The San Diego Humane Society reported an unusually high intake of animals last week, taking in at least 267 across multiple campuses in a single day.
Among the animals were 96 guinea pigs surrendered by a pet owner at the organization’s Escondido Campus. According to the society, several of the animals required immediate medical attention. The guinea pigs have been distributed among campuses in Escondido, El Cajon, Oceanside and San Diego for treatment and spay/neuter surgeries in preparation for adoption.
At the El Cajon Campus, a community member delivered a box of 50 chicks that had been sent by mail from Utah but were never picked up from the Logan Heights Post Office. The chicks, separated in a box with marked males, had a five-day ID trace. If unclaimed, they will be placed for adoption.
Earlier that day, the San Diego Campus received 44 animals: 11 adult cats, 28 kittens and five dogs from Los Angeles Animal Services (LAAS) in response to overcrowding at shelters in Los Angeles. The transfer was conducted by the Humane Society’s transport team and is part of an ongoing effort through the LAAS Shelter Support Collaborative, a multi-agency initiative launched in October 2024.
“These mass intakes came in addition to our standard intake of strays and owner surrenders through our Admissions,” the organization stated.
The San Diego Humane Society noted it is currently over capacity for dogs and is encouraging the public to help by adopting, fostering or donating. More information is available at www.sdhumane.org.
