San Diego, with animals
An afternoon at a sanctuary. A local adoption event. A new way to lend a hand. Find a plan that feels like you.
A few dates for your diary
Select a marked day to see its events.
15 events in September 2026
All times Pacific
Find out how to help with therapeutic horsemanship.
Apply and select this exact orientation date through REINS. This is an introduction to volunteering, not a riding lesson.
DirectionsAn easy two-mile lakeside walk with local dogs and their people.
Meet by the main bathrooms and first boat dock. Bring your own dog, water and waste bags. Fixed leashes required; maintain spacing and follow the group’s no-greeting rules.
DirectionsA gentle canyon walk looking for local birds with naturalist Anitra Kaye.
Register ahead; limited to 15 people. Meet by the nature center at the end of Tecolote Road. Restrooms at the trailhead.
DirectionsMeet rescue dogs and learn about adoption over a coffee.
Contact the rescue if you want to meet a particular dog; not every dog attends.
DirectionsMeet adoptable dogs and the rescue team at Road Runner Sports.
Check with Labs and More if you want to meet a particular dog. Adoption approval and fees are separate from attending.
DirectionsMeet cats and kittens looking for homes with The Rescue House.
Gentle outdoor yoga with goats, with time for photos and cuddles.
Ages 18+. Bring a thick hoodie covering your head and neck and a clean mat, or rent one for $4. Use the arrival instructions sent after booking; the organizer warns other map locations may be wrong. No rescue beneficiary is advertised.
An easy guided walk through Sweetwater Marsh to learn about the wildlife and coastal habitat.
Allow 30–45 minutes. Park in the outer lot on Gunpowder Point Drive and take the free shuttle. Meet outside the center’s front doors; no pets.
Play pickleball, meet dogs and join a raffle supporting Labs and More. Non-players are welcome too.
Thirty minutes of all-level yoga, followed by puppy time. Mats are provided.
Book ahead; arrive 10 minutes early. Children need a participating adult. The event page does not identify a rescue beneficiary or the puppies’ source.
DirectionsPaint a bird portrait outdoors among the sanctuary’s parrots with artist Erin.
All ages and no painting experience needed. Choose the correct session when booking. Check in 15 minutes early. The organizer says $20 per ticket supports Free Flight.
DirectionsPaint a bird portrait outdoors among the sanctuary’s parrots with artist Erin.
All ages and no painting experience needed. Choose the correct session when booking. Check in 15 minutes early. The organizer says $20 per ticket supports Free Flight.
DirectionsDog fashion, pet caricatures and a silent auction raising money for The Animal Pad.
Check age restrictions and dog participation details with the venue before going.
DirectionsFind out how to help with therapeutic horsemanship.
Apply and select this exact orientation date through REINS. This is an introduction to volunteering, not a riding lesson.
DirectionsLearn to recognize birds by listening to their songs and calls on a mostly flat lakeside walk.
Registration required; 12 places. Bring binoculars, water, a hat and sunscreen.
DirectionsJoin local dogs and their handlers for an organized group walk.
Reserve a free ticket and agree to the waiver. Bring your own dog on a fixed-length leash; no retractable leashes. This is not a rescue-dog borrowing program.
DirectionsJoin local dogs and their handlers for an organized group walk.
Reserve a free ticket and agree to the waiver. Bring your own dog on a fixed-length leash; no retractable leashes. This is not a rescue-dog borrowing program.
DirectionsMeet ambassador raptors with county rangers.
All ages. Check the park for parking fees and arrival details. Birds vary by session.
DirectionsAn easy guided walk through Sweetwater Marsh to learn about the wildlife and coastal habitat.
Allow 30–45 minutes. Park in the outer lot on Gunpowder Point Drive and take the free shuttle. Meet outside the center’s front doors; no pets.
Find out how to help with therapeutic horsemanship.
Apply and select this exact orientation date through REINS. This is an introduction to volunteering, not a riding lesson.
DirectionsMeet ambassador raptors with county rangers.
All ages. Check the park for parking fees and arrival details. Birds vary by session.
DirectionsTake an active senior dog for a morning hike with the Frosted Fakers group.
Email volunteer@frostedfacesfoundation.org before joining so the team can match you with a suitable dog. Meet at the listed trail; locations change weekly.
DirectionsMeet adoptable dogs and the rescue team at Road Runner Sports.
Check with Labs and More if you want to meet a particular dog. Adoption approval and fees are separate from attending.
DirectionsMeet ambassador raptors with county rangers.
All ages. Check the park for parking fees and arrival details. Birds vary by session.
DirectionsMeet ambassador raptors with county rangers.
All ages. Check the park for parking fees and arrival details. Birds vary by session.
DirectionsMeet ambassador raptors with county rangers.
All ages. Check the park for parking fees and arrival details. Birds vary by session.
DirectionsFind out how to help with therapeutic horsemanship.
Apply and select this exact orientation date through REINS. This is an introduction to volunteering, not a riding lesson.
