Rescue & fostering
San Diego County Animal Services
County animal-services program offering home fostering and one-day dog outings.
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San Diego County Animal Services offers two different ways to give shelter animals time outside a kennel: fostering at home and Dog Day Out. Home fostering can help adult dogs, puppies or kittens, while a day outing gives a dog a shorter change of scene and helps staff learn about its behavior away from the shelter.
Dog Day Out operates from the Bonita shelter, so do not assume it is offered at every county location. Both routes begin with the county’s foster interest process. The program provides training information, basic supplies and support; discuss the animal’s needs and your available time before choosing the kind of care you can offer.
Find your way in.
Apply for fostering or Dog Day Out
Read the county’s eligibility and application instructions.
Before you go
County Northern Shelter
2481 Palomar Airport Road, Carlsbad, CA 92011County public shelter; confirm hours and specific service.
County Southern Shelter
5821 Sweetwater Road, Bonita, CA 91902County public shelter; confirm hours and specific service.
Sources & details Researched 2026-09-23
Based on the organization’s published information. Check their current details before booking or heading over.