How do I arrange to surrender or return a pet?
Call San Diego Humane Society at 619-299-7012 before bringing the pet to a campus. Explain whether you need to surrender a pet you own or return a pet previously adopted from the organization. Owner surrenders require an appointment, and adoption returns are also arranged with staff in advance.
Surrendering a pet you own
Follow the official Find a New Home for Your Pet page and call the Resource Center to schedule an admissions appointment. Have your pet’s medical records available when you call.
Give staff your address and describe the animal, the reason you need assistance and any medical or behavioral concerns. Ask which campus can accept the pet, what appointment times are available and which documents to bring. Acceptance of pets from outside the organization’s service area depends on availability.
If you need help with livestock or a large tortoise, discuss arrangements before transporting the animal. The organization notes that space for these animals is limited.
Returning a pet adopted from San Diego Humane Society
Under its Adoption Guarantee, San Diego Humane Society will arrange an appointment to take back a pet that is not the right match. When calling, explain that this is an adoption return and have the adoption paperwork or animal identification number available, if possible.
San Diego Humane Society states that there is no fee to return a pet previously adopted from its care. Share what you have learned about the pet’s health, behavior and experience in your home so staff can better understand its needs.
Confirm fees and prepare for the appointment
Surrender fees differ according to whether you live within San Diego Humane Society’s jurisdiction. Check the current fee information on the official rehoming page and confirm the amount with staff when scheduling.
Before the appointment:
- Gather medical and vaccination records and details of any current medications.
- Prepare an accurate account of the pet’s behavior, including any bite history.
- Ask about identification, ownership documents and any forms needed.
- Confirm the campus, admissions entrance and appointment time.
- Ask how to transport the animal safely and what supplies to bring.
The organization asks that pets be up to date on vaccinations before entering the shelter. If your pet is not, explain this when you call and ask how to proceed.
Surrender transfers legal ownership of the animal to San Diego Humane Society. If you need only temporary care, explain that before completing surrender paperwork.
If support could help you keep your pet
You can ask about food assistance, veterinary resources, behavior support or temporary care options. The official rehoming page also links to ways to find a new home without bringing the pet into a shelter.
For a recently adopted pet, ask about the organization’s post-adoption behavior and training support if you would like help addressing adjustment problems.