County Animal Services will open its new Santee Animal Shelter on Oct. 15, the county said. The opening will permanently close the county’s Bonita shelter and move all Bonita sheltering operations to the new Santee location.

The county described the facility as a modern upgrade focused on animal well‑being. It said the Santee shelter includes larger, divided dog kennels and cattery spaces with better ventilation and natural light; dedicated medical and surgical suites; separate isolation and quarantine areas; outdoor play yards and enrichment spaces; a welcoming adoption lounge and updated staff workspaces with expanded parking.

The county urged residents to adopt or foster animals at the Bonita shelter before the transition; reducing the number of animals before moving day will, the county said, lower stress for pets and streamline staff operations. The county said it will share additional opening details as Oct. 15 approaches.

Although the new shelter is in Santee, the county said the city will continue its contract with the San Diego Humane Society for animal control services; Santee residents should keep contacting the Humane Society for stray animals, barking complaints and lost pets. The county said the new Santee shelter will serve residents in the county’s unincorporated areas, and that field services, licensing and community support will continue near Bonita. The county also said it will continue operating its Carlsbad shelter in North County.

County Animal Services promotes humane and responsible care, the county said; it provides 24‑hour rescues, accepts pets residents can no longer care for, investigates neglect and cruelty, enforces laws and educates the public about animal welfare, restraint and licensing.

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County of San Diego

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