The San Diego Humane Society faces unprecedented challenges housing animals in need this holiday season and is seeking help from communities to create much-needed space in shelters. officials said.
In addition to the lack of capacity at our locations in Escondido, El Cajon, Oceanside, and San Diego, recent canine distemper virus (CDV) cases have added to the challenge. CDV is a contagious and sometimes fatal viral infection in some wild animals such as dogs, raccoons, foxes and skunks, they said.
Vaccinated dogs are immune to CDV, but unvaccinated dogs are not. Rescued dogs that have tested positive or have been exposed to CDV are being quarantined according to appropriate disease control protocols. To prevent and minimize further exposure, the organization has temporarily stopped accepting dogs that have been handed over by owners until January 15.
The San Diego Humane Society currently protects 1,201 animals. Over 600 of them are available for adoption.
“For every dog we adopt in 2022, we add two more dogs that need our help,” said Dr. Gary Weitzman, president and CEO of the San Diego Humane Society. “Now that our shelters are full, we are calling on the community to help create additional spaces to house the animals in need. There is never an ideal time to face these challenges. No, but with CDV and reduced capacity due to the construction of our San Diego campus, appealing to adopters and fosters is more urgent than ever.”
Here are five ways community members can have a direct impact.
1. Foster. SDHS needs foster parents for dogs, especially those exposed to his CDV and under quarantine. Putting these valuable pets into foster care reduces the spread of disease, improves the dog’s quality of life during quarantine, and frees up space in a full shelter. is provided. Learn more or sign up at sdhumane.org/foster.
2. Adopt. If you’re considering adding a pet to your home, now is a great time to adopt one. In addition to giving deserving animals homes for the holidays, create shelter spaces for much-needed animals that have nowhere else to go. Visit sdhumane.org/adopt to see pets ready for their new home.
3. Seek help. For those of you who are considering giving up an animal, we have resources to keep your pet with your family during difficult times. For more information, visit sdhumane.org/supportservices.
4. Bring your pet home. If community members are unable to keep pets, try returning them to their homes before taking them to a shelter. The San Diego Humane Society provides helpful rehoming resources. These tools allow pet owners to create adoptable pet profiles and place animals directly into new homes, eliminating the need for shelter stays.
5. Reunite stray animals with their owners. Lots of stray pets near my house! If you find a stray animal, there are instructions for skipping the trip to the shelter and reuniting with the owner in person. Visit sdhumane.org/found.
