SAN DIEGO, CA — The San Diego Humane Society is asking anyone who may have lost a pet during Fourth of July celebrations to check local shelter listings immediately.
The organization had taken in 85 lost pets as of Sunday afternoon and is continuously updating its lost-and-found page, according to Director of Public Relations Nina Thompson.
"To support reunifications, San Diego Humane Society is waiving all reclaim fees at our campuses in El Cajon, Escondido, Oceanside, and San Diego through July 7," Thompson said.
"If you believe a pet may be yours, please identify the campus location and come with valid proof of ownership (photos, vaccination records, adoption paperwork, microchip information) and a photo ID, so we can reunite you as quickly as possible."
She also encouraged pet owners to post clear photos and basic details, including breed, color, gender, and last known location, on neighborhood groups and social media. If a pet is microchipped, owners should contact the microchip company to report the animal missing.
Last year, 253 stray pets arrived at the San Diego Humane Society between July 4 and July 7, Thompson said.
"Only 84 (33%) of those animals were reclaimed by their owners," she added.
The lost-and-found page is available at sdhumane.org/lost. Owners of missing pets can also text "lost" to 858-SAN-LOST for step-by-step guidance. Thompson said the agency will continue updating the numbers on X at @sdhumane.
Copyright 2026, City News Service, Inc.
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