San Diego Humane Society Has a Crisis Situation

The San Diego Humane Society is seeing the number of dogs in its care remain at unprecedented levels. Since last November alone, they’ve seen a 30 percent increase in the number of dogs entering its shelters, with a current population of 580 canines. 175 of those dogs have been with them for more than 50 days. They are also averaging 137 puppies in care per day, another all-time record.

The Society is currently operating at over 129 percent capacity for dogs. Any shelter that operates above capacity is a shelter at risk. Pets are in more crowded housing arrangements that elevate their anxiety, increase their stress and expose them to infectious diseases, like a recent respiratory infection that forced quarantine of one of its buildings. Thanks to the incredible work of the veterinary and animal care teams, and the many dedicated volunteers who worked alongside them, that has been resolved.

Despite their best efforts, the San Diego Humane Society is forced to make changes to protect the animals in its care and continue meeting the needs of the community. They include:

• Extending a temporary pause on accepting owner surrendered dogs through Jan. 2, 2024 and supporting community members with alternate options for pet rehoming.
• Requesting that all relinquishments of other species be made by appointment (619-299-7012).

To help reduce the number of animals in its shelters:

• Urging anyone considering adding a new pet to their family to adopt a shelter animal. They have an incredible range of pets in need of new homes, please visit sdhumane.org/pets.  
• Offering $25 adoption fees for puppies, kittens, dogs and cats from Dec. 2-17, 2023.
• Encouraging San Diegans to temporarily foster a dog to create much-needed space in the shelters. To learn more or sign up to foster, visit sdhumane.org/foster. 
• Waiving reclaim fees for anyone picking up their lost dog through Jan. 2, 2024. Applicable licensing fees still apply.

This is the most important time in decades for communities to come together to confront the challenges shelters are facing around the country. The current levels are simply not sustainable, and the San Diego Humane Society cannot resolve this situation without action from the community.

Thank you for support and compassion. For information and to assist, call 619-299-7012 or info@sdhumane.org.  

Category: Animals, Donations, Finances, Homeless, Local News, Nonprofit, Volunteers