San Diego County Animal Services – South Shelter

Let me start of by saying that Debbie is a very helpful, fun, and kind employee. Laughs were shared and gave her opinions on which dog food brands she liked most. This shelter overall is a good shelter. Also Meghan is a very friendly and helpful employee.

Office staff are rude, went with the full intentions of adopting a dog that day. Its like they dont want to adopt them out, they point out nothing but the negatives in each dog. We wanted to meet with a few to make sure we were going to find the right fit for our family since we have a one year old baby and the office lady told me that we were looking at more dogs (we had met with 3) than people normally do and made me feel rushed and really guilty. We left empty handed and I feel totally akward about going back.

The conditions this dogs are in is really sad. It’s so cold right now and they are basically outdoors with nowhere to rest but cold concrete. They have some cheap curtains to cover the cages, but that is not enough. So different from the Shelter at Gaines St.

I was just here with my family and wanted to meet with one of the dogs. His name was Sky, a pitbull. The day before, I had taken an online personality test that matches me with a dog breed. I was matched with pitbulls. (Also grew up with danes & dobermans, so I feel more compatible with larger dogs)
I walked around the whole area to meet all of the dogs. It broke my heart to see these angels locked behind these jail cells. Anyways, I filled out a form in order to meet with Sky. The receptionist lady was very kind. She told us that the notes they have for Sky described him as compassionate, sweet, and warm.
Another lady who would introduce us to Sky began with her preliminary questioning, but the problem was the rude manner in which she proceeded. The way she came about was very rude. Her first words to us was «Why do you want this dog out of any other dog???» She kept making obviously sarcastic remarks when we gave her a list of the dogs we had at home. «You must be trying to breed maltese sharpei. Yup. You definitely are.» (As most of my Unilocal friends know, we have 2 shar-​peis, 1 pug and a maltese). Why do you feel the need to make rude comments like that? It’s like you want these dogs to be euthanized.
Once in the greeting cage, the downselling began. Apparently Sky was a good looking dog, but was incredibly anti-​social and unattentive. That’s okay. What wasn’t okay was the lady’s unnecessary comments, such as «If you don’t plan to live with your mom for the next 20 years, don’t get him», «besides his looks, he [Sky] has nothing else going for him.» That may be true, but there are compassionate owners who might be willing to work and grow with dogs such as Sky.
Lastly, she said,” people only want to meet him for his looks.” That is only partially true. Also, that is the purpose for having a meet-​and-​greet area, isn’t it? We wanted to observe Sky’s temperament. When we were done observing sky, we walked out and said «Thank you!» as we walked toward the exit. The only reply we got was her back.
Whoever is the supervisor here must re-​train this employee because her behavior is not helping these dogs get adopted, which is the ultimate goal.

I adopted a dog with issues but was told I could return her if things didn’t work out within 30 days. Sadly, I had to return her, the attitude and judgement from staff at the desk was apalliing! I did the best I could with this dog because we all deserve a second chance. To be told, «I insisted on adopting this dog» was not true and if the dog had issues then why was she photographed and placed on the board to be adopted? I feel the attitude and remark was unprofessional and unwarranted.

Amazing experience while getting a microchip, license and rabies shot for our dog. I was in and out in less than 15 minutes and the staff was really helpful.

Open-​Air cages area is a big plus, cause it ain’t all rankie like closed up buildings of other shelters. Big shout-​out to great workers Sarah, Patricia, Randy; etc. Thanks guys! A visitor can count on being welcome, informed, and indubitable fun factor!!!

