SAN DIEGO–Beginning July 1, the San Diego Animal Welfare Coalition (SDAWC) says no healthy or treatable animal entering any coalition shelter in San Diego County will be euthanized.
Organizers say it’s the first time in the county’s history that no treatable animal will be in danger of being unnecessarily euthanized – making San Diego one of the pet-safest communities in the nation.
Together, the SDAWC, which is comprised of seven local animal sheltering organizations, has achieved “Getting to Zero,” a movement to eliminate the need for unnecessary euthanasia of homeless pets. These seven organizations, which make up 11 animal shelters, have entered into a pact that commits to working together to transfer homeless pets between organizations and find solutions for each individual animal. This means that as of July 1, all healthy and treatable animals in San Diego will find homes.
“This is a tremendous feat, which no one organization can accomplish alone. It takes all of us coming together for the benefit of the animals. There are 45,000 animals entering San Diego shelters every year, and it’s our responsibility, together, to find solutions to care for each and every one,” said Dr. Gary Weitzman, president and CEO of San Diego Humane Society. “The success of this achievement is really thanks to a supportive community who cares about its animals and our community partners, like Petco and the Petco Foundation. People who help by donating, volunteering and adopting are all essential to making this possible.”
“We’re proud that the community is coming together to support animal welfare. These partnerships will help alleviate some of the overcrowding in county and city shelters and the animals will benefit. This is a huge milestone for San Diego,” said Dawn Danielson, Director of the County of San Diego Department of Animal Services.