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Bored Panda got in touch with Nina Thompson, the Director of Public Relations at San Diego Humane Society to learn more about how folks at home can help animals in need and she was kind enough to share some details with us. Naturally, we wanted to learn more about the San Diego Humane Society's history and mission.

“The San Diego Humane Society was founded in 1880 and is the oldest and largest humane society in San Diego County. It began as an organization dedicated to animal welfare and continues to be a key resource for animals and people in the region. The San Diego Humane Society’s mission is to: Create a more humane world by inspiring compassion, providing hope and advancing the welfare of animals and people.”

“San Diego Humane Society, an open-admission shelter, is creating a more humane world by inspiring compassion and advancing the welfare of animals and people. Our lifesaving safety net has helped San Diego become the largest city in the U.S. to keep healthy and treatable shelter animals from being euthanized. We are a private, independent, nonprofit organization that is not affiliated with any other humane society or society for the prevention of cruelty to animals.”

“With campuses in El Cajon, Escondido, Oceanside, Ramona and San Diego, we provide animal services for 13 cities within San Diego County. We not only care for more than 40,000 animals in our communities annually, but also share the expertise we have gained through our innovative programs with shelters nationwide so they can save more lives in their communities.”

“While our influence is expanding nationally, our top priority is meeting the needs of San Diego. We provide exceptional care for all animals through world-class veterinary medicine, shelter and most of all: love,” she shared with Bored Panda.

We also asked her to share how people can help even if they aren’t able to currently adopt. “Foster: This is a critical – and temporary – way you can make an immediate impact and help save lives. By opening your home to foster a pet, you give them relief from the stress of the shelter and create desperately needed space for other animals in need.”

“Donate: Make a gift to help care for the 1,971 pets who are in our shelters right now and counting on us for a second chance. Spay and neuter: Increasing the number of spayed/neutered animals is the only way to stop the crisis of pet overpopulation at its root. Reduced access to spay/neuter services during the pandemic has exacerbated the challenges facing our shelters.”

We also asked her to share some things first time adopters should know. “I recommend that adopters take time to understand the unique needs of the pet they’re bringing home — including their age, personality and breed traits. This means considering factors like energy level, diet, grooming requirements and any potential behavioral support. It’s also important to ensure they have the time, resources and long-term commitment to provide the care and companionship that pets will need throughout their life.”

“I always encourage anyone thinking about adding a pet to their family to choose adoption first. Today’s shelters and rescues are filled with every kind of pet imaginable — from sought-after dog breeds to puppies, kittens and small animals,” she shared.

“When you adopt from a reputable organization like San Diego Humane Society, you’re not only giving an animal a second chance, you’re also getting a pet who’s been spayed or neutered, vaccinated and thoroughly assessed for both medical and behavioral needs. Plus, you gain a lifelong partner in your pet’s care — with a team you can turn to for guidance and support. Adoption isn’t just a compassionate choice — it’s the smartest one, too.”