Humane Society
San Diego Humane Society provides animal sheltering, pet adoption, humane law enforcement, wildlife rehabilitation, dog licensing, veterinary support, pet food assistance, fostering, and other services throughout much of San Diego County. This article explains how to identify the correct service, choose the appropriate campus, prepare for an adoption or surrender appointment, report an animal concern, obtain help for an injured wild animal, and avoid common delays when contacting the organization.
Services Available to Residents
San Diego Humane Society is a local, independent animal welfare organization. It is not affiliated with every organization that uses the term “humane society,” so residents should confirm that they are contacting the correct agency for their city and the specific service they need.
The official San Diego Humane Society website provides access to adoptable pets, animal emergency information, lost-and-found assistance, dog licensing, low-cost veterinary programs, pet food support, foster opportunities, volunteer programs, and wildlife instructions. The organization also operates multiple campuses because different facilities serve different cities and animal types.
Common reasons for contacting San Diego Humane Society include:
Adopting a dog, cat, rabbit, bird, reptile, small pet, or farm animal.
Reporting suspected animal cruelty, an injured animal, a dangerous animal, or a dog bite.
Searching for a missing pet or reporting a found animal.
Obtaining or renewing a dog license in a participating city.
Scheduling low-cost vaccinations, microchipping, spay, or neuter services.
Requesting pet food or supplies through the Community Pet Pantry.
Making an appointment to surrender an owned pet.
Getting instructions for injured, orphaned, or sick wildlife.
Applying to foster or volunteer.
Service Area and Jurisdiction
Jurisdiction matters because San Diego Humane Society does not handle every animal-related call in the county. Its humane law enforcement and shelter services cover Carlsbad, Del Mar, El Cajon, Encinitas, Escondido, Imperial Beach, La Mesa, Oceanside, Poway, San Diego, San Marcos, Santee, Solana Beach, and Vista.
Residents of Chula Vista and Lemon Grove generally work with Chula Vista Animal Care and Control. Coronado animal matters are handled through the Coronado Police Department, while National City matters are handled through the National City Police Department. Animal services for unincorporated areas are handled by the County of San Diego Department of Animal Services.
This distinction is especially important for loose animals, barking complaints, dangerous animals, injured domestic animals, licensing questions, and emergency dispatch. Contacting an agency that does not serve the location can delay a response. The Humane Law and Animal Protection page explains the organization’s jurisdiction and the types of complaints its officers and field teams handle.
Campus Locations and Coverage
San Diego Humane Society operates campuses in San Diego, El Cajon, Escondido, and Oceanside. Project Wildlife also operates facilities in San Diego and Ramona. The correct campus may depend on the resident’s city, the type of animal, and the requested service.
San Diego Campus
The San Diego Campus serves central and southern San Diego. Admissions and adoptions use separate street addresses on Gaines Street, so visitors should confirm which entrance they need before leaving home. The adoption and mailing location is different from the admissions location.
El Cajon Campus
The El Cajon Campus serves El Cajon, La Mesa, and Santee. It offers walk-in adoption services during posted adoption hours. An additional facility maintenance fee applies when an animal is adopted from this campus.
Escondido Campus
The Escondido Campus serves Escondido, Poway, and San Marcos. Residents seeking adoption, pet pantry assistance, licensing support, or other campus services should review the applicable program requirements before visiting.
Oceanside Campuses
Oceanside has separate locations for dogs and for cats and small animals. The San Luis Rey Road location serves dogs, while the Airport Road location serves cats and small animals. Both locations serve Carlsbad, Del Mar, Encinitas, Oceanside, Solana Beach, and Vista.
Because the two Oceanside facilities serve different animal categories, visitors should not assume that every Oceanside service is available at both addresses. The official hours and locations page identifies each campus, its service area, operating hours, and animal focus.
Pet Adoption Process
Adoptions are completed in person on a first-come, first-served basis. Prospective adopters may browse available animals online before visiting, but they may also view animals after arriving at a campus. Animals may be adopted from the San Diego, El Cajon, Escondido, and Oceanside campuses.