This place is so awful if I could give zero stars I would.
I went up here to adopt a kitten a little friend for my dog being for the fact that she likes cats more than dogs so I was up there for about 45 min trying to figure out what kitten I wanted so I picked honey bee she was so wonderful and sweet and I thought she was perfect so I went home with her. Later that night she started coughing and I was like what the**** I hoped it was just a one time thing like she got food stuck in her little mouth or something so I went to sleep the next morning still the same thing so I’m like we’ll I hope she is ok right? So just like i would do for myself or my dog I waiting a couple days to see if she would get better and she never did so I decided to take her back to the humane society and see what they say, so the lady at the from desk calls the vet and she comes to talk to me and I explained to her she had been doing this since the day I got her and she seen her coughing right there and she said well mam we can’t possibly make sure every single pet is not sick I said yes that is tour job!!! And another is y’all sent me home with a «clean bill of health» for the kitten which was a lie! They had me adopt this sick kitten and expected for me to just take over and spend my money to get her better… I was crying so bad and did not know what to do I feel so bad for her… I will never go back to this place and none of my family will either it’s awful they are suppose to be there to take care of the animals not just ignore then and say oh well we have so many if you can’t take care of them don’t get them plain and simple!!!

If I could give these ppl 0 stars I would. The p that work at the shelter have the worst attitudes and customer service is even worse!!! Came in to find a dog all for them to tell me they wanted me to jump through hoops to get the dog. Last time I knew they needed HELP but they are so concerned with their shitty attitudes that they are giving ppl a hard time. Make sure u ask wat your paying for because they will try and nickle and dime you to death!!! Absolutely worst place and people ever!!! I just hope more ppl will be able to qualify under their ridiculous guidelines! Leuitenant ward was the most unprofessional of all and could not even give me their protocol to refunds all she kept saying was I had to write a letter to get my refund but never would specify where it should be addressed or what department. She was completely Ill mannered and untrained in her position of 17 plus years. Can’t believe my experience I am ver disappointed

I have a pit bull roaming around in my back yard. I called to report it and have it removed. I was put on hold for ever and finally got a hold of someone. I asked to come and remove the dog. They said they will come out but don’t know how long it will be before they remove him. This is suppose to be the emergency hotline. So not happy with your service!

This review is based on the referral from this shelter to Lemon Grove Vet Hospital, Dr. Anil Gowda for a free checkup w/​in the 10 days adopting your pet. Here is the complaint filed against this Vet:
I as San Diego County Animal Services to please remove this Vet from your list for the following reasons. This is not a compassionate caring Vet and absolutely has no business caring or animals. I’d like to pick him up from the neck out of a carrier.
Horrible experience for my Aunt. She adopted a kitten from the Humane Society and was referred to this place for a free exam of the kitten w/​in 10 days. My Aunt called this place and they scheduled her appointment. My Aunt waited 22 minutes (she’s 82) and then let the front desk she wanted to rescheduled after waiting all this time. The Veterinarian, Anil Gowda, came in the room, no uniform, wrinkled clothes, no apologies. When he took Cookie, the kitten, out of the carrier and he pulled her out by her neck. WHO DOES THAT? Now Cookie was already scared, imagine being pulled out of her carrier from the scruff of her neck. Unprofessional, unfriendly and we will alert the Humane Society to this form care. Then he opened her mouth and said she might bite so he was not going to look at her teeth. No personality, no greeting, just rude. Also, he said Cookie was 2 days late so he told my Aunt she would have to pay $ 20.00. The doctor actually started counting on the calendar. It was his office who set the appointment based on the 10 day requirement from the Humane Society. Also, no sink in the office. Every Vet I’ve been two they wash their hands before they touch your pet. I come from a family of Veterinarian’s in Chicago.

If I could give zero stars I would. After several trips to shelters, I saw a German Shepherd puppy posting. She was in medical and it was a 2 week wait so I placed an adoption hold. I brought in my 7 year old German Shepherd to meet the puppy. He was living with another dog until a year ago when our other dog passed away of old age. For months, he would push food to her kennel. Months following that, he developed B-​cell lymphoma cancer. He is currently on chemo. We have been trying to do everything to keep him comfortable. Just because my dog growled at the dog-​to-​dog lady, they wouldn’t even allow him to meet the puppy. They said he would «kill the puppy». I don’t know what kind of monster you think my dog is, but he would not kill a puppy. My brother stayed with us for months with another dog who was dog aggressive. This dog attacked my dog several times and he never attacked her back. They didn’t ask me any of this. They showed no mercy for my dog being sick. They just said «we’re not gonna do it». When I said we were hoping to get him a companion because he has cancer, the front desk lady replied «not from us». These people don’t understand dogs at all and they don’t even try to.

