San Diego Safe Paws

Relinquishing a pet is never an easy decision, and finding the right place for them can be equally challenging. During times of significant life change, pet owners may feel overwhelmed and resort to abandoning their animals, leaving them vulnerable on the streets. Others turn to social media or online classifieds in hopes of finding a new home. In many cases, pets end up in overcrowded shelters with limited resources.

This website is designed to be a comprehensive, up-to-date resource for pet owners in San Diego County. It offers a curated list of rescue organizations and shelters currently accepting owner-surrendered animals. You’ll also find alternative rehoming options, along with guidance on how to navigate the process responsibly and safely.

Author's inpiration

I have been volunteering with a cat rescue organization since I was young, and over the years, I’ve noticed a recurring issue: many people are unaware of the proper procedures for pet adoption and relinquishment. As a result, too many animals suffer from neglect or abandonment due to a lack of accessible information and support.

This project was inspired by a particularly difficult and often overlooked stage of life - when elderly individuals are required to move into nursing homes and are no longer able to care for their beloved pets. Many of our senior neighbors lack the technical skills to navigate online resources or the time and energy to wait for responses from rescue organizations. This can leave them feeling overwhelmed, isolated, and without clear options.

The goal of this website is to provide a straightforward, compassionate resource for residents of San Diego County, helping them navigate the challenging process of responsibly relinquishing a pet.

Teodora Matic

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