way to ensure your pet's safety is to plan ahead! Create an emergency kit including two week's worth of pet essentials, and practice loading pets in their carriers or trailers to help reduce stress when it's time to go. In an evacuation situation, leave early and take your pet with you. Find more tips and our printable checklist of emergency kit must-haves at sdhumane.org/disasterprep.

09/06/2024

Did you know that spaying or neutering your pets can help them live longer, healthier lives? For female pets, spaying greatly reduces the risk of certain cancers and life-threatening infections. Spaying before their first heat provides the best protection against these diseases. For male pets, neutering offers similar benefits, lowering the risk of prostate problems and decreasing the risk of testicular cancer.

We know you want to keep your beloved companions healthy and by your side for as long as possible — spaying and neutering is a great way to protect them from preventable illnesses. If you're ready to spay or neuter your pet, visit sdhumane.org/spay for information about local resources!

09/05/2024

When you adopt a shelter pet, you change their life — and gain a companion who will provide you with unconditional love! With so many deserving animals like adoptable Potato (918915) waiting for a home, our extended adoption hours on Thursdays and Fridays from 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. give you even more time to meet your new best friend!

09/05/2024

HOT 🔥 HOT 🔥 HOT 🔥 days are ahead! Hot weather can be tough on pets, but you can keep them safe and comfortable by keeping them indoors as much as possible and ensuring they have plenty of fresh, cold water. Watch for signs of heat stress, like heavy panting, glazed eyes, rapid pulse, unsteadiness, vomiting or a deep red tongue. If you notice any of these symptoms, contact your vet immediately. For more summer safety tips, visit sdhumane.org/staycool.

09/05/2024

Today is the big day — it's San Diego Gives! Any gift you make at Facebook or at sdhumane.org/sdgives through midnight tonight will be matched, up to $50,000, thanks to our generous friends at The JEM Project.

Right now, there are nearly 1,800 animals in our care. But even with record numbers of homeless pets coming through our doors, you can help us be there for animals like Claude, who spent 173 days waiting for a family. His behavioral needs, combined with his 95-pound size, meant that he needed a special adopter. Large dogs with special needs sometimes face a long wait in shelters, and some communities don’t have the resources to stand by them and give them the second chance they deserve.

We are committed to Staying at Zero euthanasia of healthy or treatable shelter pets — but we can only do it with your help. Together, we can make sure that San Diego County stays a place where animals like Claude are safe. Please donate now to have your donation matched!

09/05/2024

UPDATE: Diago is back in our care and available for adoption! Sometimes, an adoption just isn’t the right fit — and that’s OK. We’re grateful for every family who chooses adoption and gives an animal a chance. Plus, the information we learn about a pet in a home environment is incredibly valuable and can help us find them the right match. Learn more about Diago (840014) at sdhumane.org/adopt!

Today marks the fifth anniversary of our state-of-the-art Behavior Center at our San Diego Campus, a facility that plays a key role in our ability to Stay at Zero euthanasia of healthy or treatable shelter pets! Since 2019, this specially designed facility has housed more than 1,920 pets struggling with severe behavior challenges.

San Diego Humane Society is one of only a few shelters in the United States to have such an incredible resource available to our animals. We are thrilled to celebrate this milestone and the lives that have been transformed thanks to the center and our dedicated Behavior & Training staff.

When Diago arrived at our Behavior Center in 2022, he was extremely anxious and fearful. Over the 691 days he spent in our care, our team worked tirelessly to build his trust, gently introducing him to new experiences and boosting his confidence. His personality blossomed and we are over the moon to share that he was adopted today! Cheers to many more years of transforming the lives of pets like Diago!

09/05/2024

Tomorrow is San Diego Gives, and each dollar you donate on Facebook or at sdhumane.org/sdgives will go TWICE as far for animals in need!

We're joining organizations across the county to participate in this annual day of giving and celebrate the power of generosity in our community. Thanks to a $50,000 matching gift from our friends at The JEM Project, your donation to San Diego Humane Society during this special campaign will provide twice the shelter, lifesaving medical care and second chances to vulnerable pets and wildlife. And you don't have to wait! Give now to make twice the impact for animals in San Diego County.