About 3 ½ years ago, this damned dog pound picked my German Shepherd up who had managed to get out of the yard when we first moved to the area of Bonita while a neighbor was pet sitting. They called my phone and left a voicemail describing him and stating that my pal (Chief) was at their dog pound. His license, rabies and tags were all up to date. I called the shelter and advised them that I am a Firefighter/​Paramedic and was out of state on a fire assignment and will be back in 4 – 5 days to pick him up and pay whatever fees necessary.
After hanging up the phone, I thought all was well… I was sadly mistaken!
When our fire crew made it back into town, the following day, I visited the shelter with papers and money in hand so as to pick up my pal Chief.
Next thing I knew, the staff and this Veterinarian began congregating while looking at me and talking amongst themselves.
Then the Veterinarian approaches me and begins apologizing to me that they had to put my dog down because I didn’t pick him up soon enough.
I told him that I called from out of state and spoke to a female and advised her that I was a Firefighter and had been on a fire assignment out of state and that I would be back within 4 – 5 (which in fact I was!).
He continued to apologize but that didn’t help matters. I sat there wondering how in the hell the lady I spoke to over the phone could possibly let this happen.
This reminded me of the horror stories I’ve heard about «kill shelters» like this.
So, the Veterinarian tells me before I leave that in the future, when I’m ready for another companion, they’ll put me in the system and wave any/​all fees for me since even he knew they screwed up. At the time, the furthest thing from my mind was another pal besides Chief.
WELL…earlier today (3 ½ years later), I finally visit them to see if I am ready for another companion.
Lo’ and behold… a beautiful, friendly and docile Pit Bull catches my eye.
I spoke to the staff, I pet him, sat with him, walked with him and was there for about 3 hours just hanging out with him.
I ended up leaving so I can just ponder the thought and not long ago figured, well, let’s do it!
I’m thinking…“I’ll call the pound, give them my name and will be able to save a life at no cost since they killed my pal Chief.“
Besides, I should be in the system right… The Veterinarian said he’d put me in the system… WRONG!
I called their dog pound about 30 minutes ago and spoke to a female and after giving her my name, number and address along with providing her the facts of what happened and what the Veterinarian who killed my Chief promised me… well…she spoke to me as if I was some kind of idiot trying to get over on the system.
I’m not surprised. After all, this is the same place that wrongfully killed my Chief while I was fighting fire out of state.
I don’t mind paying money for a companion along with being able to save a life but, it’s the principle of the matter.
This place WRONGFULLY killed my German Shepherd and there’s no friggin’ remorse!
I’ll more than likely rescue this Pit Bull from this place and I’ll gladly pay (I make enough money) but, it blows my mind that my memory of this place will be that of wrongfully killing my Chief and treating me like an idiot when I finally hold them to their word.
Shameful to say the least!
PS…Take a look at my photos, you’ll get to see Chief. My Handsome Pal!
RIP Bud!