DirectionsMeet ambassador raptors with county rangers.
All ages. Check the park for parking fees and arrival details. Birds vary by session.
DirectionsA short introduction at the field station, then a guided walk through riverside wildlife habitat.
The roughly one-mile route includes an uneven river crossing and moderate slopes. Water and restrooms at the field station.
DirectionsA family morning of animal encounters, fall crafts, games and trick-or-treat stations.
Book ahead through the organizer. Designed for preschool and elementary-aged children with their families; costumes encouraged.
DirectionsLook for resident and migrating birds with bilingual guides at Mission Bay’s protected marsh.
Binoculars and spotting scopes available. All ages; children need an adult. Expect uneven sandy ground.
DirectionsMeet rescue dogs and learn about adoption over a coffee.
Contact the rescue if you want to meet a particular dog; not every dog attends.
DirectionsMeet adoptable dogs and the rescue team at Road Runner Sports.
Check with Labs and More if you want to meet a particular dog. Adoption approval and fees are separate from attending.
DirectionsMeet ambassador raptors with county rangers.
All ages. Check the park for parking fees and arrival details. Birds vary by session.
DirectionsMeet adoptable pets and several rescue organizations, including Frosted Faces, and learn about fostering and volunteering.
Check with individual rescues for the animals attending and their adoption requirements.
DirectionsAn afternoon of bowling to support The Rescue House and its cats.
Register through the linked event page. This is a fundraiser; cat attendance is not advertised.
DirectionsMeet ambassador raptors with county rangers.
All ages. Check the park for parking fees and arrival details. Birds vary by session.
DirectionsAn evening of country music, dinner and auctions supporting therapeutic riding and rider scholarships.
Buy tickets through REINS. This is a fundraiser, not a riding lesson or an animal-handling session.
DirectionsEquestrian demonstrations, hay rides, line dancing and an auction supporting Ivey Ranch’s care and equine programs.
Purchase admission through Ivey Ranch. This is a fundraiser, not an open riding session.
DirectionsA fall visit to the farm-animal sanctuary, with a pumpkin patch and tour.
The organizer has published the date but not the time. Confirm timing, availability and arrival directions before buying or travelling; visits are by booking.
Take an active senior dog for a morning hike with the Frosted Fakers group.
Email volunteer@frostedfacesfoundation.org before joining so the team can match you with a suitable dog. Meet at the listed trail; locations change weekly.
DirectionsMeet ambassador raptors with county rangers.
All ages. Check the park for parking fees and arrival details. Birds vary by session.
DirectionsAn LGBTQIA+-welcoming sunset walk with frequent stops to watch and identify birds along the bay.
About 1.5 miles out and back. Bring layers for the evening breeze. No restrooms at the meeting point.
DirectionsMeet other bird photographers for a relaxed morning of spotting wildlife and learning from each other.
Limited to 20 participants. Check with the organizer for registration and the exact meeting point before travelling.
Look for shorebirds and year-round residents around the estuary with San Diego Bird Alliance guides.
Online registration required; 12 places. About 1.5 miles on shared paths and grassy fields. Meet on the levee opposite the tennis courts.
DirectionsWatch Western and Clark’s grebes with bird photographer Krisztina Scheeff.
Very little walking; stationary viewing is possible. Bring a camp chair if useful. Meet by the ranger station; the approach road is steep and winding.
DirectionsA slow-paced wetland bird walk with Friends of Famosa Slough, open to beginners and experienced birders.
Uneven, narrow dirt paths and some benches; no restrooms. You can leave early if needed.
DirectionsA family morning of animal encounters, fall crafts, games and trick-or-treat stations.
Book ahead through the organizer. Designed for preschool and elementary-aged children with their families; costumes encouraged.
DirectionsLearn about current volunteer openings and tour the animal center. Roles span animal care, therapeutic riding, foster support and more.
Sign up first. Orientation is required for weekly program volunteers; age requirements and available roles vary. Parking instructions arrive before the session.
DirectionsAn easy guided walk through Sweetwater Marsh to learn about the wildlife and coastal habitat.
Allow 30–45 minutes. Park in the outer lot on Gunpowder Point Drive and take the free shuttle. Meet outside the center’s front doors; no pets.
Music, food and auctions supporting wolf conservation and coexistence.
Ages 21+. Held at Mariposa Ranch; wolves are not advertised as attending. Guests are offered a separate complimentary Sunday tour; confirm arrangements when booking.
DirectionsMeet ambassador raptors with county rangers.
All ages. Check the park for parking fees and arrival details. Birds vary by session.
DirectionsMeet ambassador raptors with county rangers.
All ages. Check the park for parking fees and arrival details. Birds vary by session.
DirectionsMeet ambassador raptors with county rangers.
All ages. Check the park for parking fees and arrival details. Birds vary by session.
DirectionsJoin local dogs and their handlers for an organized group walk.