Age and Identification Rules
An adopter must be at least 18 years old and present valid government-issued photo identification. Visitors who already know which animal they would like to meet should check in after arriving. An adoption counselor will meet with prospective adopters in the order they check in, introduce available pets, discuss the household, and help complete the adoption paperwork.
Wait times can be longer on weekends. Once an adopter meets with a counselor and selects an appropriate pet, completing the process generally takes about one hour. Anyone planning to adopt should allow enough time for the consultation, paperwork, medical disclosures, and checkout process.
Meeting Available Animals
San Diego Humane Society uses a conversation-based adoption process. Counselors discuss the adopter’s household, expectations, lifestyle, home environment, and preferences. The prospective adopter ultimately chooses the pet with guidance from the counselor and subject to the organization’s adoption policy.
Dog-to-dog introductions are completed only in special circumstances. The decision is based on the behavior of the adoptable dog, the resident dog, or both animals. Prospective adopters should not assume that an introduction with every resident pet will be available at the shelter.
Same-Day Transportation
Adopters should be prepared to take the animal home on the same day. A cardboard carrier may be purchased when appropriate, but households adopting larger animals should arrive with a safe transportation plan. During checkout, the adoption counselor can answer questions about training, adjustment, and the first days in the home.
If an animal has a known medical or behavioral condition, the organization may arrange a pre-adoption consultation with a veterinarian or trainer. The official adoption process provides the current steps, policies, listed fees, adoption hours, and preparation instructions.
Adoption Fees and Benefits
Adoption fees vary according to the animal’s species and age. The reference fee schedule lists the following amounts:
| Animal or Fee Type | Listed Fee |
|---|---|
| Adult dog | $175 |
| Puppy | $300 |
| Adult cat | $125 |
| Kitten | $200 |
| Rabbits, guinea pigs, chinchillas, large birds, and reptiles | $35 |
| Small birds, mice, rats, and hamsters | $20 |
| Sheep, horses, and other farm animals | $275 |
| Red-eared slider turtle | $5 |
| Cardboard carrier | $20 |
| El Cajon facility maintenance fee | $3 |
Special promotions may temporarily reduce or waive adoption fees. Promotional pricing applies only during the advertised dates, after which the regular fee schedule resumes. Active military personnel receive a 10 percent discount, and adoption fees are waived for veterans.
Depending on the animal, adoption benefits may include spay or neuter surgery, current vaccines, microchip identification, a certificate for a complimentary veterinary examination, and other post-adoption offers. A one-year dog license is included for qualifying adopters who live in Carlsbad, Del Mar, El Cajon, Encinitas, Escondido, Imperial Beach, La Mesa, Oceanside, Poway, San Diego, San Marcos, Santee, Solana Beach, or Vista.
Medical Care Before Adoption
Animals entering the shelter receive an examination by trained staff. Care may include vaccinations, deworming, flea treatment, microchipping, diagnostic services, surgery, and sterilization.
Dogs, cats, rabbits, and male chinchillas are spayed or neutered before adoption. Guinea pigs, rats, hamsters, and female chinchillas are not surgically sterilized because of the heightened anesthetic risk. Small animals such as hamsters may not be microchipped.
Some animals with chronic medical conditions, hospice needs, complicated surgical needs, or behavior modification requirements may still be available for adoption. A medical consultation may be required so the adopter understands the known condition and expected care.
Adoption Trials and Returns
The Adoption Trial Program allows an eligible adult animal to live with a prospective adopter for up to 14 days before the adoption is finalized. The program is intended for people who plan to adopt a specific pet but need time to determine whether the animal fits their home and routine.
Participants must live within San Diego Humane Society’s jurisdiction, be at least 18 years old, have reliable transportation, and have a working telephone. The animal must remain within San Diego County during the trial.
Dogs and cats must generally be older than seven months to participate. Puppies, kittens, and animals currently living in foster homes are not eligible. Dogs, cats, and rabbits must be spayed or neutered before going home for a trial.
