A devastating fire destroyed the Escondido Humane Society on the night of January 20, 2001. Tragically, 115 animals perished in the fire. 85 were saved due to the heroic efforts of the Escondido Fire Department, Police Department, Acacia Animal Hospital, and Escondido Veterinary Urgent Care. The survivors, most of whom were dogs, were quickly adopted. Those with serious injuries remained in veterinary and foster care until they were ready to be placed into homes.

Following the fire we were overwhelmed by support from the community. Help came in the form of blankets, supplies, donations of services, and more fundraisers than we could keep track of. Our annual animal walk, held just two months after the fire, raised $120,000. In all we received nearly $1.4 million. Your kind donations will allow us to build a larger, safety equipped facility.

Our Mission The mission of the Escondido Humane Society is to promote responsible pet ownership by teaching compassion, respect and caring treatment for all living creatures. We advocate the elimination of animal abuse, pet overpopulation and homelessness among companion animals.

 

The Escondido Humane Society Animal Center
3450 East Valley Parkway
Escondido, CA 92027
**Scheduled to Open Spring 2003**

The Escondido Humane Society Animal Center, opening Spring 2003, is the first of a four building campus aimed at providing comprehensive animal care services.

Our country-like setting, just before the grade to Valley Center, provides a peaceful atmosphere for both visitors and residents. The campus is situated on seven acres of land, next to the Mayflower Dog Park. Measuring 15,000 square feet, the shelter will accommodate more than 10,000 animals a year.

Designed by BDA Architecture, whose expertise is animal care facilities, the buildings reflect a modern approach to housing animals. An open and spacious design optimizes animal interaction. Dogs will be housed in roomy kennels, while felines will occupy glass front condos. Plus, an advanced air circulation system will provide rapid odor elimination and fresh air regeneration.

Our egineering firm, Schirmer Engineering, was selected for their impressive work on world famous structures like the San Diego Zoo's primate facility. Our facility will employ a state-of-the-art fire sprinkler and detection system in addition to non-combustible construction material. A modest caretaker's apartment will also be included in the structure, alllowing an employee to live on the grounds for safety monitoring.

Here's a look at what each phase of our project will offer:

PHASE I:
Animal Intake Center-Complete in early 2003
Size: 15,000 square feet
Programs and Services:
1. companion animal adoptions
2. foster care
3. humane education & pet therapy
4. housing for the Department of Animal Control




PHASE II:
Main Humane Center
Size: 22,250 square feet
Programs and Services:
1. wildlife rescue & rehabilitation
2. reptile, avian and small animal rescue
3. friends of animals volunteer center
4. pets of domestic violence center

Humane Education Center
Size: 17,300 square feet
Programs and Services:
1. humane education center
2. animal professionals career institute
3. service dog training center
4. resource library

Equine Center
Size: 29,600 square feet
Programs and Services:
1. equine therapy
2. horse riding & training

Since the fire, we have created a library of news footage to document the events of January 2001. "Traditions Military Video" has created these videos for us using a compilation of news footage and footage that they captured. Have a tissue handy, the videos are tear-jerkers.

"Out of the Ashes"
A visual account of the fire and its aftermath

"The Road to Rebuilding"
See what we've been doing since the fire