A dog is the perfect best friend: always there for you with a willing ear and a wagging tail. It’s no wonder so many people have at least one canine companion in their homes. Dog ownership is more than deciding you want a pet, however. There’s a lot to consider before you bring your dog home for the first time.
Whether you’re starting with your first pet or are a dog-rescue veteran, the tips in this guide will leave you well-prepared to adopt a dog in San Diego.
Finding a dog in San Diego
Dog ownership is common across the country, from the streets of New York City to the cold beaches of Oregon and every place in between. In fact, data suggests 68% of U.S. households have a pet within their doors. Adopting a dog for the first time will bring you into a thriving community of pet lovers.
But first, you have to find that dog! Look around shelters in your area, either in person or online. We have a list of shelters based in San Diego county below. Consider your needs and those of the dog you’re looking at, including diet, energy levels, and even cuddliness.
If you want quantity on your side, start looking for dogs during the spring and summer months. Shelters are often crowded during these times, so you’ll have a wider pool of dogs to choose from. If you want a discount on fees, look for shelter-run adoption drives or promotions during National Dog Day and Adopt a Dog Month.
Banned breeds in San Diego
Under California law, cities and counties are banned from creating ordinances that label specific dog breeds as dangerous or vicious, whether directly or otherwise. This means both the city and county of San Diego can’t place any breed restrictions.
However, private organizations such as businesses and landlords may still be able to prohibit certain breeds on their property. Consult your lease or homeowner’s association if you have questions, and keep in mind that it can be incredibly difficult to determine a dog’s breed by appearance alone. For example, many dogs deemed “bully breeds” may actually be a mix of terrier, hound, or other types.
The adoption process in San Diego
The adoption process is pretty simple. Individual shelters and rescues have their own methods, but they all follow the same general outline:
- First, browse through adoptable dogs and choose one to meet.
- Next, fill out an application. The rescue will likely ask for details like your name, address, working hours, lifestyle, and the presence or absence of roommates, family, spouses, or children.
- The shelter will process your application, let you know if the dog is still available and, if so, arrange a meeting. You may meet your new dog immediately (if you’re at a rescue) or after a few days (if you find your dog online).
- At the meeting, be honest with yourself and the others who live with you when determining if the dog is a good fit. See how he or she interacts with new people and try to get a feel for the dog’s temperament.
- If all goes well, it’s time to fill out the adoption paperwork. The information requested will be more detailed than the application and will likely include spaces for your veterinarian and landlord’s/homeowners association’s contact information.
- Next, an adoption counselor will discuss with you the basics of dog ownership, including proper care, training, diet, and typical costs. You will pay the adoption fee either before or after this step.
- Once all the above is complete, it’s time to go home with your pet!
Licensing dogs in San Diego
All dogs in San Diego County must be licensed. As an adopter, you must complete this step within the first 30 days of dog ownership. Fees vary from $18 to $90; the price depends on the length of time (you can get a one-, two-, or three-year license) and whether your dog is spayed or neutered.
The first vet visit
You should get your dog’s complete medical history during the adoption counseling session. Some rescues may email this information to you later; make sure they don’t forget. You’ll want to bring this to your first veterinary appointment.
Note that these records may not be comprehensive depending on your dog’s background. They should, at the very least, list all treatments and procedures done while the dog was at the rescue.
Take your new pet to the vet within a week of adoption to catch ailments like kennel cough and parasites.
How much it costs to adopt a dog in San Diego
Shelters use adoption fees to support the many services they provide, including rescuing, medical care, and community outreach.
The prices below, sourced from three top-rated animal shelters in San Diego, can help you estimate the price of adopting your new pet:
San Diego Humane Society
- Cost: $25 for cats 7 years of age and older, $95 for dogs between 7 months and 7 years old, and $195 for puppies 6 months old and younger. You can adopt a second adult dog for $5 or a second puppy for 50% off. Senior adopters (55 and older) can get their pets for free, and veterans can get a 25% discount with proof of service.
