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San Diego Humane Society (SDHS) has launched a new Adoption Trial Program. This program is designed for potential adopters who want to see how a pet fits into their home before making a lifelong commitment.

The program bridges the gap between fostering — which is an intentionally temporary commitment — and adopting. Rather than signing up as foster volunteers, participants act as “trial adopters” — bringing home a specific adult animal (7 months and up) with the intent to adopt, while having up to 14 days to ensure the pet is the right match. Community members are eligible for this program if they live within SDHS’s jurisdiction.

Governor Gavin Newsom has signed into law a package of bills expanding access to veterinary care and strengthening California’s commitment to animal welfare. The new legislation will address the state’s critical shortage of veterinary professionals, improve care for pets in need and ensure animals receive timely, affordable treatment.

Two coyote pups who arrived at San Diego Humane Society’s Ramona Wildlife Center as orphans are now beginning a new chapter at the Virginia Living Museum, after staff determined they could not safely return to the wild.

Eleven dogs and two cats are safe, after San Diego Humane Society’s Humane Law Enforcement carried out a 4-day rescue effort at an abandoned apartment in Vista. The landlord reached out for help after not seeing their tenant for several weeks. With the support of the Sheriff’s Department, officers entered the unit on Oct. 1 and found dogs living in hoarding-like conditions.

San Diego Humane Society (SDHS) is calling on the community to step up for animals in urgent need of homes. To make adoption easier, the organization is participating in Bissell Pet Foundation’s Empty the Shelters national adoption event, offering $50 adoption fees for adult dogs and cats, Oct. 1-15, 2025.