Homeless Support Guide

Resources

Table of Contents

    Homeless Support Guide

    At San Diego Humane Society, we understand the importance of the human-animal bond. That’s why we provide programs and resources to help our neighbors experiencing homelessness care for — and keep — the animals they love.

    San Diego Humane Society Programs and Services

    Community Pet Pantry

    Free supplemental pet food and supplies available at all campuses Tuesday-Sunday, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

    Pet Training Assistance Fund

    Pet owners who apply for assistance and demonstrate need may receive partial or full assistance to cover the expenses of training provided by San Diego Humane Society. Apply for Pet Training Assistance.

    Learn more about our community support services and resources, including microchipping, vaccinations, licensing, spay/neuter and humane euthanasia.

    Veterinary Care Resources

    Pets of the Homeless
    Provides pet food, grants for urgent veterinary care and other support services for homeless pet families.
    775-841-7463
    petsofthehomeless.org

    Pets Without Walls
    Free monthly walk-up clinic in downtown San Diego for people experiencing homelessness. Call or visit website for schedule. Also offers spay/neuter appointments.
    858-756-4117
    animalcenter.org/programs-services/pets-without-walls

    Project Street Vet
    Partners with organizations serving people experiencing homelessness to host free pet clinics (vaccines, supplies and minor care) at their sites. Also offers financial assistance grants, typically for minor care such as vaccines, spay/neuter and various medications. More in-depth or emergency care will be considered on a case by case basis.
    projectstreetvet.org

    Street Dog Coalition
    Free monthly walk-up clinic in Ocean Beach for people experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness. Also provides spay/neuter vouchers. Dogs and cats only.
    thestreetdogcoalition.org

    Pet Boarding Resources

    Housing Resources

    211
    Free, 24-hour confidential phone service and searchable online database.
    211
    211sandiego.org

    The Hub (formerly Homelessness Response Center)
    Housing navigation and other supportive services.
    Call 211 for information and referral to The Hub.
    sdhc.org

    San Diego Housing Commission
    Offers a variety of housing assistance programs.
    sdhc.org

    Organizations That Offer Emergency Shelter

    City of San Diego

    *City of San Diego Contracted Shelters
    Multiple service providers and locations. All shelters allow domestic animals.
    sandiego.gov

    East County

    East County Transitional Living Center
    Emergency shelter for adult men, women and families.
    619-442-0457
    ectlc.org

    North County

    *Buena Creek Navigation Center
    Low barrier shelter in Vista for adult men and women. Referral required.
    vista.gov

    *Catholic Charities of San Diego
    La Posada: low barrier shelter in Carlsbad for adult men.
    760-929-2322
    ccdsd.org

    *Interfaith Community Services
    Haven House: low barrier shelter in Escondido for adult men and women.
    760-644-4644
    Family shelter: low barrier shelter in Escondido for families with at least 1 child under 18 or a family with a disabled dependent adult.
    760-803-0877
    interfaithservices.org

    Operation HOPE - North County
    Drug and alcohol-free shelter in Vista for families and women.
    760-536-3880
    operationhopeshelter.org

    *San Diego Rescue Mission
    Oceanside Navigation Center: low barrier shelter for adult men, women and families. Referral required.
    619-687-3720
    sdrescue.org

    South County

    *San Diego Rescue Mission
    South County Lighthouse: low barrier shelter in National City for adult men, women and families. Referral required.
    619-687-3720
    sdrescue.org

    * = pet-friendly shelter

    Safe Parking Lots That Welcome Pets

    Dreams for Change
    San Diego and El Cajon
    619-497-0236
    dreamsforchange.org

    Jewish Family Service - Safe Parking Program
    San Diego, Encinitas and Vista
    858-637-3373
    jfssd.org

    Safe Sleeping Program
    San Diego
    sandiego.gov

    Additional Resources

    An orange and white kitten standing on a green blanket

    Shy and Fearful Behavior in Cats

    A dog playing with a toy in their mouth

    Excitable Behavior in Dogs

    A German shepherd wearing a pink bandana

    Dog Reactive Behavior in Dogs