How to Reclaim Your Pet
We look forward to helping you reunite with your lost pet! If you find your pet listed in our database, or if you have been contacted by us about your pet, please follow the process below.
Where to Go
If your pet is in our care, please come in person to reclaim them as soon as possible. Visit the San Diego Humane Society campus where your pet is being cared for to reclaim them. We recommend arriving no later than 5 p.m. to allow time for processing before we close.
Please bring the documents listed below with you, as they will help us return your pet to you as quickly as possible. If you do not have the following documents, still visit the shelter so that we can help you through the process of reclaiming your pet.
What to Bring
- Proof of ownership: This includes paperwork that can help identify the animal as yours, such as: microchip registration documentation, veterinarian or adoption paperwork, license history, a detailed sales receipt, etc. Photos of your pet can be used in some situations.
- Photo ID: Bring your government issued photo ID.
- A collar and leash for dogs, and a carrier for cats and small pets.
- Form of Payment: Our staff will confirm the total cost of reclaim at the time of pickup, based on applicable fees.
If you do not have the documentation listed above, please still visit the shelter so that our staff can help you through the process of reclaiming your pet.
Reclaim Fees
Fees to reclaim a pet vary based on several factors, such as whether your pet was already legally licensed, whether they needed medical treatment and how many days they spent in our care. (All dogs living within the jurisdiction of San Diego Humane Society must have a current license.) Please review our Animal Service Fees for an idea of what costs you may be responsible for. Fee totals will be discussed with you when you reclaim your pet, and we recommend coming to the shelter as soon as possible.
Beware of Scams
We have received reports of scams targeting pet families searching for their lost pets. Scammers are calling pet owners from blocked numbers, posing as San Diego Humane Society, and falsely claiming that lost pets have been found and require emergency surgery. In some cases, they are even able to replicate our main phone line so that it shows on caller ID. Scammers request payment for their lost pet’s medical care through Zelle or similar apps. If you receive a call like this, please do not make any payments! San Diego Humane Society will never request urgent payment in this manner or threaten to withhold necessary medical care for a pet in our shelter.
It’s heartbreaking to see families targeted at such a vulnerable time. We urge you to stay vigilant and help spread the word to protect yourself and others. While we do regularly conduct legitimate telemarketing calls to raise funds for our programs and services, we never request payments from pet owners in this way. If you receive a suspicious call, please hang up and dial our main line at 619-299-7012 to confirm its legitimacy.
Common Questions
Why was my dog or cat vaccinated when they entered the shelter?
Every dog and cat is vaccinated when they enter the shelter to protect them, as well as the other animals in our care, from infectious disease. Because the risk of disease is higher in a shelter environment, and our goal is to protect the well-being of animals in our care, our policy is to vaccinate them as soon as possible.
Dogs are given DHPP and rabies vaccines, and cats receive FVRCP and rabies vaccines. This aligns with the recommendations and guidelines from many nationally leading veterinary organizations, including the Association of Shelter Veterinarians, the Association of Feline Practitioners and the American Animal Hospital Association. These organizations develop vaccination guidelines used widely by veterinarians, and they include recommendations for owned animals in homes as well as those in animal shelters.
If my pet was already vaccinated, are the additional vaccines harmful?
No. If your pet was already vaccinated before they entered the shelter, receiving this additional round of vaccines is not considered harmful.
Why was my dog or cat required to get a microchip?
The State of California's Food and Agriculture Code Section 31108.3 and 31752.1 require all dogs and cats to be microchipped prior to being released from an animal shelter. A microchip is permanent identification for your pet and can help them get back to you faster if they are ever lost.
Why should I spay or neuter my pet?
In addition to reducing your reclaim fees, spaying or neutering your pet has health and behavior benefits. That is why we offer low-cost spay and neuter services for community members reclaiming their pets.
What is the Spay/Neuter Deposit?
The County of San Diego requires pet owners to pay a Spay/Neuter Deposit fee when they leave the shelter with a pet who has not yet been spayed or neutered. A person who pays a Spay/Neuter Deposit is entitled to a refund if they provide proof that the animal has been spayed or neutered by a licensed veterinarian within 30 days of paying the deposit (unless the animal is under 4 months old at the time of payment). Learn more here.
I can’t afford the fees. What are my options?
We want to help you reclaim your pet and are here to provide support. We encourage you to come in as soon as possible to discuss your options, which include an accessibly priced payment plan.
I'm not able to come in-person to reclaim my pet. Can I have a friend or family member reclaim on my behalf?
Yes. Please fill out this form and send your friend or family member with your proof of ownership and copy of your photo ID.
What if I need additional time to reclaim my pet?
Due to the high volume of animals in care, we are not always able to accommodate a request for an extension. Please contact us as soon as possible and consider utilizing other resources for boarding or temporary foster care.
