Since 2015, the San Diego Animal Welfare Coalition has been dedicated to ensuring San Diego County Stays at Zero euthanasia of healthy or treatable shelter animals.

Through this partnership, our shelters, rescue groups and animal welfare organizations stand together to provide the most vulnerable animals in our region with a safety net they can count on.

Saving lives takes all of us. It takes a community. It’s only through the compassion and support of the animal lovers who call San Diego home that we’re able to give a second chance to every homeless pet in need.

Pets of the Month

The animals we highlight as our Pets of the Month are wonderful, deserving shelter pets being cared for in our coalition shelters and rescue groups. These animals represent our community’s collective commitment to being there for the pets who need us the most – those who, in so many other communities throughout the country, may not get the second chance they deserve.

Each of these animals has been waiting patiently for a loving family of their own — could it be you?

Jamie Age: 4 yrs Weight: lbs This sweet girl is all about playtime, strolls with her shelter buddies and showing off her smarts — she already knows "sit" and "down" and is eager to learn more. Learn more at Chula Vista Animal Care Facility

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Sal Age: 3 yrs Weight: 55.4 lbs This bashful boy is Sal! At just 3 years old, this sweet pit bull terrier is the total package — house-trained, affectionate and ready to charm his way into your heart. Learn more at County of San Diego Animal Services

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Lenny Age: 2 yrs Weight: lbs This laid-back guy loves doing his own thing, whether it’s lounging in a cozy cat tree or indulging in a snack. Learn more at Friends of Cats

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Bison Age: 14 yrs Weight: 92 lbs Bison is a true representation of rescue and rehabilitation, and he's ready to spend the rest of his life with a loving family! Learn more at Frosted Faces Foundation

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Bottomless Mimosas Age: 1 yr Weight: 5 lbs Bottomless Mimosas is a bubbly little feline that will have you grinning from ear to ear with her sparkling personality and charm! Learn more at Rancho Coastal Humane Society

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Goose Age: 5 yrs Weight: 5.9 lbs Goose is a sweet bunny with a big heart and plenty of love to give. With a little patience, Goose will show her true self: a total cuddle bug who adores gentle pets. Learn more at San Diego House Rabbit Society

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Angelou Age: 3 yrs Weight: lbs Angelou is on the lookout for a patient, cat-savvy family who understands that trust takes time — but oh, is it worth it! Learn more at San Diego Humane Society

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Animal Shelters are in a State of Emergency

San Diego County’s leading animal welfare organizations join to urge the community to act now

For the first time, San Diego’s leading animal welfare organizations have come together to raise awareness about the critical state of animal shelters in San Diego County. In a press conference on National Adopt a Shelter Pet Day, eleven organizations asked the community to join them in saving lives by adopting, fostering and spaying and neutering their pets, before the situation becomes even more urgent during the busier summer months. You can see what the press conference looked like here:

For the first time, San Diego’s leading animal welfare organizations have come together to raise awareness about the critical state of animal shelters in San Diego County. Eleven organizations are asking the community to join them in saving lives by adopting, fostering and spaying and neutering their pets, before the situation becomes even more urgent during the busier summer months.

City of Chula Vista Animal Services, East County Animal Rescue, Feral Cat Coalition, Friends of Cats, Frosted Faces Foundation, PAWS of Coronado, Rancho Coastal Humane Society, San Diego County Department of Animal Services, San Diego House Rabbit Society, San Diego Humane Society and Spay Neuter Action Project are all committed to staying at zero euthanasia of healthy or treatable shelter pets. However, sustaining this achievement is becoming increasingly difficult as local shelters and rescues are over capacity with animals.

Here's how the community can help:

Adopt:Adopting saves lives, and there are thousands of pets available at shelters and local rescues right now. From puppies and kittens to senior companions and small pets like rabbits and guinea pigs —shelters are overflowing with deserving animals in need of adoption. View pets available for adoption:

City of Chula Vista Animal Services
East County Animal Rescue
Friends of Cats
Frosted Faces Foundation
PAWS of Coronado
Rancho Coastal Humane Society
San Diego County Department of Animal Services
San Diego House Rabbit Society
San Diego Humane Society

Foster: This is a critical – and temporary – way you can help save lives. By opening your home to foster a pet, you give them relief from the stress of the shelter and create space for other animals in need. Become a foster volunteer today by visiting any of our partner websites above or sdhumane.org/foster.

Spay/Neuter: Increasing the number of spayed/neutered animals is the only way to stop the crisis of pet overpopulation at its root. Reduced access to spay/neuter services during the pandemic exacerbated the challenges facing our shelters. We urge our community to prevent unintended litters by having their pets spayed or neutered, and supporting local programs that provide spay/neuter resources for owned animals and community cats. For a list of organizations providing affordable spay/neuter services, please visit our Reduced Fee Spay and Neuter Services page.

We are committed to “Staying at Zero” euthanasia of healthy or treatable shelter pets, but we need our community to act now to ensure San Diego County remains a safe and compassionate haven for animals. Please adopt, foster and spay/neuter before this state of emergency becomes a devastating crisis for animals and the people who love them.