San Diego County Animal Shelters and Rescue Organizations

Animal Shelters & Rescue Organizations This is a list of local and nearby shelters, and rescue organizations. (Note: Rescue organizations usually have a network of foster homes throughout San Diego, while shelters have an actual facility). You can contact these organizations if you have a pet to relinquish, or if you are looking to adopt. WARNING: Not all listed groups are IRS registered non-profits. Donations made to organizations that are NOT currently registered with the IRS and the State of CA may NOT be considered tax-deductible! Before donating, please check current non-profit status on Guidestar: http://www.GuideStar.org. WARNING: Shelters may kill for medical/behavioral or space reasons. Before relinquishing a pet, BE SURE to carefully check their written euthanasia policy, and request to be notified before they euthanize your pet for any reason in the future. Recommended Rescues and Shelters who work most closely with our organization and abide by a similar code of ethics are indicated by a . These ethics are: To provide medical care for animals in their care Provide full and accurate information about adoptable animals to potential adopters, including vet records To provide sufficient food, supplies, and support to foster homes within their organization Spay/neuter, microchip and vaccinate ALL animals prior to adoption Screen potential adopters to ensure the safe placements of all animals Ask reasonable adoption fees Have no convictions of animal abuse/neglect or hoarding Provide reasonable follow-up support to adopters, including the return of animals placed by their representatives

Dogs

Cats

Other Critters

Shelters (all types of animals)

