Animals

Pet Adoption Fees Waived for Military, Vets

Video by José Eli Villanueva
Watch how a rescue dog helps this local veteran with PTSD.
Reading Time: < 1 minute

Military members, their families and veterans can take home a dog, cat or rabbit from County Animal Services at no cost to them starting Friday, May 26 through Sunday, May 28.

An organization called Animals for Armed Forces is picking up the adoption fees. County Animal Services will include vaccinations, spay/neuter, a microchip, licensing and a free veterinary exam within the first 10 days.

That means qualified residents can stop by any of the County’s three animal care facilities from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. this Friday, Saturday and Sunday and choose from hundreds of animals that are up for adoption. The shelters will be closed on Memorial Day, May 29.

This is the third time County Animal Services has been invited to take part in the free adoption promotion. More than 30 locations throughout southern California and Utah are included in the Animals for Armed Forces event.

The adoption waiver applies to active duty, reserve and veterans of the Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, Air Force, Army, National Guard and their immediate families.

Potential adopters must bring a photo ID and one of the following to be eligible for the fee waiver: a military ID, Dependent ID, Veterans ID, DD-214 and driver’s license or NGB Form 22.

For more information, call County Animal Services at (619) 767-2675.

Tracy DeFore is a communications specialist with the County of San Diego Communications Office. Contact