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?
Bunny
Age: 2
Sex: Female
Patiently waiting since March for a family, Bunny is as playful and sweet as her name suggests. Treat-motivated and full of energy, she loves toys and learning new tricks — hop on over to adopt her at San Diego County Animal Services!
Learn more at: County of San Diego Animal Services
Mulligan
Age: Adult
Sex: Male
This sweet, gentle boy just wants to be your one and only so he can soak up all the love and attention he deserves.
Learn more at: Friends of Cats
Mr. Wiggles
Age: 4 yrs
Sex: Male
Surviving distemper left Mr. Wiggles with a little wobble in his legs, but it only adds to his charm — it doesn’t slow him down from running, playing fetch or doing the cutest kangaroo-style zoomies.
Learn more at: Frosted Faces Foundation
Mario
Age: 2 yrs
Sex: Male
This shy boy might take a moment to warm up, but once he does, he melts under gentle pets.
Learn more at: PAWS of Coronado
Saskatoon Sally
Age: 3 yrs
Sex: Female
Outgoing and playful, she’s the perfect match for a family seeking an active companion, and though she’s still perfecting her potty training, she’s eager to learn.
Learn more at: Rancho Coastal Humane Society
Argyle
Age: 4 yrs
Sex: Male
Argyle is searching for a home where he can freely roam and show off his zoomies up and down the stairs!
Learn more at: San Diego House Rabbit Society
Pumba
Sex: Male
Pumba is an intelligent and curious pig who thrives on exploring his surroundings!
Learn more at: San Diego Humane Society
Animal Shelters are in a State of Emergency
San Diego County’s leading animal welfare organizations join to urge the community to act now
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 in 2024, 11 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:
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:
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.