San Diego Humane Society retains legal ownership during the trial and remains responsible for necessary medical care. At the end of the period, the participant either completes the adoption or returns the animal.
The organization also offers an adoption guarantee. An adopter who determines that the pet is not a suitable match can arrange an appointment to return the animal. Information about the pet’s behavior and experience in the home can help staff identify a more suitable future placement.
Lost and Found Pet Help
Residents who have lost a pet or found an animal should use the lost and found pet service to select the instructions that match their situation. The official page separates guidance for missing pets from guidance for found animals.
Owners should provide accurate identifying information, including the animal’s species, breed or appearance, color, size, sex, age, identifying marks, collar information, microchip information, and the location and date where the animal disappeared. Clear, recent photographs can make identification easier.
A person who finds an animal should record the exact location and time it was found. The responsible agency may depend on that location rather than the finder’s home address. A pet found outside San Diego Humane Society’s jurisdiction may need to be reported to a different municipal or county animal control provider.
Dog licensing and microchip records can help reunite a pet with its owner. Residents should keep contact information associated with a license or microchip current rather than waiting until an animal goes missing.
Animal Complaints and Emergencies
San Diego Humane Society’s Humane Law Enforcement team investigates and responds to qualifying animal concerns within its jurisdiction. Its officers are appointed by the State of California and are authorized to enforce animal protection laws during investigations.
The team and its field services personnel may assist with:
Injured domestic animals.
Suspected animal cruelty or neglect.
Dog bites.
Barking dogs and animal noise complaints.
Stray pets.
Dangerous or vicious animals.
Off-leash dogs.
Rattlesnakes presenting an imminent danger inside a residence or business or blocking an entrance or exit.
Animal emergency dispatch is available around the clock, except for certain major holidays. Human-related emergencies should be reported to 911 rather than animal services.
Information for a Report
A useful animal complaint includes the exact location, the type and number of animals involved, a factual description of the condition or conduct, and an explanation of any immediate danger. The person reporting should distinguish between something personally observed and information received from someone else.
For an active situation, callers should be prepared to explain what is happening at that moment. For an ongoing noise or neglect concern, dates, times, frequency, and specific observations can help identify the issue. Reports should focus on observable facts rather than assumptions about an owner’s intentions.
Leash Law Complaints
Dogs must be restrained in public unless they are in a designated off-leash area. A dog that remains close to its owner without a leash is still subject to applicable leash requirements. Off-leash violations may result in a citation.
City of San Diego park and beach leash violations are directed to the city’s park ranger reporting system. Active animal emergencies within San Diego Humane Society’s jurisdiction should be reported to humane law enforcement dispatch.
Wildlife Assistance
Project Wildlife assists injured, orphaned, and sick wild animals. Before moving a wild animal, residents should determine whether it actually requires intervention. Some young animals that appear unattended may still be receiving care from a parent.
The Wildlife Help Hub provides separate self-help instructions for amphibians, birds, mammals, and reptiles. These instructions help users evaluate the situation and follow appropriate handling and drop-off procedures.
Safe Temporary Containment
Residents should not attempt to provide ongoing care for injured or orphaned wildlife. The animal should not be given food or water. When containment is appropriate, the animal may be placed in a box with air holes or in a crate covered with a pillowcase or sheet. It should be kept in a dark, quiet room until it can be transported to an approved drop-off location.
The animal should be delivered as soon as possible. The primary Project Wildlife intake location is the Pilar and Chuck Bahde Wildlife Center. Animals may also be dropped off at the Oceanside, Escondido, or Ramona location during applicable business hours when the main wildlife center is not practical.
Dog Licensing Requirements
San Diego Humane Society processes dog licenses for residents of Carlsbad, Del Mar, El Cajon, Encinitas, Escondido, Imperial Beach, La Mesa, Oceanside, Poway, San Diego, San Marcos, Santee, Solana Beach, and Vista. Residents outside those jurisdictions must contact the animal control provider responsible for their location.
The official dog licensing page explains online, mail, and in-person licensing options. Residents with an immediate licensing need may visit the El Cajon, Escondido, Oceanside, or San Diego campus during business hours.