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DOG RESCUES 2nd Chance Dachshund Rescue Email: info@2ndChanceDoxie.com Rescue, rehabilitation and re-homing of Dachshund dogs in San Diego County only. A small, all-volunteer organization, placing approximately 15 dogs per year. Adoption fees range from $150-$400. A Passion for Paws Akita Rescue, Inc Phone: 858-551-7511 Email: apassionforpaws@gmail.com An Akita rescue that relies on donors, foster homes & volunteers.  They do not have a shelter, and are always in need of new foster homes for Akitas which they often rescue from high-kill shelters. Animal Rescue Resource Foundation (ARRF) Phone:  760-414-3966/ 760-522-7836 AARF is an all-volunteer foster program without a facility.  They accept all breeds of dogs and cats when foster homes are available.  They often rescue pets from Animal Control facilities. Aussies & Others Rescue Email: ausshepards@cox.net Phone:  619-469-3748 All volunteer organization specializing in Australian Shepherds and Border Collies, but often accept other breeds if foster homes are available.  Dogs are always fostered in private homes and never housed in kennels. San Diego Basset Rescue Phone: 855-933-7665 Email: bassets4u@att.net Basset Hound Rescue & Adoption, Inc of San Diego is a 501(c)(3) non-profit rescue and referral organization dedicated to placing unwanted Basset Hounds into suitable forever homes, and preventing unwanted bassets from overloading the shelter system. Boxer Rescue Los Angeles Phone: 213-532-6541 Dedicated to finding homes for unwanted Boxers. They maintain two large capacity kennels where Boxers are kept. Chesapeake Bay Retriever Relief & Rescue Phone: 760-635-1955 Email: hhrsolutions@aol.com Matching rescued Chesapeake Bay Retrievers with loving, permanent adoptive homes. Chihuahua Rescue of San Diego Phone: 858-277-3557 Foster homes located throughout San Diego. Only adopt to local residents. Rescue abandoned, abused, and special needs Chihuahuas. All-volunteer. Cute Odyssey Inc., Shih Tzus & Small Breed Rescue Phone: 619-337-1373 Email: Contact@cuteodyssey.org A very small organization dedicated to Shih Tzu, Maltese, Lhasa Apso, Yorkshire Terrier and Dachshunds. Funded primarily through adoption fees. East County Animal Rescue Phone:  858-224-3227 or 858-224-ECAR E-mail:  info@eastcountyanimalrescue.org A grassroots rescue organization for all breeds.  Mostly cats, but also dogs when foster homes are available.  Also work to provide spay/neuter services for owned and feral cats. Foundation for the Care of Indigent Animals Phone: 619-466-0426 Very small volunteer fostering organization, usually featuring dogs under 20 pounds who would have been killed in shelters due to expensive but treatable medical conditions. German Shorthaired Pointer Rescue of Southern California Phone: 760-726-4813 E-mail: info@GSP-Rescue.org Breed-specific, all-volunteer rescue organization specializing in German Shorthaired Pointers. All dogs come with a warranty contract for lifetime training and support. Greyhound Adoption Center Phone: 877-478-8364 The Greyhound Adoption Center is dedicated to rescuing Greyhounds and placing them in responsible, loving homes, matching each dog with an adopter, taking into consideration other family members, children, other pets and surroundings. Greyhound Connection Email:  wlacey@dslextreme.com or greys@greyhoundconnection.org Phone: 619-286-4739 A volunteer-run organization focusing on rescuing Greyhounds.  Not a shelter.  Dogs are fostered in homes before being placed with a permanent family. Holly’s Garden Phone: 858-274-2940 Email:  Susan@hollysgarden.com Very small rescue organization rescuing small breed dogs, such as Shih Tzu, Maltese, and Lhasa Apso. It’s The Pits Phone:  858-472-0985 Fostering organization which focuses on rescuing and re-homing dogs mostly of the bully breed such as American Staffordshire Terriers and American Pit Bull Terriers.   Foster homes are located throughout San Diego, as well as a facility in Poway.  Dogsare evaluated for temperament and health, before being placed with an appropriate family. Labradors & Friends Dog Rescue Group Phone: 619-990-7455 Email: labradorsandfriends@yahoo.com . Rescue and foster labs and lab mixes throughout Southern California. All volunteer. They will take Labradors that aren’t purebred. Very large organization. Labrador Rescuers, Inc. Phone: 619-819-0234 Email: doginfo@labrescuers.org Established to rescue, rehabilitate, and re-home stray, abandoned, or unwanted Labrador Retrievers into loving, permanent homes. Large, volunteer based rescue. Open Arms Rescue Phone: 760-470-7643 Email: admin@openarmsrescue.vpweb.com Very small foster organization based in Imperial Beach since 2007. Rescues small dogs from Tijuana and Mexicali dog pounds. 70-7643. Operation Greyhound Rescue & Adoption Phone: 619-588-6611 Email: operationgreyhound@cox.net A volunteer-run organization for past 17 years. Rescues ex-racing greyhounds and other sighthounds. Pacific Animal Welfare Society of Coronado (PAWS of Coronado) Phone:  619-435-8247 Email: info@pawsofcoronado.org All-volunteer organization that facilitates adoptions for the Coronado Animal Shelter in addition to assisting Coronado residents re-homing their pets.  Very limited foster homes available. Pit Bull Rescue San Diego Phone:(858)-361-3592 Email: www.pitbullrescuesandiego.com Volunteer-run, foster organization dedicated to rescuing and re-homing Pit Bull Terriers, American Staffordshire Terriers, and related bully breeds. Advocating responsible pet ownership, and the exploitation of the bully breeds. They’re working to save the most difficult breed to place….a tough job, due to prejudice and abuse of the breed. Pug Rescue of San Diego Phone: 619-685-3580 Breed Specific Pug rescue servicing San Diego County and surrounding areas. All volunteer, no facility….pugs are located in foster homes. San Diego Bull Dog Rescue Phone: 619-501-0219 Rescue and Adoption Services for Purebred English Bulldogs only. San Diego Rottweiler Rescue Phone: 619-659-9189 or 619-212-6028 Email: Dossluvscritters@aol.com Small volunteer rescue specializing in Rottweilers, but willing to help with other breeds when foster homes are available. San Diego Spaniel Rescue Phone: 619-922-0545 Email: sdsrwebinfo@yahoo.com Provides breed education, rescue, fostering, medical and adoption services for abused or abandoned Cocker Spaniels in San Diego and Orange Counties. All volunteer. Shelter Pet Partners Phone: 619-212-0499 All-breed dog & cat rescue. Maintain cat adoption facilities in several pet supply stores throughout the County. Most pets stay in temporary foster homes until adopted. Southern California German Shepherd Rescue Phone: 619-379-1796 Rescues German Shepherds in Southern California. Dogs are kept in foster homes or kennels. Southland Sheltie Rescue, Inc. Phone: 619-347-0379 Rescuing Shetland Sheepdogs, also known as Shelties. Based in Southern California, SSRI is an all-volunteer organization. Special Needs Rescue E-mail only: SpecialNeedsRescue@san.rr.com Very small, two person organization, run from a foster home. Often take animals that other organizations won’t accept due to impending medical expenses. SPOT – Saving Pets One at a Time E-mail (is best): info@spotsavespets.org Phone (leave message): 760-593-7768 All-volunteer organization.  All-breed, mixed-breed rescue for dogs and cats.  Operates primarily in north San Diego County. Sunny Saints, S. CA St. Bernard Rescue E-mail info@sunnysaints.org Phone: General Questions & Information/Intake Coordinator Pam: 562.619.2059/Adoptions Coordinator: Kim – 858.222.4101 Rescuing lost, abandoned and relinquished Saint Bernards throughout Southern California.  Providing medical attention, spay/neuter and placement into permanent homes. United Hope For Animals Phone: 909-801-0012 or 858-405-6267or 626-325-8442 Network of volunteers and foster homes throughout Southern California, based in Pasadena. Provide spay/neuter services in Tijuana, as well as humane euthanasia in those pounds.

