County of San Diego Department of Animal Services

Reviews

A Google User

Got myself a new dog (second from the county shelter) this Tuesday. Very friendly staff, slightly dated facility (South campus is at bonita), but everyone should give the shelter a chance. There are tons of dogs, cats, kittens, puppies, pigs, horses, and all types of small critters in the bonita shelter who need a house or even a short foster stint outside of the facility. Having worked there many years ago, I know they make sure the facility is as clean as they could make it and during my visit, it felt as such. The staff were very eager to help so long as you have patience, however they may be understaffed since I didn't see too many people in the front. Everyone was kind and a pleasure to talk to. The kennels were loud, as is what usually happens when shelters are over capacity and have dogs who have been there way too long (shelter anxiety etc). Also remember that animals don't always act the same when they're outside of the shelter so give everyone a chance. As of this post, the shelter is taking part of clear the shelter day, meaning all dogs and cats are free.99. Aka 0 dollars for the whole month of August and a couple days of September. All pets are vaccinated, neutered/spayed, microchipped, and given information for 1 free wellness check from select vets. Registration would depend on where you live as they only register unincorporated San Diego, but everything they do is much cheaper than most vets. EDIT: read some reviews ... I don't think people realize the County of San Diego department of animal services can only handle animals from the unincorporated parts of San Diego. They aren't able to handle animals from cities with their own animal shelters (eg city of San Diego has the humane society and Chula vista has their own shelter). Your zip code may be close to the county shelter, but if they're part of said cities with their own shelters, the county can not handle the animal. The only exception is providing some vet care with HIGHER cost since that care would be out of their jurisdiction. People need to research their government bodies before defaulting to "government is bad". Also having worked there, the empty kennels are from animals being distributed to other shelters/fosters/rescues. Not euthanasia (which are for medical or behavior issues that can't be cared by the shelter without a dedicated staff/funding for said care). And vaccines/meds are given to ALL animals coming in because there's literally no history at intake time. Even if it's an owned animal, the shelter can't take the chance of the owner lying about shots and getting the rest of the shelter sick. Adopt don't shop! Give senior pets a chance. And foster if you are able! Pic is my Shiba (6 year old senior with too much weight and some health issues). He's potty trained, knows commands, and crate trained! I also adopted my Yorkiepoo from the county shelter (Carlsbad location) for $69 a couple of years ago. She was 1 year old, from a hoarding. Shots, spayed, microchipped! Friendly staff there too!

A Google User

Wonderful experience scheduling and picking up my foster dog! I’d like to thank the lady I’ve been communicating with via email for her timely and positive responses. I’d also like to thank Portia and Mo for letting me meet the dog prior to fostering and providing all the necessary supplies.

A Google User

thank you: your the best.had dog picked up on 04-01-2024 adopted him on 04-06-2024 he's doing very well. thanks for all the staff and volunteers that make this happen 2481 palomar airport rd.carlsbad ca. s.d.

A Google User

I visited this shelter to inquire about a dog that was still on hold for owner retrieval. I was told that the dog would be available in two days on Sunday, but the owner might have someone they’re adopting it out to. So, I wait the next day and watch the Lost and Adoption sections of their website to make sure that the dog was still there. Then, on the morning that the dog was to be available to the public- I arrived at the shelter at 0728 and waited until they opened at 1000. Being the first at the welcome desk, I told the guy that I was interested in that particular dog. He brought the dog’s file up and then told me that the finding party had the day to claim her, so I would have to wait until Tuesday when they were back open. I left my information with the front desk and he promised to reach out if they did not show. Then, about a minute later my wife arrived and I updated her on the situation. Another staff member asked if we had been helped, so my wife asked her about the dog and the finder claim situation. This staff member said that the finding party only had a claim to her until 1059 and once it hit 1100 then we could meet the dog. Great! So my wife and I sit down to wait. Then about seven minutes later we are approached by a third staff member who tells us that the dog has already been adopted by the finding party. That they did so over the phone at exactly 1000 when the dog transferred over to the shelter’s possession. So- dog is adopted already, nothing else to be done. Why did the staff tell me to come back when the finding party already communicated that they would be adopting her? Why did each person have a different level of knowledge of the situation? Why was I told to wait the whole day by one person, but just an hour by the other? I have a suspicion that the first lady I talked to knew that the finding party wanted to adopt her- but instead of telling me, she mumbled something about the owners maybe having someone. I understand that the staff may be volunteers, or that it is impossible to keep everyone up to date on every animal there. But you are straight up giving bad information to people. Your files on each animal must be a mess, because everyone knew something different. It was a big waste of time and emotional energy. It was my choice to wait so early to be first in line, and I wouldn’t change it if I had to do it again. Do better. Communicate correct information. Take the time to get your facts straight before wasting people’s time.

A Google User

The lady at desk 1 is really rude. Zero customer service skills. She came up with a bunch of excuses for why there was confusion on their part, when we went to adopt two cats. No understanding, no compassion, just rude. I was in tears at one point I was so frustrated. It took everything in me not to go off on her. She needs a new job somewhere that doesn't involve people or animals. She walks around with a serious chip on her shoulder and a stick up her bum!

A Google User

Fairly nice office and staff were busy. But the Poor inmate dogs were starving for attention. I went there to socialize with the dogs but was told not to touch them in their cages.. I felt real bad cause there was no human contact for these animals. It looked exactly like PRISON without any break to play. So sad and not right. If they would give each dog some playtime every day they probably would be less stressed out. 😟 it's hard to pick out a friendly dog to take home with you when you see them at their worst. I was unable to interact with any of them except for "no contact visit". Miseable conditions for the animals . I left disappointed.

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Business Hours
Monday:ClosedTuesday:10:00AM - 16:00PMWednesday:10:00AM - 16:00PMThursday:10:00AM - 16:00PMFriday:10:00AM - 16:00PMSaturday:10:00AM - 16:00PMSunday:10:00AM - 16:00PM

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Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible entrance
• Wheelchair accessible parking lot

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Services