A Puppy for Christmas? San Diego Humane Society Urges Sourcing Puppies Responsibly

If you’re thinking of brining a puppy into your home this holiday season, the San Diego Humane Society says to think first.

The society is reminding families to start by checking out the amazing variety of cuties available for adoption at local shelters and rescues. Doing so saves lives, and ensures they are not supporting the cruel practices of puppy mills or irresponsible breeders.

“We know that bringing a new puppy into the home is a joyous occasion for many families during the holidays. However, it is critical that people understand the potential harm caused by purchasing puppies from people marketing them on the internet,” said Dr. Gary Weitzman, president & CEO of San Diego Humane Society. “We are committed to educating the public about the importance of responsible pet sourcing and providing resources to help people make informed decisions.”

First and foremost, San Diego Humane Society emphasizes the importance of adoption during the holidays. The shelter currently has more than 100 puppies in care every day, including a variety of breeds.

To name a few unique breeds the shelter has seen so far this year, the San Diego Humane Society has taken in 275 French bulldogs, 257 pugs, 155 Maltipoos, 152 Maltese, and 131 poodles. There is no need to purchase a puppy online or visit a breeder, especially when adopting from a local shelter or rescue group is a meaningful way to help save lives.

Plus, every pet adopted from a shelter or rescue has been microchipped, vaccinated and spayed or neutered — services that can easily cost a pet family over $1,000. San Diego Humane Society also offers an adoption guarantee, meaning they will welcome the animal back into their care at any time if it isn’t the right match.

Visit sdhumane.org/adopt to search for adoptable animals.

A recent investigation by the LA Times titled Pets for Profit<https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2024-09-12/pets-for-profit-an-in-depth-investigation> exposed the disturbing realities of puppy mills, which are notorious for mass-producing animals in substandard conditions to maximize profits. These operations often prioritize financial gain over the health and welfare of animals, leading to widespread suffering, overcrowding and disease. Aided by unscrupulous brokers operating in California, the Times documented many instances of fraud, leaving families with sick pets from puppy mills and little to no recourse to address their costs and suffering. San Diego Humane Society is working with partners and state legislators to pursue meaningful legal protections to crack down on these practices, but consumers can and should take steps to protect themselves.

As part of its commitment to combating these practices, San Diego Humane Society has developed tips for prospective pet owners, available at sdhumane.org/breeder. This resource offers important information on how to identify reputable breeders who prioritize the well-being of their animals, ensuring ethical breeding practices that align with the highest standards of care.

Serving San Diego County since 1880, San Diego Humane Society has campuses in El Cajon, Escondido, Oceanside, Ramona and San Diego. For more information, please visit sdhumane.org