San Diego Humane Society - El Cajon Campus
A Compassionate Home for Our Community
San Diego Humane Society is dedicated to creating a more humane world by inspiring compassion, providing hope, and advancing the welfare of animals and people. Our El Cajon campus is proud to serve the El Cajon, La Mesa, and Santee communities by providing a safe harbor and a path to a better life for animals in need.
Our Commitment to Every Animal
As a private, independent, nonprofit organization, we are proud to be an open-admission shelter that never turns away an animal in need. Our goal is to ensure every healthy or treatable animal finds a loving home, a commitment we uphold through our dedication to staying at zero euthanasia of healthy or treatable pets.
How We Provide Care
We believe every animal deserves world-class veterinary medicine, shelter, and most of all, love. From the moment they arrive, our dedicated staff provides comprehensive care, including medical exams, vaccinations, and behavioral support, ensuring each pet is prepared to thrive in a new home.
Finding Your Perfect Match
Adoption is a joyful partnership, and our team is here to help you find a companion who fits your lifestyle and home environment perfectly. We use a respectful, conversation-based approach to adoption, offering guidance and expertise to help you build a lifelong, nurturing bond with your new family member.
Start Your Journey Today
We invite you to visit our El Cajon campus, located at 1373 N. Marshall Ave., to meet the wonderful animals currently waiting to meet you. You can also view our full list of available pets online and take the first step toward bringing your new best friend home.
Trust Assessment
GoldRated Sep 18, 2026
NonprofitVerifiedMunicipal PartnerOperating 50+ years
FinancesOnline Review Highlights
- Friendly and compassionate staff
- Efficient adoption and vaccination services
- Operational friction regarding donor recognition
Vetted by
How we assessCoverage We Reviewed
Imperial Valley Press Online
San Diego Union-Tribune
4/25 - Pet of the week: 2-year-old American Pit Bull Terrier Mix who is a “cuddle bug”
2-year-old American Pit Bull Terrier Mix is waiting to be adopted at San Diego Humane Society, Escondido Campus
Recent Videos
10/7 - Trooper has recently discovered some of the greatest things life has to offer on a K9 Adventure — like whipped cream. And while he is certainly enjoying his pup cup, if you ask us, he’s the real treat. This sweet arctic floof is a gentle, goofy guy who loves to play, roll around in the grass and show off his silly side once he feels comfortable. Because Trooper is deaf and seems to have some vision impairment, he experiences the world a little differently than other dogs. He needs a calm, predictable home where he can take his time getting comfortable. The biggest downside to Trooper being deaf is that he can’t hear us tell him what a perfect baby he is! Trooper is looking for a home with kids 10+ and people who understand that good things can take a little time. Give him patience, consistency and some peaceful hangouts, and you’ll get one wonderfully goofy pal in return. Learn more about adopting Trooper (997759) at our Oceanside Campus today!
Watch on Instagram
10/6 - There was once a dog named Nanny McFlea who had five important lessons to teach her future family. Lesson No. 1: Belly rubs are essential. This is not a suggestion. This is simply how things are done when Nanny McFlea is around. Lesson No. 2: Opportunities to roll in the grass are not a want, but a need. Bonus points if sunshine is involved. Lesson No. 3: Patience is a virtue. Nanny McFlea can be a little shy with new faces and unfamiliar places. Once she settles in, she blossoms into a friendly, goofy pup who is very happy to see you. Lesson No. 4: She prefers to be your one and only. Nanny McFlea quite enjoys being the star of the show and would prefer not to share her people with other animals. Lesson No. 5: She’s waiting for you. She’s available for adoption at our El Cajon Campus, and she’s hoping her people will walk through the door soon. Once all five lessons have been learned, Nanny McFlea (1005245) will have found exactly where she belongs and she'll fill your life with magic!
Watch on Instagram
10/1 - Masked, mischievous and MARVELOUS — raccoons have got us seeing hearts around here! So friends, please take a moment — just a quick pause — to revel in the glory of these adorable critters and join us in honoring our wild friends on this special occasion! Happy Raccoon Appreciation Day, everyone! 🦝
Watch on Instagram
9/29 - Some pets seem to have a knack for finding their way out — whether it’s squeezing through a tiny opening, jumping over a fence or making a run for an open door. And while an unexpected escape can be stressful for everyone involved, understanding what’s motivating your pet can help you prevent it from happening in the first place. In this episode of Ask a Trainer, we’re sharing ways to manage escape behaviors and help keep your dogs and cats safely at home.