- What it covers: microchipping, spay/neuter surgery, all age-appropriate vaccinations, free vet examination certificate, complimentary bag of Purina food, 10% off purchases made at Muttique pet store on adoption day (Oceanside location only).
Rovers’ Retreat Dog Rescue
- Cost: $300 for dogs 6 years and older, $350 for dogs between 1 and 5 years old, $400 for puppies under 1 year. International dogs will have higher fees to support the cost of transportation.
- What it covers: spay/neuter surgery, vaccinations, microchipping, fecal testing, medical care necessary to get the dog healthy enough for adoption.
Labradors and Friends Dog Rescue Group
- Cost: $200 for dogs 8 years and older, $250 for dogs 5 to 7 years old, $300 for dogs 8 months to 4 years old, $300 for lab mix puppies 8 weeks to 7 months old (with a $75 spay/neuter deposit and a $75 training deposit), $400 for purebred puppies 8 weeks to 7 months old (with a $75 spay/neuter deposit and a $75 training deposit).
- What it covers: spay/neuter surgery, medical care.
Where to adopt a dog in San Diego
Here are a handful of shelters in the San Diego area, to help you start your search.
- Helen Woodward Animal Center: A comprehensive animal rescue facility that, in addition to rescuing and adopting out pets, holds workshops for shelters across the country, provides meals for pets of homebound and low-income seniors through its Animeals program and educates children through its Critter Camp and AniMobile services.
- Labradors and Friends Dog Rescue Group: Rescues labs, lab mixes, and lab-adjacent breeds.
- Rover’s Retreat Dog Rescue: A foster-based rescue partnered with several local businesses to raise funding, as well as Amazon Smiles. Supporters can also donate their idle vehicles to The Potter’s Work in support of Rover’s Retreat.
- San Diego Humane Society: An open-admission shelter serving 12 cities in San Diego County with a variety of services, including a kitten nursery and a humane law enforcement first-response team.
- Second Chance Dog Rescue: A foster-based rescue with plenty of fundraising and adoption events at local businesses. Adopters are granted a two-week foster-to-adopt period to make sure the dog is a perfect fit.
- The Animal Pad: Rescues dogs from high kill shelters in Southern California and the streets of Baja California, Mexico.
- The Barking Lot: A volunteer-run rescue partnered with Thailand’s Soi Dog Foundation.
Creating a care budget for your dog
Proper dog ownership includes having a strong budget for your new pet. Puppies will require several one-time purchases (such as pee pads and training), while older dogs will likely need long-term care (covering medications, increased vet visits, and the like).
Recurring expenses include:
- Food
- Treats
- Exams and vaccinations
- Medications (including flea/tick and parasite preventative)
- Pet insurance
- Dental care
- Waste bags
- Toys
- Dog walking services
One-time purchases include:
- Collar or harness and leash
- Crate
- Bedding
- Grooming products
- Training sessions
- Age-related aids (puppy pads, dog stroller, etc.)
A note about pet insurance
If you adopt a dog or breed prone to health issues, pet insurance can give you peace of mind. Only you can determine if the expense is worth it. See if your employer offers pet insurance as part of its benefits package, or research independent options. Compare coverage options to your dog’s medical history to help you decide whether or not to purchase insurance.
Getting ready for your new dog
Picture this: Your dog is in the back of your car, tail wagging, eagerly awaiting her freedom ride. She gets home and zooms around the house, investigating her new digs. When suddenly, you both realize at the same time that something is missing.
Where’s the food bowl? Where’s the food?
Avoid a mad-dash to the supermarket by purchasing essentials ahead of time. Pet-proof your home, then go shopping for:
- Meal supplies (food, bowls, and treats)
- Care supplies (collar or harness, leash, grooming tools, enzyme cleaners, toys)
- Bedding supplies (a crate and pet pillow or blanket)
And then, bring home your new pet
Congratulations on your new dog! If you ever need support, Rover is here for you with qualified dog walkers, sitters, and more in San Diego.