Hundreds Of Pets Available During Free Adoption Event At San Diego Humane Society

SAN DIEGO, CA — More than 850 dogs, cats and other animals will be available for free adoption Saturday as San Diego Humane Society joins shelters across the state for California Adopt-a-Pet Day.

The humane society will waive all adoption fees from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at its campuses in San Diego, El Cajon, Escondido and Oceanside as part of the statewide effort to reduce shelter overcrowding and place more animals in permanent homes.

The third annual event, organized by CalAnimals, the San Francisco SPCA and the ASPCA, has grown steadily in recent years. Shelters across California recorded 3,609 adoptions during the event in 2024 and nearly 5,000 adoptions in 2025.

Several other local shelters are participating, including Chula Vista Animal Services, PAWS of Coronado, Rancho Coastal Humane Society and San Diego County Animal Services.

San Diego Humane Society found homes for 293 pets during last year's event and hopes to surpass that total this year.

"Waiving adoption fees for a day can transform hundreds of lives, both for the animals who find homes and the people who welcome them," said Dr. Gary Weitzman, president and CEO of San Diego Humane Society. "We're proud to join shelters across California to spotlight the incredible pets in our care and help more families discover their perfect companion."

Each adoption includes spay or neuter surgery, current vaccinations, a microchip, post-adoption training support, and a free veterinary exam at participating clinics.

Adoptions will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Available animals can be viewed online before the event.