How to Reclaim Your Pet

We look forward to helping you reunite with your lost pet! If you find your pet listed in our database, or if you have been contact by us about your pet, please follow the process below.

Where to Go

If your pet is in our care, please come in person to reclaim them as soon as possible. Visit the San Diego Humane Society campus where your pet is being cared for to reclaim them. We recommend arriving no later than 5 p.m. to allow time for processing before we close.

Please bring the documents listed below with you, as they will help us return your pet to you as quickly as possible. If you do not have the following documents, still visit the shelter so that we can help you through the process of reclaiming your pet.

What to Bring

1. Proof of ownership: This includes paperwork that can help identify the animal as yours, such as: microchip registration documentation, veterinarian or adoption paperwork, license history, a detailed sales receipt, etc. Photos of your pet can be used in some situations.
2. Photo ID: Bring your government issued photo ID.
3. A collar and leash for dogs, and a carrier for cats and small pets.
4. Form of Payment: Our staff will confirm the total cost of reclaim at the time of pickup, based on applicable fees.

If you do not have the documentation listed above, please still visit the shelter so that our staff can help you through the process of reclaiming your pet.

Reclaim Fees

Fees to reclaim a pet vary based on several factors, such as whether your pet was already legally licensed, whether they needed medical treatment and how many days they spent in our care. (All dogs living within the jurisdiction of San Diego Humane Society must have a current license.) Please review our Animal Service Fees for an idea of what costs you may be responsible for. Fee totals will be discussed with you when you reclaim your pet, and we recommend coming to the shelter as soon as possible.

Animal Service Fees

Common Questions

Why do we vaccinate all dogs and cats when they enter the shelter?
Your dog or cat was vaccinated when they were taken into the shelter. Because the risk of infectious disease is higher in a shelter environment, and our goal is to protect the dogs and cats coming into our care, our policy is to vaccinate them as soon as possible. Dogs are given DHPP and rabies vaccines, and cats receive FVRCP and rabies vaccines. This policy is based on the recommendations and guidelines from many nationally leading veterinary organizations, including the Association of Shelter Veterinarians, the Association of Feline Practitioners and the American Animal Hospital Association. These organizations develop vaccination guidelines used widely by the veterinary industry and they include recommendations for owned animals in homes as well as those in animal shelters.

Please note that if your pet was already vaccinated prior to entering the shelter, receiving this additional round of vaccines is not considered harmful. Our primary goal is to protect your pet and the other animals in our care.

Why should I spay/neuter my pet?
In addition to reducing your reclaim fees, spaying/neutering through our SNIP program has health and behavior benefits.

I can’t afford the fees, what are my options?
We want to help you reclaim your pet and are here to provide support. We encourage you to come in as soon as possible to discuss the various options available, which include an accessibly priced payment plan.

I'm not able to come in-person to reclaim my pet. Can I have a friend or family member reclaim on my behalf?
Yes, please fill out this form and send your friend or family member with your proof of ownership and copy of your photo ID.