Rabies Documentation
A California-approved rabies vaccination and valid rabies certificate are prerequisites for a license. The veterinarian’s business name and license number, or the clinic’s name and telephone number, are required for verification.
The initial rabies vaccination is valid for one year. The second vaccination is administered one year later, and subsequent booster vaccinations are valid for three years. A dog that cannot receive the vaccination because of a medical condition requires a veterinarian-completed rabies exemption form. Rabies exemption licenses are accepted only by mail or in person.
Alteration and License Tags
License fees are higher for unaltered dogs. The license tag must be securely attached to the dog’s collar or harness and worn by the dog. The tag provides visible evidence of licensing and can help identify the owner if the animal is found.
A common licensing mistake is submitting incomplete vaccination documentation. Owners should verify that the rabies certificate contains the dog’s identifying information, vaccination date, vaccine duration, and the required veterinarian or clinic information.
Veterinary and Pet Support
San Diego Humane Society offers programs intended to make basic veterinary care more accessible to pet families. Available services include community veterinary care, vaccinations, microchipping, and low-cost spay and neuter appointments.
The low-cost veterinary services section organizes information by service type. Pet owners should review the program details before visiting because some services require an appointment and availability may differ by location.
Community Pet Pantry
The Community Pet Pantry provides free dog or cat food and other supplies as available. Campus distribution is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and no appointment is required. Anyone may visit a participating campus to request a bag of food or available supplies.
Pet pantry distribution is offered at the El Cajon, Escondido, Oceanside Airport Road, and San Diego admissions campuses. Supplies depend on availability, so visitors should not assume that a specific food brand, formula, quantity, or accessory will be available.
Rehoming and Owner Surrender
Owners who can no longer keep a pet should not arrive at a campus expecting an immediate surrender. Owner-surrender services at the San Diego, El Cajon, Escondido, and Oceanside campuses are available by appointment only.
The pet rehoming and surrender page explains appointment requirements, alternatives to shelter intake, and the information owners should prepare. An owner requesting an appointment should have the pet’s medical records available and should make sure the animal is current on vaccines before entering the shelter.
Surrender Fees and Ownership
The listed relinquishment fee is $30 for residents within San Diego Humane Society’s jurisdiction. For people outside its jurisdiction, the fee is $250, and acceptance depends on available capacity. There is no fee to return a pet previously adopted from San Diego Humane Society.
When an animal is relinquished, the owner transfers all legal ownership rights to San Diego Humane Society. The admissions consultation may include discussion of alternatives, placement options, medical or behavioral concerns, and other circumstances affecting the animal.
Relinquishing a Litter
An owner may arrange to surrender a litter of puppies, kittens, or other babies. The listed litter relinquishment fee is $30 for residents within the service jurisdiction or $250 for an out-of-jurisdiction owner when capacity permits.
San Diego Humane Society will also spay or neuter the parent animal or animals without charge when a litter is relinquished. The owner must contact the Resource Center to arrange intake and the sterilization appointment.
Records to Prepare
Owners should gather vaccination certificates, veterinary records, medication details, dietary information, microchip records, licensing information, and an honest description of the animal’s behavior. Any bite history must be disclosed. Accurate information helps staff evaluate the animal’s needs and identify appropriate placement or care.
Foster and Volunteer Programs
Fostering temporarily moves an animal from the shelter into a private home while San Diego Humane Society retains responsibility for the animal. Foster assignments may last several days, weeks, or months depending on the animal’s age, medical needs, and behavior.
Foster Eligibility
The primary foster volunteer must be at least 18 years old and live in San Diego County. Foster animals may not be taken outside the county. The household must have reliable transportation for veterinary appointments and emergency evacuation, and the volunteer must complete online training before accepting a first assignment.
At least one household member must be able to read and speak English so the household can use training materials and communicate with staff during an emergency. Foster families must complete at least one assignment per year.
