San Diego Humane Society – Oceanside Campus for Cats and Small Animals
Our Mission
At the San Diego Humane Society, we are dedicated to creating a more humane world by inspiring compassion, providing hope, and advancing the welfare of animals and people. We believe in the power of kindness to change lives every single day.
Who We Are
As an independent, private, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, we are proud to be the heart of animal care in San Diego County. With our dedicated campus for cats and small animals in Oceanside, we provide a vital sanctuary for pets from Carlsbad, Del Mar, Encinitas, Oceanside, Solana Beach, and Vista.
How We Care
We are an open-admission shelter, meaning we provide a safety net for animals who have nowhere else to turn. Our team ensures that every animal receives an individual assessment, medical care, and the love they need while they wait for their forever homes. From our specialized veterinary care to our commitment to staying at zero euthanasia for healthy and treatable animals, we prioritize every life in our care.
Your Adoption Journey
Adoption is a joyful partnership, and our friendly counselors are here to help you find the perfect match for your lifestyle. We utilize a conversation-based approach to ensure you and your new companion are set up for a lifetime of happiness together. We encourage you to visit us in person to meet the wonderful animals currently waiting for their second chance.
Meet Your New Best Friend
Ready to bring a new member into your family? You can browse our available cats and small pets online or visit our Airport Road location in Oceanside, open Tuesday through Sunday. We look forward to helping you make a difference in an animal's life!
Trust Assessment
GoldRated Sep 10, 2026
NonprofitVerifiedMunicipal PartnerOperating 50+ years
FinancesOnline Review Highlights
- Staff compassion and dedication
- Efficient adoption process
- Administrative/systemic communication gaps
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How we assessRecent 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!
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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!
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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! 🦝
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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.
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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
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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!
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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
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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!
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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!
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9/22 - What can we say, our shelter pets are stars! #funnydogs #funnypet #shelterdogsrock #dogmeme #cutestpuppies
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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
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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!
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