Adoption Process
Step 1. Watch this Video!
Step 2. View Available Pets Online
Begin the process by viewing our website’s Available Pets page and selecting an animal you would like to adopt.
Step 3. 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.)
Step 4. 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.
Please note: Appointments may be available for today and tomorrow. If no appointments are available, more are added at midnight for the following day. Appointments may also open up at any time because of cancellations. Please check back to make an 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
Step 5. 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 Fees
Adoption Resources
Thank Your for Adopting: Post-Adoption Offers
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.
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.
