Here at Convoy Auto Repair, we believe that if you’re ready to add a pet to the family, the best way to do it is through a rescue, shelter, or humane society. With so many dogs, cats, and other animals stuck in the Southern California shelter system, it makes sense to seek out the homeless animal that is a perfect fit for your family. Here are some great resources on where to adopt a pet in San Diego and the surrounding area.
San Diego is lucky to have one of the lower-kill shelter systems in the region. If you’re looking for a new dog or cat, the best place to start is with San Diego County Animal Control or the San Diego Humane Society. Dogs and cats of all ages and temperaments find their way to the shelter, and both SDDAC and SD Humane offer low-fee adoptions to the public. Both also try and prioritize accurate images of their adoptables, so adopters can get an idea about what kinds of pets are available before heading to the shelter.
Image: Flickr
Another way to adopt an animal is through a rescue group. If you’re looking for a dog or puppy, there are breed-specific rescue groups (such as It’s The Pits, which specializes in bully breed dogs), age-specific groups (like Lionel’s Legacy, a group specializing in senior dogs), and all-breed groups (such as The Rescued Dog, which take in unique mutts as well as various breeds). Rescues frequently work foster-only, so in many cases they know more about the dog’s personality and temperament than a shelter might. As an added benefit, most fostered dogs are potty trained and have some basic obedience under their belt. On July 12, 2014, a number of San Diego area rescue groups will come together for an adoption event at Liberty Station. Doggie Street Festival is an annual event where adopters can choose from hundreds of adoptable dogs and puppies in just one place.
If you’re looking for a cat or kitten, both PetSmart and Petco have cat adoptions available in store most days. You can also check out smaller shelters such as PAWS Coronado, the Helen Woodward Animal Center, and the Chula Vista Animal Care Facility, as they typically have a number of available cats.
Everyone knows you can get dogs and cats from the shelter, but did you know there are small animals, birds, and reptiles in the shelter system, too? San Diego County shelters often place these smaller critters with specific rescues, though SD Humane has a whole area dedicated to rescue rabbits, hamsters and other small animals. You can also check out the San Diego Herpetological Society for reptile adoptions. The group works closely with animal control to rehabilitate and rehome snakes and lizards that have been found, abandoned, or relinquished. Wee Companions specializes in guinea pigs, bunnies, and rats, offering a rescue option for people who might otherwise just head to the rodent cases at the pet store. And lastly, if you’re looking for a bird, San Diego Bird Rescue rehabilitates and rehomes parrots and other domesticated birds.
There are plenty of options on where to adopt a pet in San Diego and across Southern California. If you're ready to give a furry, fishy, or flying friend a new home, please adopt - don't buy!