Watch on Instagram
9/29 - Sugar. Sugar was so sweet that she actually got adopted before I could finish editing this video! But might as well show off her photos and treat catching skills. Thank you to Sugars new owners for giving her a well deserved home 🏠 #dogsofinstagram #dogstagram #beachdogs #dogvideos #happydogs
Watch on Instagram
9/25 - Why do we love rats so much? Is it their impossibly cute ears? The way their tiny hands delicately hold onto snacks? Or how sweet and affectionate they can be? Perhaps it’s the magical combination of all three, wrapped up in one tiny, whiskered package. And Swag is no exception! As you can see, Swag is a big fan of spending time with his people — and he’s pretty happy to soak up some pets while he’s at it. He also loves to climb, explore and investigate his surroundings. If you’ve never had the pleasure of getting to know a rat, they have a lot more going for them than their adorable faces. Rats are incredibly smart, social animals who can learn tricks, solve puzzles and even be taught to use a litter box. They also enjoy interacting with their people and thrive when they have plenty of enrichment and companionship. Swag is currently looking for a home, and he’s hoping to find someone who will appreciate all the personality packed into his little body. Think Swag (1006710) could be your perfect match? Come meet him at our Escondido Campus today!
Watch on Instagram
9/24 - On a mission to find Barry Manilow a new home. Barry is a 3 year old male shepherd with a winning smile. He’s a great leash walker, treat motivated and affection loving. And looks great in a bandana. He’s also been on the news! He’s basically a celebrity. For more information, please visit sdhumane.org #dogsofinstagram #dogvideos #dogstagram #happydogs #mustlovedogs
Watch on Instagram
9/23 - These little buns know how to share — both yummy lettuce and the spotlight! These are five of the 13 rabbits brought into our care by Humane Law Enforcement after we received reports of loose rabbits at a busy intersection in Oceanside. Thankfully, community members on the scene were able to contain them so we could get them out of the heat and safely to our campuses. After the epic adventure they’ve already been through, it seems only fitting that these five would have names worthy of their story: Helen of Troy, Athena, Calypso, Penelope and Circe! Calypso (1001370), Penelope (1001359) and Circe (1001361) are ready to begin the next chapter of their own Odysseys in loving homes, could that be you? Learn more about adopting at sdhumane.org/pets!
Watch on Instagram
9/23 - If it’s not obvious by this video, Cinderella is quite the staff favorite at our Escondido Campus! Here, she’s demonstrating her favorite game of “circle time,” aka going around to get some love from every single person. Seeing Cinderella seeking out attention like this is especially sweet because when she first came into our care in March, she was fearful of new people, new surroundings and being handled. Our team gave her the time and space she needed to feel safe, and slowly but surely, Cinderella started to realize that maybe the world wasn’t quite as scary as she thought. As she became more comfortable, her personality started to shine through (so our staff figured we might as well add a few bedazzles✨). She’s come a long way since then, but Cinderella is still a sensitive girl who will need a patient adopter willing to let her settle in at her own pace and continue building her confidence with positive reinforcement. Once she trusts you, you’ll get to see the sweet, loving girl our team knows and adores. Cinderella is looking for a home without the hustle and bustle of other pets or young children (under 10) where she can enjoy all your love and attention. Most of all, she’s looking for someone who understands that the best relationships take time — and who will be happy to earn her trust along the way. We love our circle time with Cinderella, but we’d love nothing more than to see her have a circle of her very own. Adopt Cinderella (629523) at our Escondido Campus today!
Watch on Instagram
9/22 - What can we say, our shelter pets are stars! #funnydogs #funnypet #shelterdogsrock #dogmeme #cutestpuppies
Watch on Instagram
9/21 - Bark Wahlberg. A gentle, kind hearted boy looking for a family that will love him for him. Bark loves pets, treats and has THE cutest ears. His friendly demeanor makes him a perfect family pet or a loyal companion for anyone seeking a loving friend. For more information on Bark, please visit sdhumane.org #DogsOfInstagram #dogstagram #dogvideos #dogphotos #happydogs
Watch on Instagram
9/20 - After nearly 500 days in care, we’re excited to announce our beloved Blackberry has been ADOPTED! Break out the (virtual) confetti because this is quite the celebration! 🎉 Blackberry joined our care back in April 2025 as a stray. Over the year and a half she was with us, our team got to know this sweet girl pretty well — and it didn’t take long for us to fall in love with her. She's the type of girl who is bursting with energy and has the love to match it. Throughout her time with us, one thing never changed: our commitment to her. As the weeks turned into months and eventually became 498 days, we were there for her as long as it took to find the right home. And now, that special person has finally found her. ❤️ For the team members and volunteers who cared for Blackberry, cheered her on and kept hoping alongside her, this adoption is extra special. Congratulations, Blackberry — we’re so happy for you!
Watch on InstagramVisit Us At
Filters
