East County News Service
June 1, 2026 (San Diego County) — The San Diego Humane Society is clearing a path to make the road to a forever home less bumpy for hundreds of companion animals. The SDHS is waiving all adoption fees Saturday, June 6, as part of the third annual California Adopt-a-Pet Day.
As shelters across the state struggle with overcrowding, this statewide initiative — hosted by California Animal Welfare Association (CalAnimals), the San Francisco Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals — aims to clear kennel space while connecting pets with new families.
The San Diego Humane Society currently has more than 800 pets waiting for adoption across its campuses in El Cajon, San Diego, Escondido and Oceanside.
On Saturday, all campuses will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. with no adoption fees. SDHS is encouraging prospective adopters to arrive early, as all adoptions will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis.
The annual adoption event has seen consistent growth since its inception.
In 2024, the initiative facilitated 3,609 adoptions across California, a figure that climbed to nearly 5,000 in 2025. Last year alone, the SDHS successfully placed 293 pets in a single day, and organizers are setting their sights on exceeding that number this weekend.
“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 SDHS. “We’re proud to join shelters across California to spotlight the incredible pets in our care and help more families discover their perfect companion.”
To ensure each pet gets off to a healthy start, the SDHS includes several services with every adoption. These include spay/neuter surgery, current vaccinations, permanent microchip identification, post-adoption training support and a complimentary veterinary exam at participating clinics.
Prospective adopters can preview local animals currently awaiting homes by visiting sdhumane.org/adopt.