They were really great with my family when one of our dogs passed away of old age last week. It was a really emotional time for us and we weren’t sure what to do since she had passed early in the morning and woke around 7am to find her gone. The County has their emergency hotline and they gave us the cost for disposing of our dog’s body for when the shelter opened at 9:30 (it was $ 10 vs. paying $ 70 for a private company to pick her up around noon that day). So as 9:30 came around, we drove our doggie to the shelter, filled out some paperwork for maybe 10 minutes and then said our goodbyes. The lady that assisted us with the body was extremely sympathetic and caring; definitely needed as we were grieving. The reason for taking off a star was because of 1. not being able to call the shelter ahead of time to figure out what exactly we had to do when we got to the shelter (had to wait until we got down there) and 2. that there isn’t a separate window from the other windows for customers dealing with the death of an animal (or even for those who have to get their animal euthanize. It was kind of embarrassing to cry in front of others who were adopting pets or picking up their lost animals. I wish we had somewhere a little more private to fill out paperwork and answer questions.
They’re a really great shelter and you can tell the staff loves animals.

Came here to adopt a dog and saw this place its so big. All the cages here for the animals are bigger than normal size very rare are there two to a cage the staff was wonderful and helpful the place was spotless for an animal shelter and it looks like everything was up kept the animals we’re parking but that’s the same for any animal shelter there is a meet-​and-​greet spot for the dogs and the potential parents or adopters. Paperwork was simple. There is a lot of parking and they have automatic water sprinklers in the summer to keep the dog nice and cool. I was unable to adopt a dog but I’ve had a good experience here and recommend people to volunteer and to adopt dogs especially from here they are very caring people.

Pray your animal NEVER gets picked up here. Horrible customer service! Volunteers or not, these people will nickel and dime you to death. Over a course of 10 years and two dogs, we had ours picked up on 2 occasions in the last 6 months (not the best of neighbors) and both times fireworks were involved that spooked them. They shaved hair, pulled teeth, claimed to have been «nipped» therefore needed to give extra shots, and added an extra $ 65 to the already ridiculous bill for «multiple pick ups». Not only are our dogs mild mannered, they are chipped and neutered already… yet we weren’t allowed to leave with them unless we paid out the nose. So very sad that they would threaten to keep your animal if you can’t pay… even when asked to reduce the fee.

This shelter is amazing. I have adopted 2 dogs here, a few cats, and referred many people here. the staff can be rude but when you get to know them, they’re pretty wonderful people. It’s so important for people to know that there are perfect dogs, cats and bunnies waiting at facilities like this for forever homes. They recently put new interact yards in that are roomy, shaded, and have baby pools and toys for the dogs. The volunteers are amazing here. They care about the dogs and take the necessary time needed with every dog that gets out for a walk. Adoption fees are so low at county shelters. $ 69 for the adoption fee, 1 year of licensing, vaccines, flea medication, and 1 free vet check up! You can’t beat prices like this to find your best friend. This place is a must visit!

Waited on the phone for about twenty five minutes trying to help my mom find her cat. No one ever answered, and then I was hung up on
Way to go

We walked in on a WHIM while visiting San Diego (having lost our beloved rottie one week prior). The staff here are the best. We adopted a rottie mix who had an abscess (we were more concerned about that than the «behavioral issues») — Staff put tubes in that day, gave us MEDS and pain killers to keep her comfy AND a collar AND food. They really are interested in making sure dogs are placed with the right owners!

I see bad reviews on here. Many of the people who work here volunteer their time to help care for the animals. I have had great experiences here and I feel like they actually care about fitting the right pet with the right family. They actually look at your interactions to see how we’ll everyone gets along.
We adopted a lovely Lab/​Pit Mix from here just over a year ago. Someone there named her Chauncie but she wasn’t yet familiar with the name so the employee who did the adoption paperwork suggested Daisy when I couldn’t decide on a new one.
Daisy had Demodex mange and was being treated for it by the medical staff. The employees made it clear that she had a skin condition and that it may be a lengthy process to get her back on track including more vet visits.
Daisy is now a year and a half old and she is such a wonderful part of our family. We love her very much and we are happy that the employees of the shelter took such great care of her.
The employees here do the best they can with what they have and I love them for it. Not many people can be constantly exposed to animals who were previously neglected or abused and still remain positive, but they do. Thanks.
I meant to write this review a long time ago but better late than never. My dog is in the shelter photo section.