Creating a More Humane San Diego, Together
Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
At San Diego Humane Society, we’re united by our mission: creating a more humane world by inspiring compassion, providing hope and advancing the welfare of animals and people. Our ability to make an impact for animals is directly tied to the contributions of people — those we work alongside and those we serve. Because our success depends on people, we’re best when every person — staff, volunteer and guest — feels seen, supported and able to contribute.
This is why diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) are essential to our mission. Here are some of the ways we’re working to center equity and inclusion in our culture, policies and programs.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee
Founded in 2019, the DEI Committee guides intentional efforts to embed equity into every part of our organization. The Committee meets regularly to advance strategic initiatives and identify opportunities to strengthen inclusion and belonging.
Inclusion as a Core Value
In 2020, we formally added Inclusion to our Core Values to reflect our belief that everyone should feel welcomed, respected and empowered to participate fully. As a core value, inclusion is seen when we: elevate our colleagues with recognition, welcome guests with empathy and without judgment, examine how our services are reaching communities and more.
Language Translation Services & Expanded Bilingual Compensation Benefits
Many San Diegans speak English as a second language and we aim to make our information accessible to all. Our website includes the Google Translate widget to allow guests to view content in over 100 languages.
To further support equity in communication, our bilingual compensation program offers hourly premiums for certain non-exempt "guest-facing" roles and per required need premiums for any non-exempt employees who uses their bilingual skills to assist guests.
Community Support Services
Our commitment to equity extends to the programs and services we offer. We recognize that barriers such as financial hardship, domestic violence and housing insecurity can limit access to pet ownership and care. That’s why we offer support programs designed to help people keep their pets through life’s challenges.
Check out some of the programs we offer to help prevent unnecessary pet surrender and to keep pets with their families through challenging times, including a Community Pet Pantry that provides free pet food and supplies, and a Community Veterinary Program that offers low-cost appointments and services.
Land Acknowledgement
San Diego Humane Society acknowledges that our campuses are located on the unceded ancestral homelands of the Kumeyaay (Diegueño) and Payómkawichum (Luiseño) peoples. We honor the rich history, ongoing presence and contributions of the diverse and vibrant indigenous communities who make their home here today. Through our work, we commit to honoring their sovereignty, celebrating their enduring relationship with this land, and being good stewards of the land and the animals who inhabit it.
Finalized in 2024 through a multi-year, employee-driven process, this acknowledgment reflects our commitment to relationship-building, land stewardship and meaningful allyship.
Equal Employment Opportunity
We’re proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and are committed to fostering a workplace grounded in mutual respect, fair treatment and opportunity for all. Employment decisions at SDHS are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, veteran status, national origin or any other basis protected by law.
Ready to make a difference by advancing equity and wellbeing for all? Explore current job opportunities and help us build a more humane future for animals and people.