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CAT RESCUES & CAT SHELTERS Cat Adoption Service Phone: (760) 550-2287 A no-kill, volunteer organization dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation and permanent placement of homeless cats and kittens, with weekly adoption events at the La Jolla PETsMART. No shelter…foster homes, only. East County Animal Rescue Phone:  858-224-3227 or 858-224-ECAR E-mail:  info@eastcountyanimalrescue.org A grassroots rescue organization for all breeds.  Mostly cats, but also dogs when foster homes are available.  Also work to provide spay/neuter services for owned and feral cats. Friends of Cats Location: 15587 Olde Hwy 80 in El Cajon Phone: 619-561-0361 X10 No-kill shelter for homeless and unwanted cats that provides adoption services as well as a sanctuary for cats that are terminally ill or considered unadoptable. National Cat Protection Society 9031 Birch Street, in Spring Valley Phone: 619-469-8771 No-kill shelter takes in owner relinquished cats and kittens for adoption.  They also have a retirement program for cats that are not adoptable. They have another facility in Newport Beach. Pacific Animal Welfare Society of Coronado (PAWS of Coronado) Phone:  619-435-8247 Email: Pawsofcoronado@aol.com All-volunteer organization that facilitates adoptions for the Coronado Animal Shelter in addition to assisting Coronado residents re-homing their pets.  They also have limited foster homes. Shelter Pet Partners Phone: 619-212-0499 Rescuing dogs and cats of all breeds and sizes. Cat adoption facilities in several pet supply stores throughout the County. Most pets stay in temporary foster homes. The Rescue House Phone: 760-591-1211 Providing rescue, foster, and adoption services since 1999 for all breeds of cats. Eight adoption centers throughout San Diego. Volunteer based, and often take cats that other organizations refuse. The Rosebud Society Phone:858-459-8357 Email: adoptacat@therosebudsociety.com Rescues cats and kittens from local animal shelters. They accept cats with moderate to severe medical needs, and kittens too young to survive without hand-feeding. Maintain a very small foster program. United Hope For Animals Phone: 909-801-0012 or 858-405-6267 Network of volunteers and foster homes throughout Southern California (Pasadena). Provide spay/neuter services in Tijuana, as well as humane euthanasia in those pounds.

