Reclaiming Your Pet
How to Reclaim Your Pet
If you find your pet here in our database of found animals, follow the process below to reclaim your animal.
Where to Go
Come in person to the shelter location where your pet is being held to identify and reclaim them. We are available for reclaims from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Tuesday through Sunday, without an appointment. We recommend arriving by 4 p.m. to allow plenty of time for processing.
To reclaim your pet on a Monday, when our campuses are closed to the public, please call our Resource Center at 619-299-7012 and they will assist you.
If you do not have the documentation listed below, please still visit the shelter so that our staff can help you through the process of reclaiming your pet.
What to Bring
- Proof of ownership: Paperwork that proves the animal is yours may include: veterinarian or adoption paperwork, microchip paperwork, proof of license, a detailed sales receipt or photos (as a last resort).
- Photo ID: Bring your government issued photo ID.
- Proof of rabies vaccine and license: All dogs are required to leave the shelter with a valid rabies vaccine and license. Please bring any records with you when you come in.
Common Questions
Why do we vaccinate all dogs and cats when they enter the shelter?
Your dog or cat was vaccinated upon intake into the shelter. Because the risk of infectious disease is higher in a shelter environment, and our goal is to protect the dogs and cats coming into our care, our policy is to vaccinate them as soon as possible. Dogs are given DHPP and rabies vaccines, and cats receive FVRCP and rabies vaccines. This policy is based on the recommendations and guidelines from many national veterinary organizations, including the Association of Shelter Veterinarians, the Association of Feline Practitioners and the American Animal Hospital Association. These organizations produce vaccination guidelines used widely by the veterinary industry, and they include recommendations for owned animals in homes as well as those in animal shelters.
Please note that if your pet was already vaccinated prior to entering the shelter, receiving this additional round of vaccines is not considered harmful. Our primary goal is to protect your pet and the other animals in our care.
Reclaim Fees
Dog License Fees
All dogs residing within the jurisdiction of San Diego Humane Society must have a current license. See dog license fees.