San Diego's animal lovers have reason to celebrate as the San Diego Humane Society opens its newly remodeled Adoptions Center. A ribbon-cutting ceremony featuring San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria marked the grand opening of the revamped facility at the San Diego Campus. This red-letter day, bringing together staff, volunteers, adoptable pets, and community members, signals a fresh start for the city's homeless pets.

The renovation project kicked off on May 9, 2022, and now, the state-of-the-art facility boasts improved spaces for furry friends awaiting homes. As Dr. Gary Weitzman, President and CEO of the San Diego Humane Society, shared, "This marks a new era for San Diego’s homeless animals," – the transformed space is designed not only to increase the comfort of its tenants but also to streamline the adoption process, hopefully leading to find homes for these animals forever quickly.

Key upgrades to the Adoptions Center include new features to reduce pet stress, like sound-proofed habitats, solar tubes to provide natural light, and specially designed enclosures where dogs can feel more secure. The facility has expanded, now housing 58 dog rooms, 55 cat kennels, 11 communal cat rooms, a large cat "aquarium," and spaces for smaller pets. The restructuring also has made room for added outdoor play areas, giving pets more space for exercise and stimulation.

Animal enthusiasts are urged to swing by the new center at 5500 Gaines St., open to visitors from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday through Sunday. For a limited time until February 18, 2024, the San Diego Humane Society, thanks to a partnership with Purina, is offering a 50% discount on adoption fees. Those interested can visit sdhumane.org/adopt to check out all adoptable pets.