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OTHER CRITTERS Farm Sanctuary’s Animal Acres–Los Angeles E-mail: info@animalacres.org Phone: 661-269-5404 A farmed animal sanctuary for cows, pigs, and chickens. For many people, it is the first time they have ever looked into the eyes of pig or chicken, and it can profoundly affect the way people view and treat farmed animals. San Diego House Rabbit Society Email: hrs@sandiegorabbits.org In San Diego for more than 15 years. Provide education, rescue, spay/neuter,socialization and find permanent indoor homes for abandoned domestic rabbits in our local shelters, and they provide a store for rabbit related products. All volunteer. San Diego Turtle & Tortoise Society E-mail only: care.consultant@sdturtle.org All volunteer.  Dedicated to educating the public and protection of turtles and tortoises.  No facility, turtles & tortoises are located at foster homes throughout San Diego. Parrot Education & Adoption Center E-mail: parroted@cox.net Based in San Diego and dedicated to educating bird owners on the proper care of birds. Unwanted and found parrots are accepted at PEAC. Wee Companions Phone; 619-934-6007 Small Animal Rescue in San Diego, specializing in Guinea Pigs, Hamsters, Rats & Mice. Pets are located in foster homes.

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PRIVATELY FUNDED LOCAL SHELTERS All Types of Pets Baja Animal Sanctuary Located in Rosarito, Mexico Phone: 619-786-7928 E-mail:  Bajadogs@aol.com Animal sanctuary and shelter for both dogs and cats. Escondido Humane Society 3450 East Valley Parkway Escondido, CA 92027 Phone: (760) 888-2275 Friends of Cats Location: 15587 Olde Hwy 80 in El Cajon Phone: 619-561-0361 X10 Shelter for homeless and unwanted cats that provides adoption services a well as a sanctuary for cats that are terminally ill or considered unadoptable. Once they take a cat, they never kill it unless medically necessary. County-run shelters. Helen Woodward Animal Center Located in Rancho Santa Fe/Coastal North San Diego Phone: 858-756-4117 Living Free Animal Sanctuary Located in the San Jacinto Mountains near Idyllwild. Phone: 951-659-4687 A sanctuary for dogs and cats facing shelter euthanasia, they DO NOT accept animals from the public. National Cat Protection Society 9031 Birch Street, in Spring Valley Phone: 619-469-8771 This shelter takes in owner relinquished cats and kittens, and runs an adoption program. They also have a retirement program for cats that are not adoptable. They have another facility in Newport Beach. Rancho Coastal Humane Society 389 Requeza St. Encinitas, CA 92024 Phone: (760) 753-6413 The San Diego Humane Society and SPCA– North Campus 2905 San Luis Rey Rd. Oceanside, CA 92054 Phone: (760) 757-4357 The San Diego Humane Society and SPCA– Gaines Street Campus 5500 Gaines Street San Diego, CA 92110 Phone: 619.299.7012 Victor Valley Animal Protective League 21779 Zuni Road in Apple Valley Phone: (760) 247-2102

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MUNICIPAL SHELTERS
(Tax Funded – Government-Run, Provide Animal Control)
All Types of Pets

Camp Pendleton Animal Control
Building 25132, Camp Pendleton
Phone: (760) 725-8120

Central County Animal Shelter
5480 Gaines Street in San Diego
Phone: (619) 236-4250

Chula Vista Animal Shelter
130 Beyer Way in Chula Vista
Phone: 619-691-5123
Provides animal control services for the cities of Chula Vista, National City, Imperial Beach and parts of Lemon Grove.
Linda Septon, the adoption counselor: lsepton@ci.chula-vista.ca.us

City of Ridgecrest Animal Shelter
411 San Bernardino Blvd. in Ridgecrest
Phone: (760) 375-8157

Coronado Animal Shelter
1015 Sixth Street in Coronado
(corner of Orange Ave.)
Phone: (619) 522-7371

El Cajon Animal Shelter
1275 North Marshall Avenue in El Cajon
Phone: (619) 441-1580

North County Animal Shelter
2481 Palomar Airport Rd in Carlsbad
Phone: (760) 438-2312

South County Animal Shelter
5821 Sweetwater Rd in Bonita
Phone: (619) 263-7741