Reserve a free ticket and agree to the waiver. Bring your own dog on a fixed-length leash; no retractable leashes. This is not a rescue-dog borrowing program.
DirectionsTake an active senior dog for a morning hike with the Frosted Fakers group.
Email volunteer@frostedfacesfoundation.org before joining so the team can match you with a suitable dog. Meet at the listed trail; locations change weekly.
DirectionsPractice identifying birds by sound and learn what their different calls communicate.
Registration required; 12 places. Meet in the main parking lot off Washington Street near the accessible spaces by the dog park.
DirectionsMeet adoptable dogs and the rescue team at Road Runner Sports.
Check with Labs and More if you want to meet a particular dog. Adoption approval and fees are separate from attending.
DirectionsMeet ambassador raptors with county rangers.
All ages. Check the park for parking fees and arrival details. Birds vary by session.
DirectionsFundraiser · Liberty Station
Costumed paddling, a dog-and-human costume contest and adoptable senior dogs, raising funds for Frosted Faces.
RSVP required for the paddle. Ask about equipment and dog requirements; the organizer also welcomes supporters on shore.
DirectionsFind out how to help with therapeutic horsemanship.
Apply and select this exact orientation date through REINS. This is an introduction to volunteering, not a riding lesson.
DirectionsMeet rescue dogs and learn about adoption over a coffee.
Contact the rescue if you want to meet a particular dog; not every dog attends.
DirectionsMeet rescue dogs and learn about adoption over a coffee.
Contact the rescue if you want to meet a particular dog; not every dog attends.
DirectionsMeet local rescues, browse pet vendors and spend an afternoon at the park with other animal people.
Friendly dogs are welcome. Check with individual rescues about which animals will attend.
DirectionsMeet rescue dogs and learn about adoption over a coffee.
Contact the rescue if you want to meet a particular dog; not every dog attends.
DirectionsMeet rescue dogs and learn about adoption over a coffee.
Contact the rescue if you want to meet a particular dog; not every dog attends.
DirectionsMeet rescue dogs and learn about adoption over a coffee.
Contact the rescue if you want to meet a particular dog; not every dog attends.
DirectionsTry another area or animal, or explore the regular outings below.
You don’t have to wait for a special event
Sanctuaries, cuddle hours and ways to lend a hand. Choose a place, then check its next opening or session.
Birds · Del Mar
Walk among the sanctuary’s parrots and talk with the people who care for them.
$10 in advance · $15 same-day
Reservation required. Visitors cannot touch or hold the parrots. Weather can affect visits.
Dogs · Ramona
Join a Sunday morning hike with a senior dog from Frosted Faces. The program advertises 8–10 a.m. outings.
Fee not listed
Register with the volunteer coordinator first. The trail changes each week; confirm the date and meeting point. No personal dog needed.
Cats · Vista
Spend an hour playing with cats and kittens at the rescue’s adoption center. Public sessions run on weekends.
Donation-based booking · check current amount
Reservations recommended. Visiting does not require adopting; adoption applications have a separate approval process.
Horses · Encinitas
Ask about helping with feeding, water, corral cleaning and the daily work of a horse rescue.
Fee not listed
Contact the organization to arrange participation and confirm requirements. No drop-in access; the published contact address is a mailing address.
Cats · University Heights
An all-level class with adoptable cats nearby, followed by kitty playtime. Advertised on Saturdays and Sundays at 10 a.m.
Paid booking · check current price
Choose an available class in the booking calendar; confirm age rules before reserving.
Farm animals & Birds · Alpine
Explore the farm and its animal residents at your own pace, or book a guided experience.
$50 adult day membership · $25 ages 2–12
Advertised hours: 10 a.m.–5 p.m.; closed Thanksgiving and Christmas. Tours and close-up experiences cost extra.
Farm animals · San Marcos
Gentle outdoor yoga with goats. Check the organizer’s next public class or ask about a private group.
Paid booking · check current price
Public classes are 18+. Bring a hoodie and complete the waiver. Exact directions arrive with the ticket; other map pins may be wrong. Not listed as a rescue fundraiser.
Birds & Wildlife · Chula Vista
Sea turtles, sharks, rays and non-releasable birds of prey, with educator presentations throughout the day.
$22 adults · $16 ages 3–12 · under 3 free
Open Wednesday–Sunday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Park in the outer lot and take the free shuttle. Check the center’s calendar for that day’s presentations and changes.
No regular outings match these filters. Try another animal or area.
A growing collection, checked September 20, 2026. Follow the organizer’s link for current availability, prices and changes. Events are hosted by the organizations listed; inclusion does not imply an SGC partnership.
An event you’re curious about? Want to help, but feeling unsure? Tell Iva what interests you and what’s holding you back. She can help you find a first step that feels right. You don’t need a plan to ask.
A little guidance is always free.
Have an idea for the club?
A place to go together, something to try, or a way to help? Let us know.
Follow Iva as she gets to know local places, meets the people and animals behind them, and shares what to expect. A familiar face before your first visit.
