San Diego County opens new Santee animal shelter

San Diego County opened a new Santee Animal Shelter on Oct. 15 at 452 Riverview Parkway, the county said; the facility cost $37 million and the county is describing its features in a news release.

The shelter includes 85 dog kennels, two "real-life rooms" and spaces designed to house more than 90 dogs; cattery areas designed for more than 50 cats, improved ventilation and natural light; eight activity yards; a secure open courtyard; and outdoor livestock areas to reduce stress and improve animal well‑being.

A full veterinary clinic is onsite offering affordable spay and neuter services, vaccinations, daily medical treatment and surgical procedures; the facility has dedicated medical and surgical suites plus separate isolation and quarantine rooms to protect animals and staff.

The site also serves as an emergency response hub with staging space for more than a dozen animal control officers and equipment for rescue operations and emergency animal sheltering; the county said this strengthens its response during wildfires, storms and other crises affecting pets and livestock.

The opening marks the permanent closure of the county’s Bonita shelter, with all sheltering operations relocated to Santee; the county said field services, licensing and community support for unincorporated areas near Bonita will continue without interruption and the Carlsbad shelter will remain in operation.

Although the new facility is in Santee, the county said the city will continue its contract with the San Diego Humane Society for animal control; residents should continue to contact SDHS for stray animals, barking complaints or lost pets, and Santee residents are welcome to visit the county shelter to adopt.

"We’re really excited about this upgrade. The moment we opened the doors, we saw animals relaxing on their new beds, and that was incredibly heartening for our team," Dr. Brie Sarvis, director of County Animal Services, said. "The improved housing, play yards and walking trails will make a huge difference in their daily lives. And with the new medical and surgical suite, we’ll be able to provide even better care."

Visitors will find a welcoming lobby and adoption lounge and expanded parking for guests and employees; the shelter provides adoptions, pet licensing and intake for lost or found animals, and the county said more information is available on the County Animal Services website.

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