Escondido Humane Society: Found pets at the Escondido Humane Society

The Animal Control Center at the Escondido Humane Society is contracted with the incorporated cities of Escondido, San Marcos, and Poway to accept stray companion animals found in these areas.

Please note that all other areas, including but not limited to the unincorporated areas of Escondido, San Marcos, and Poway, have contracted with the County of San Diego for this service. Due to this contract, we are unable to accept stray/lost animals from these areas. For most people residing in these areas, the nearest County shelter is located on Palomar Airport Road in Carlsbad and may be contacted at (760) 746-7307 / (760) 438-2312.

People often pose the question "Do I have to turn the animal in to the shelter?" The answer is no, but we certainly think it's the right thing to do. However, since it is our responsibility to reunite lost pets with their owner, we do ask that you bring the animal into our shelter, allow us to scan for a microchip ID, and complete a found animal record. We also ask that you post notices in your neighborhood, place an ad in the local newspaper and report the animal as a public found animal. Please note: After 30 days, you will gain ownership of the animal and we will not be able to take it unless we are accepting owner surrenders at that time.

Please keep in mind that the animal you found may be an important member of someone's family. If you don't notify the public that you have found this pet, they won't know to look in your back yard.

Upon request, we do offer an option of a "Finder's Hold" (only offered at the time the animal is turned in). A Finder's Hold allows a finder to put down the adoption fee when turning in a lost pet. If we cannot locate the pet's owner, we will notify you, and you may adopt the animal when/if it is cleared for adoption. If we do locate the pet's owner, we will return the adoption fee to you - and you can feel good knowing that the pet was returned to their home.