There is good news and bad from San Diego Humane Society. The organization’s 32nd annual pet photo fundraiser is back again this year. But it comes at a critical juncture, as shelter locations face unprecedented overcrowding.

SDHS currently has 1,971 animals in care with 826 dogs (a new record) and 929 cats in care at five shelters. That means SDHS currently is at 182% canine capacity and 104% feline capacity across all campuses.
Now is an important time to raise at least $125,000 for shelter animals in need — all while making your pet a star in next year’s 2025 pet calendar.

“We’re extremely overcapacity,” said Nina Thompson, SDHS’s director of public relations. “We’re at almost 200 more dogs in our care than we were just last year.”

So what’s the solution? “We want people to think about adoption, which is a cost-effective way to add an animal,” said Thompson adding, “When you get an animal from SDHS you know they’ve been vaccinated, spayed/neutered, microchipped, and medically evaluated by shelter staff.”

Thompson added right now there is a puppy “explosion” at SDHS campuses. “We have 175 puppies available right now,” she said. “No matter what size, breed, or age of dog, you’re going to find them at the shelter. That’s changed from years past.”

SDHS encourages everyone to vote for your pet’s picture through Aug. 31 in their annual pet fundraiser. Prizes include having your pet featured on a full month spread of SDHS’ calendar, a two-night stay at Loews Coronado Bay Resort, tickets to the organization’s 38th annual Fur Ball sdhumane.org/furball, and other special gifts. All entries with five votes or more are guaranteed inclusion in the calendar or on the collage pages.
The photo fundraiser supports SDHS’ lifesaving services, including animal sheltering and adoptions, investigations of animal cruelty and neglect, veterinary care, and the rescue and rehabilitation of wildlife through its Project Wildlife program.

“This is a special opportunity for pet lovers to support animals in need while highlighting and showcasing their beloved pets,” said SDHS executive vice president Brian Daugherty. “We all think our pets are the cutest, and this friendly competition allows us to have some fun while ensuring that our organization can continue to be there for every single animal who comes through our doors.”

SHOW OFF YOUR FUR BABY

Submit your favorite pet photo at sdhumane.org/photocontest and encourage family and friends to vote for your pet’s picture through Aug. 31.

HOW TO HELP SDHS
Adopt: There are thousands of pets in crowded shelters from puppies and kittens to senior companions and small pets like rabbits and guinea pigs. They offer an adoption guarantee, so families can know that if the pet isn’t the right match, they welcome the animal back.
Foster: This is a critical – and temporary – way you can make an immediate impact and help save lives. By opening your home to foster a pet, you give them relief from the stress of the shelter and create desperately needed space for other animals in need. Visit sdhumane.org/foster to sign up to become a foster.
Donate: Make a gift to help care for the 1,971 pets who are in shelters right now and counting on a second chance. Visit sdhumane.org/donate to contribute.
Spay and neuter: Increasing the number of spayed/neutered animals is the only way to stop the crisis of pet overpopulation at its root. Visit sdhumane.org/spay for low-cost resources.
SDHS’ campuses including San Diego, El Cajon, Escondido, and Oceanside can take in owner-surrendered dogs by appointment only. To schedule an appointment, call 619-299-7012.

Reasons to choose SDHS: You’ll help create space in the shelter for other animals in need.
You know you’re getting an animal properly assessed and cared for. Your pet has been microchipped, spayed/neutered, and vaccinated. SDHS offers training advice, pet supplies, and educational information to support pet families for their animal’s life.
Campuses are open for walk-in adoptions Tuesdays through Sundays in Escondido, El Cajon, Oceanside, and San Diego. Adoptable animals can be visited at all campus locations from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays, and from 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays. Visit sdhumane.org/adopt to view animals available for adoption.

Adoption discount: Aug. 14-Sept. 10 all adoption fees will be 50% off for “Clear the Shelters” month, with all adoption fees waived on Sept. 7 for “Clear the Shelters” day.