San Diego Humane Society provides essential supplies and remains responsible for authorized medical care. Foster volunteers should not use private pet sitters or take a foster animal on an out-of-town trip. When a volunteer will be away, the foster team coordinates another placement or temporary shelter housing.
Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteer programs include one-day shelter service, group service, home-based projects, youth activities, ongoing shelter service, professional skills volunteering, Project Wildlife support, emergency response, and volunteering with an approved animal ambassador.
Recruitment for ongoing volunteer teams opens according to operational need. Applicants complete orientation and training for a designated campus. Because each campus follows its own procedures, a volunteer who later wants to serve at another location must request a transfer or additional assignment.
Most ongoing volunteers are required to purchase a volunteer T-shirt or apron for less than $15. This requirement does not apply to foster volunteers or one-time group volunteers.
Planning a Campus Visit
Most campuses are open Tuesday through Sunday for general business from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Adoption hours are generally 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Project Wildlife facilities operate daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., except for applicable holiday closures.
Visitors should confirm the correct address, service, and animal category before traveling. They should also determine whether the service permits walk-ins or requires an appointment. Adoptions and pet pantry visits allow walk-in service during posted hours, while owner surrender requires an appointment.
For an adoption, bring valid government-issued photo identification and plan for same-day transportation. For licensing, bring the rabies certificate and required veterinarian information. For surrender, gather medical and behavioral records before contacting the Resource Center. For wildlife, follow species-specific handling instructions and do not offer food or water.
Departments and Office Contacts
San Diego Humane Society
Admissions: 5480 Gaines St., San Diego, CA 92110
Adoptions and Mailing Address: 5500 Gaines St., San Diego, CA 92110
El Cajon Campus: 1373 N. Marshall Ave., El Cajon, CA 92020
Escondido Campus: 3500 Burnet Drive, Escondido, CA 92027
Oceanside Campus — Dogs: 2905 San Luis Rey Road, Oceanside, CA 92058
Oceanside Campus — Cats and Small Animals: 572 Airport Road, Oceanside, CA 92058
Pilar and Chuck Bahde Wildlife Center: 5433 Gaines St., San Diego, CA 92110
Ramona Wildlife Center: 18740 Highland Valley Road, Ramona, CA 92065
Phone: 619-299-7012
Humane Society FAQs
Do shelter animals have an adoption deadline?
Healthy or treatable animals do not have a fixed time limit for remaining available for adoption. Each animal is evaluated based on health, known history, observed behavior, and placement needs. Some pets with chronic conditions, hospice needs, complicated medical care, or behavior-support requirements may still be adopted when they are not suffering and do not present an unacceptable public-safety risk. Prospective adopters may need a medical or behavioral consultation before completing the adoption. Review the current adoption process and animal care policies before visiting.
Can I spend a day with a shelter dog?
The Dog Day Out program allows participants to take an adoptable dog away from the shelter for a few hours. The outing gives the dog exercise, a break from the campus environment, and exposure to potential adopters in the community. This opportunity does not require a standard volunteer application. However, participation does not qualify for verified volunteer-service hours. Other short-term options include a single 2.5-hour shelter shift, group service, home-based projects, and event volunteering. Availability and eligibility details are posted on the official volunteer opportunities page.
Do foster volunteers need a yard?
A private yard is not required to foster a dog, and foster volunteers may live in apartments or homes without outdoor space. San Diego Humane Society does not normally conduct a home inspection before assigning an animal. The foster team considers the household’s living space, schedule, experience, and ability to provide regular potty breaks when matching a dog. Foster animals should generally remain separated from resident pets for health and safety, especially during the adjustment period.
Can I meet a foster pet before pickup?
Advance meet-and-greets are generally unavailable because animals frequently move between campuses and foster homes. Volunteers meet the assigned animal at pickup and receive available information about its history, health, behavior, supplies, and care plan. If the placement does not work after a reasonable transition attempt, the foster team can help arrange another match. Applicants receive training instructions after applying, and the team generally follows up within five to seven days after the applicant expresses interest in a specific foster animal. Current requirements are explained on the foster a shelter pet page.