Adoption Process
Adoptions are completed in person on a first-come, first-served basis. Review our adoption process below for more detailed information.
Step 1. View Available Pets Online
Begin the process by viewing our website’s Available Pets page and finding an animal you’re interested in adopting!
Animal Introductions
San Diego Humane Society only completes dog-to-dog introductions (where an adoptable dog in our care meets a potential adopter’s resident dog) in special circumstances, based on the behaviors displayed by the dog(s) in our care or by the owned dog.
- Dog-to-Dog Introductions
- Cat-to-Cat Introductions
- Dog-to-Cat Introductions
- Children-to-Dog Introductions
Additional Considerations
Before bringing an additional pet into your home, we recommend assessing whether this will enrich your current pet’s life. We’re here to help! Our adoption counselors can answer questions and provide guidance during your visit.
Step 2. Create an Adopets Account (Optional)
Once you have found an animal, click the “Adopt me” button on the animal’s individual webpage. This will begin the process of creating an Adopets account, which will speed up the process of completing your adoption paperwork when you visit us in person. You’ll also receive an email with helpful tips about the adoption process. (Hint: After creating an account, you may “save” more than one animal’s profile to come back to later.)
Please note: Clicking "Adopt Me" does not place a "hold" on an animal or guarantee an adoption.
Step 3. Visit Us In Person!
All of our campus locations are open for walk-in adoptions during regular business hours. Feel free to visit us anytime! Here are a few things to note when you come in to adopt:
- Adoptions are on first-come, first-served basis.
- Like many businesses, we are experiencing a staffing shortage which has resulted in longer than normal wait times to meet with an adoption counselor.
- Once you meet with an adoption counselor, completing the adoption process typically takes one hour.
Step 4. Complete the Adoption
If you've found a great match, an adoption counselor will walk you through the process of signing the adoption contract! If you would like to adopt, please be prepared to bring your new family member home the same day.
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.
You'll Also Receive These Benefits
- Post-Adoption Complimentary Vet Exam.
- Petco “Welcome to the Family” benefits.
- We have an ADOPTION GUARANTEE!
We're committed to finding the perfect pet match. If you need to return your adopted animal for whatever reason, you can do so. Please call our Admissions department to schedule a return at 619-299-7012.
Resource Directory
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 need help finding the information you're looking for, please give us a call at 619-299-7012.
