Adoption Process
Due to COVID-19, consultations will be conducted over the phone. Our adoption counselors are trained to help make the best match for you and can answer and questions you may have. View this tutorial for more detailed information about the adoption process.
1. View Available Pets Online
Begin the process by viewing our website’s Available Pets page and selecting an animal you would like to adopt.
2. Create an Adopets Account
Once you have found an animal to adopt, click the button the “Adopt me” found on the animal’s individual webpage. This will begin the process of creating an Adopets account. (Hint: After creating an account, you may “save” more than one animal to come back to later.)
3. Schedule a Pre-Adoption Phone Call
Once your Adopets account has been created, check your email to then schedule your Pre-Adoption Phone Call using our scheduling software called Setmore. Adoptions are first-come, first-serve based on this appointment.
Due to COVID-19, consultations will be conducted over the phone. Our adoption counselors are trained to help make the best match for you and can answer any questions you may have.
Animal Introductions
San Diego Humane Society will only complete dog-to-dog introductions in special circumstances based on the behaviors displayed by the dog(s) in our care or by the owned dog.
We recommend before bringing a second pet into your home, you assess whether or not this will enrich your current pet’s life.
Protocol for dog to dog introductions
Protocol for cat to cat introductions
4. Complete the Adoption
After the Pre-Adoption Phone Call, if you've found a great match, it's time to complete the adoption process! The adoption counselor will assist you in making an appointment for final paperwork and animal pickup.
During the checkout process, you will have the opportunity to ask the adoption counselor questions about training and get tips on helping your new pet adjust to your home. If the animal you are interested in has any medical or behavioral conditions, we will also arrange a pre-adoption consultation with one of our veterinarians or trainers.
Adoption Guarantee:
Love your new pet...
or let us know.
We're committed to finding you the perfect pet match. We are proud to offer an adoption guarantee in case your adoption does not work as planned and you need to return your pet to San Diego Humane Society.
Resource Directory
As a trusted, local animal welfare organization, we've compiled tips, tricks and resources to help you take the very best care of your pet. Whether it's training tips, wellness information or financial resources, we're here to answer your pet-related questions. If you don't find the information you're looking for, give us a call at 619-299-7012.
Resource Center- Post-Adoption Complimentary Vet Exams
- Post-Adoption Tip Sheet (PDF Download)
- Things to Consider During the Adoption Process
• Adoption Locations
Tips for Successful Introductions:
Before bringing a second pet home, assess whether or not this will enrich your current pet’s life.
Things to Consider During the Adoption Process:
If you are adopting a puppy/dog: Dogs in our care have been exposed to Kennel Cough, which is contagious and could be described as a “dog cold.” Symptoms can include watery eyes, watery nose and/or coughing. Similar to a child that is exposed to extra germs in a school environment, your dog may or may not contract kennel cough. If your dog does come down with kennel cough, it will be your responsibility to take them to a vet to get them the proper treatment.
If you are adopting a kitten /cat: Cats in our care have been exposed to Upper Respiratory Infection (URI) which is contagious and could be described as a “cat cold.” Symptoms can include watery eyes, watery nose and/or sneezing. Like a child that is exposed to extra germs in a school environment, your cat may or may not contract URI. If your cat does come down with URI, it will be your responsibility to take them to a vet to get them the proper treatment.
Your dog/cat/rabbit has been microchipped: If your pet is microchipped with a company other than Home Again, you will be given a registration form to complete. Please provide your current contact information. If your pet has a Home Again microchip, you will be contacted by the microchip company in the next few days, welcoming you. If you need to change your address or phone number, you will do that with the microchip company directly. If your animal ever gets lost, the animal’s microchip number will be linked to you, so the animal can be returned to you.
Your kitten /cat or puppy /dog has been spayed or neutered: Your animal may have been recently spayed or neutered. If the animal was recently spayed or neutered, we ask that you wait 10 days from the time of the surgery to bathe your animal. You can find the date of spay/neuter in the animal’s Medical History Record that will be emailed to you. Surgical glue was used to seal the surgery site and we don’t want to prematurely dissolve that glue by bathing the animal before 10 days. If you notice your animal bothering the surgery site, you may need to purchase an e-collar and contact your own vet for additional information.
Your adopted animal is currently up to date on all of their vaccines: Each animal is current on all the necessary vaccines when they are adopted. You can find the vaccine history in the animal’s Medical History Record that will be emailed to you the day you adopt. We suggest continuing a flea treatment and necessary vaccines after adoption. After adoption, future vaccination needs may change. Please speak to your vet regarding your pet’s health and lifestyle to determine what future vaccinations are needed and when.
You’ll Also Receive These Additional Benefits:
- We proudly feed all of our animals a Purina diet, and we recommend you do the same as you start your journey to happily ever after. You will receive a complimentary starter bag of Purina Pro Plan® upon adoption.
- We have an ADOPTION GUARANTEE!
If you need to return your adopted animal for whatever reason, you can do so. You must call our Admissions department to schedule a return at 619-299-7012. - 10% off any purchase you make in Muttique on your adoption day (Oceanside location only).
- Petco “Welcome to the Family” benefits.
