The San Diego Humane Society held 766 adult dogs in August, a record. September is on track to be the 13th consecutive month the shelter has broken its own mark.

Nina Thompson of the San Diego Humane Society said the surge is driven by the county's high cost of living. Owners facing eviction or moving into apartments that ban large breeds are surrendering pets they can no longer keep, she told CBS 8 in a report published Tuesday, Sept. 22.

The shelter is at 162% of its dog capacity, Axios San Diego reported the same day. Its El Cajon campus reached 222% above capacity on Sept. 8, Thompson told Fox 5 San Diego.

The shelters are full.

Over the summer, the nonprofit took in 23 Chihuahuas from an owner evicted from a home in Imperial Beach, 25 Huskies and 25 Yorkies, all from overwhelmed owners. Veterinary costs have roughly doubled since before the pandemic, Thompson said, and fewer owners are spaying or neutering their dogs. The Humane Society offers the procedure for about $225.

"We are seeing a lot of large dogs in our shelters across all four locations and they're staying for a really long time, about a 60 day average," Thompson said. Some dogs have been in the shelter for a year or two, she added, and those animals are struggling the most.

The nonprofit operates campuses in Escondido and Oceanside, both a short drive from Encinitas. Rancho Coastal Humane Society, at 389 Requeza St. in Encinitas, is also open for adoptions daily except Tuesday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

$50 adoptions through Sept. 30

The Humane Society's "Empty the Shelters" promotion runs through Wednesday, Sept. 30, with adoption fees set at $50 for adult dogs and cats. All adopted pets are spayed or neutered, microchipped and vaccinated.

Residents who are not ready to adopt can foster a pet. The shelter covers food, supplies and medical care. Its Dog Day Out program lets people take a shelter dog for the day without completing full volunteer training.

Thompson urged owners struggling with pet costs to contact the shelter before surrendering an animal.

How to help

  • Adopt: Visit any San Diego Humane Society campus Tuesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Locations in Escondido (3500 Burnet Drive), Oceanside (2905 San Luis Rey Road), San Diego and El Cajon. Info: sdhumane.org or (619) 299-7012.
  • Adopt locally: Rancho Coastal Humane Society, 389 Requeza St., Encinitas. Open daily except Tuesday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Info: sdpets.org or (760) 753-6413.
  • Foster or volunteer: Sign up at sdhumane.org or try the Dog Day Out program for a single-day commitment.