Organizations vary between open-admission municipal facilities and private, foster-based rescues that do not operate a public viewing kennel. Choosing where to adopt depends on whether you want to walk through on-site kennels or submit an application online before meeting dogs in private homes. Adoption fees, home visit requirements, and hold periods for stray animals differ significantly across locations.
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San Diego House Rabbit Society
4807 Mercury St Ste A, San Diego, CA 92111
Mon-Sun 12pm-5pm
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The Cat Lounge Rescue and Adoption Center
1006 Torrey Pines Rd, San Diego, CA 92037
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San Diego Humane Society
5500 Gaines St, San Diego, CA 92110-2572
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Haven of Hope Animal Sanctuary
2202 Monument Rd, San Diego, CA 92154
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Joanne's Furry Friends
4949 Emelene St, San Diego, CA 92109
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Labradors and Friends Dog Rescue Group
2307 Fenton Pkwy #107-160, San Diego, CA 92108
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Pet Paradise
4503 Alabama St, San Diego, CA 92116
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Second Chance Dog Rescue
4284 Cass St, San Diego, CA 92109
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Thrive Animal Rescue
13875 Old El Camino Real, San Diego, CA 92130-3028
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San Diego Animal Shelter
5480 Gaines St, San Diego, CA 92110-2624
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Labrador Rescuers
5965 Village Way Ste E, San Diego, CA 92130-2475
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Baja Dog Rescue
3495 Sports Arena Blvd, San Diego, CA 92110-4918
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Baja Animal Sanctuary
10866 Canyon Hill Ln, San Diego, CA 92126-2051
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Lucky Pup Dog Rescue
Box 3484, San Diego, CA 92163
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Woofs and Wags Dog Rescue
San Diego, CA
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Femme Felines
San Diego, CA
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Wee Companions Small Animal Rescue
3368 Governor Dr Ste F, San Diego, CA 92122-2936
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Mission Bay Puppy Rescue
San Diego, CA
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Project Wildlife
887 1/2 Sherman St, San Diego, CA 92110
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No Wagging Tail Left Behind
3495 Sports Arena Blvd, San Diego, CA 92110-4918
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GotCats
4640 Cass St #9965, San Diego, CA 92169
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Animal Stories
10606 Camino Ruiz, San Diego, CA 92126-3263
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Ferdinand's Familia Rescue Ranch
2804 Hollister St, San Diego, CA 92154
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Mailbox For The Dog Squad Rescue
11956 Bernardo Plaza Dr PMB 355, San Diego, CA 92128-2538
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California Labradors, Retrievers & More Rescue
5425 Oberlin Dr Ste 100, San Diego, CA 92121-1703
Also in San Diego
- 52
- 39
- 36
- 31
- 7
- 6
More in San Diego and California
- All dog parks, shelters, trainers and boarding kennels in San Diego186
- Animal Shelters & Rescues across California956
Animal Shelters & Rescues near San Diego
- Los Angeles44
- San Francisco16
- Santa Rosa15
- Fresno10
- Grass Valley10
- Chico8
- Long Beach8
- Modesto8
Good to know
What is the difference between an animal shelter and a rescue organization?
Shelters typically operate a physical facility that houses stray or surrendered animals directly on site. Rescue organizations are often run by volunteers using network foster homes, meaning animals live in private residences until adoption.
How much does it typically cost to adopt a dog?
Adoption fees typically range from $50 to $350 depending on the organization and the age of the dog. Puppies usually carry higher fees, while standard fees generally include spay or neuter surgery, initial vaccinations, and a microchip.
Can I bring my current dog to meet a potential rescue dog?
Most organizations require or strongly encourage a controlled meet-and-greet between your existing dog and the rescue dog before finalizing an adoption. Staff or foster parents usually facilitate this interaction on neutral ground at the facility or a local park.