San Diego Zoo Builds Animals
- – Construction is underway for a new San Diego County animal shelter in Santee, slated to open in the summer of 2026.
- Vaughn Maurice,director of the County's Department of Animal Services,said the $37 million project,which broke ground in December,represents "a great improvement for animals." The shelter is being built at...
- The county currently operates shelters in Carlsbad, near Palomar Airport Road, and in Bonita, at 5821 Sweetwater Road.
San diego County’s New Animal Shelter Promises Enhanced Care
Table of Contents
- San diego County’s New Animal Shelter Promises Enhanced Care
- A $37 Million Investment in Animal Welfare
- Replacing an Aging Facility
- Strategic Location in Santee
- Consolidation and Modernization
- Enhanced Comfort and Care
- Positive Impact on Animal Well-being
- Shelter Capacity and Services
- Community Support Needed
- Animal Intake and Services Offered
- Contracts with Othre Organizations
- Animal Control Responsibilities
- Commitment to No-Kill Sheltering
- San Diego County’s New Animal Shelter: Your Questions Answered
SANTEE, Calif. – Construction is underway for a new San Diego County animal shelter in Santee, slated to open in the summer of 2026. The facility aims to provide an improved habitat for both animals and visitors.
A $37 Million Investment in Animal Welfare
Vaughn Maurice,director of the County’s Department of Animal Services,said the $37 million project,which broke ground in December,represents “a great improvement for animals.” The shelter is being built at the northwest corner of Magnolia Avenue and RiverView Parkway.
Replacing an Aging Facility
The county currently operates shelters in Carlsbad, near Palomar Airport Road, and in Bonita, at 5821 Sweetwater Road. The Bonita shelter, now 70 years old, is nearing the end of its operational lifespan. According to Maurice,the cost of repairing the existing Bonita facility would be nearly equivalent to constructing a new shelter.
Strategic Location in Santee
The county already owned land approximately 14 miles north, near the Las Colinas Detention and Re-entry Center in Santee. Maurice said this existing land ownership facilitated the selection of the new site.
Consolidation and Modernization
upon the Santee shelter’s completion,the county plans to close the Bonita location and sell the property,Maurice said.
Enhanced Comfort and Care
The new 23,000-square-foot Santee shelter is expected to offer a more pleasant environment for animals,staff,and the public,according to Maurice.
“The existing facilities have a more classic air of refuge,” Maurice said, noting the current shelters have wire fences and lack air conditioning. “We want their experience to be as pleasant as possible.”
Positive Impact on Animal Well-being
Maurice believes a better atmosphere within the shelter will positively affect the animals.
“Having a much more pleasant climate and a much more pleasant area for animals, actually, they are much better when they are adopted,” he said. “They do not develop so many behavioral problems. They are much quieter.”
Shelter Capacity and Services
The Santee shelter will accommodate approximately 100 dogs and 75 cats. County shelters typically operate near their maximum capacity.
the new facility will offer the same services as the existing shelters, but in modernized facilities with expanded public space, an open patio, a space for livestock, and activity courtyards.Its central location will be more accessible to county residents.
Community Support Needed
While the Santee shelter will be approximately the same size as the Bonita location, it will have less space for dogs.
“So, in fact, we will have to depend on the community to develop our reception programme a little more and thus be able to compensate for the difference,” Maurice said. “Fortunately, we have been quite accomplished getting host families.We always look for people willing to compromise in the short term.”
Animal Intake and Services Offered
The number of animals in county shelters can fluctuate, ranging from a minimum of 150 to a maximum of 400, according to Maurice. Last year, the county served approximately 6,500 animals in its shelters.
The public can visit the shelters to adopt pets,access sterilization and vaccination services,and participate in the foster program.
Contracts with Othre Organizations
independent, non-profit animal shelters offer similar services. Some cities have contracts with these shelters or with the county.Maurice noted that Carlsbad and Santee ironically contract with the San diego Animal Protective Society, rather than the county.
Animal Control Responsibilities
While shelters offer similar services, Maurice explained that the primary difference lies in animal control, with each shelter responding to different geographical areas.
Commitment to No-Kill Sheltering
Most animals in the County Refuge are strays. All San Diego County shelters maintain a “no-kill” status, meaning they have a live release rate of 90% or higher.
San Diego County’s New Animal Shelter: Your Questions Answered
San Diego County is making a meaningful investment in animal welfare! A new animal shelter is under construction in Santee, promising enhanced care and a better surroundings for both animals and visitors. Let’s dive into your frequently asked questions:
when will teh new animal shelter in Santee be completed?
Construction is underway, with an expected opening date in the summer of 2026.
Where is the new shelter being built?
The new shelter is being built in Santee, at the northwest corner of Magnolia Avenue and RiverView Parkway. It’s conveniently located approximately 14 miles north of the Bonita shelter.
Why is San Diego County building a new animal shelter?
The primary reason is to replace the existing Bonita shelter, which is 70 years old and nearing the end of its operational lifespan. The cost of repairing the old facility would be nearly equivalent to constructing a brand-new,modern shelter. The new Santee location will also offer improved facilities and a more pleasant environment for the animals, staff, and visitors.
How much is the county investing in this project?
the project represents a significant investment of $37 million, showcasing the county’s commitment to animal welfare, according to Vaughn Maurice, director of the County’s Department of Animal Services.
What are the key improvements expected in the new shelter?
The new 23,000-square-foot shelter promises a more pleasant atmosphere for both animals and people. This includes modern facilities with expanded public space, an open patio, a space for livestock, and activity courtyards. Existing facilities frequently enough have wire fences and lack air conditioning, aiming to improve the animals’ well-being and potentially reduce behavioral problems and noise levels.
What will happen to the Bonita shelter once the Santee location is complete?
Upon completion of the Santee shelter, the county plans to close the Bonita location and sell the property, according to Vaughn Maurice.
How many animals will the new shelter be able to accommodate?
The Santee shelter will have the capacity to hold approximately 100 dogs and 75 cats.
Which services will the new shelter provide?
The new facility will offer the same core services as the existing shelters: pet adoptions, sterilization, vaccination services, and participation in the foster program. The modernized facilities will also be more accessible to county residents.
How can the community get involved and support the new shelter?
Because the new shelter will have less space for dogs than the combined space of the Carlsbad and Bonita locations, community support will be crucial.The County will need to develop a reception program or rely on host families. Individuals can also participate in the foster program, which will help provide a welcoming environment for the animals.
Do San Diego County shelters operate as “no-kill” shelters?
yes! All San Diego County shelters maintain a “no-kill” status,meaning thay have a live release rate of 90% or higher.
Are there other animal shelters in San Diego County?
Yes. Independent, non-profit animal shelters offer similar services. Some cities, like Carlsbad and Santee, contract with the San Diego Animal Protective Society rather than the county.
This new shelter represents a significant step forward in animal care in San Diego County.Stay tuned for more updates as construction progresses, and consider how you can contribute to the well-being of animals in your community!