Chula Vista Animal Care Facility

My husband & I surrendered an abandoned, very domesticated male cat to this shelter a month ago so he could get neutered & treated for a nose cold. We plan to adopt him as soon as I have a job. When I went into the hallway to see where he’s kept, I felt so relieved for him. The cats have an absolute sanctuary of a place to stay after their surgeries are promptly met the day they’re surrendered. Considering at other shelters, the cats are kept in cages or kennels just like the dogs, this place fricking pampers them. They have entire rooms with decked out cat trees, wall steps, toys, plenty of cat litter boxes, & fresh clean food & water always at their open access-​with other cats to mingle & socialize with. The rooms each have a giant window as a wall to be able to view everything.
The dogs in the outside kennels are treated fairly well. I don’t know why people say the kennels are filthy; it’s not like there’s feces, puddles of urine, & scattered food all over the floors. Unless a dog has just freshly relieved themselves, each kennel is very clean. If you can’t even smell their droppings when you’re walking throughout the kennels, or hardly smell fresh droppings on the floor when you’re standing right in front the kennel door-​all you can smell no problem are the dogs scents– I think they’re doing a pretty damn good job of keeping the place clean & sanitized for public viewing. The bars on the doors are wide enough apart that you can stick your hand through to pet the dog, which I find very nice as I enjoy going around & giving them each attention at the very least. Although I’m aware that they each have a matted platform to lay on in the back of the kennel, I think they could stand to have a pillow or blanket to keep warm when it’s somewhat chilly. I do see some of the dogs (the short haired ones) lightly shivering when it’s cool enough for me to need a hoodie. They could also stand to have a toy or two. But they have appropriate shelter from the elements & lots of space in their kennels to walk around in.
I personally plan to volunteer there when they have openings again in January so I can give them the attention they crave aside from what the staff gives them.
I will have to write another review when the time comes of adopting the cat we surrendered, but Seriously I highly recommend this place whether you’re surrendering or adopting.

This is the most corrupt facility I have ever been too! They are all tweaked, even the supervisors. Matt, Ashley, Dolores, and especially eillen all need laser treatments ASAP. They have ruined their faces and been around the dogs so long that they look like them now! I’m pretty sure they abuse the animals. They charged me $ 418 for my dog escaping and being in the shelter. I hope they cant sleep at night and their faces erode even more with their obvious substantial drug use.

I just adopted 2 little black chi’s from this shelter. I was very impressed at how clean and well organized the facility is. The shelter officers where very friendly and helpful. I don’t remember the officer who help me with Coco and Megan, but she was just wonderful. Please adopt if your in the area and leave a donation. Cant say enough wonderful things about this shelter.

Shame on you, you put down every cat in your facility today. You should all be ashamed that you let your awful and cruel vet put down perfectly healthy cats. You all disgust me and I will forever name you and your vet to everyone that will listen and let them know what you have done. Not one of you should be anywhere near animals. You are suppose to protect them not kill them. How many exactly was it 20, 30 or more! Absolutely a sad day.

They are rude and also when you call they never answer I kept calling I was ill just go over there they must be busy and when I got there there was no one in line I’m like wtf then why can they answer the girl in the font acts like she’s better than u even if they had people in line they can answer the phone and say please hold or something I’m calling because of something important I’m not calling to tell you hello and talk worse customer service ever I called other animal facility’s and they answer and so polite

This is the most terrible animal care facility in all of San Diego. My dog escaped 4^th of July Animal Control picked him up didn’t open until Tuesday at 10:00am. I got off of work early to pick up my dog I knew I would have to pay a fine. HOWEVER the vaccinated my dog microchip him and gave him «other» medication and shots without any consent from me how can they assume just because he wasn’t microchip that he didn’t get his shots not only that but they billed me for it of course so in order for me to get my dog out I had to pay $$$$$ 280 dollars.WTF. They want to make sure all animals returned safely to their owners but with their outstanding rates and fees it’s just mind blowing a woman standing next to me how to pay over $ 700 to get her dogs out… SMH shame on you Animal Control shame on you city of Chula Vista! Luckily I was able to afford to get my dog out I just can’t imagine the families who cannot afford it will leave their animals in the shelter and therefore would have to be either adopted or get put down!!!

I recently brought my dogs in to get spayed. The drop off process is a bit uneasy. Keep in mind to most dog owners their dogs are like their children! I had two dogs and while doing the paper work for one they were preparing my other dog go back for surgery before I can finish I looked up and my dog was gone! I could even say bye! WTF. They took my other one back and told me to come back at 3:30 for pick up. I came back with my fiancé. I was on a work call so I stayed out front while he went in for them. With in Minutes I received a text saying «everything is F*$%ED up!» I got off the phone and went inside to ask what had happened. My fiancé was livid! «They microchiped the wrong dog!» Wait what?! He told me to calm down because we had just had a conversation about «what if X happens.» Eileen had gone back to see what was going on and double check the information that was just provided to us. Luckily they did NOT microchip the wrong dog. They had their paper work all screwed up. There was a lot of miss communication between all the staff members. It was extremely frustrating. Eileen seems to be the only one who knows whats going on around that place. She was very helpful and apologetic. I don’t think I will be coming back again but who knows it was definitely a stressful day. I have to say their facility is clean and prices are very reasonable!

Theresa tried everything in her power to deny my pet. I know my pet. And she tries to tell me it’s not mine.

Please be aware of this place. I know of a couple people who have had their pets picked up and dropped off here. When they went to pick their pets up they wanted to charge all kinds of fees. One lady in particular told someone I know that the dog needed close to $ 2500 in medical attention or the dog could pass away. They took the dog home and went to a local vet who did the same work for half the price (dental work mostly) and was over half the price less. Blood work at this location was over $ 300 and at the local vet was only about $ 90. Again, this place is an absolute joke. People are upset and wanting to see their pets and this place tries to up sell like you’re buying a car. Please do not go to this place as its pretty much a sales floor. This place is absolute garbage and tries to rip off people. Looking for a good vet? Go to a place in lemon grove, El cajon, or LA mesa. Not this horrible place please

Horrendous service. My 12.5 year old dog got loose for the first time ever while I was @ work. They picked him up, took him in, failed to find the microchip.while.scanning, then gave me a bunch of crap while proving ownership. Though I showed. up to reclaim producing all his paperwork since 2002. including microchip, and chula Vista licensing.
Charged me $ 328 @falsely claimed he had a abscessed canine tooth in addition to osteoarthritis (which we knew duh he’s 12, not 8 like intake claimed he was). Forced me to sign. a contract to seek vet care and prove it within 24 hours under threat of another $ 100 fine. My vet found no dental issues other than moderate gingivitis and we were already under treatment.for.the arthritis. Took 2.5 hours at shelter to reclaim dog. Caution they will. flag certain animals as.“medical” to justify not. classifying as «adoptable» if. owners don’t claim so. they can euthanize saving resources. All economics :(

Got to the facility at 3:47 pm. Sign says they close at 4 pm on Saturdays. As soon as we walk in the workers tell us the kennels are closed. Really? If you want to close earlier then change your sign. Or get someone else to work on a Saturday who’s not trying to cut out early.

I wanted to take a look around an the sign says they closed at 4 on a Saturday but the person said they closed at 3:45!!! So, I was not able to save a puppy’s life :(

Their animal control officers are rude and intimidating. If a complaint is made about your dogs they come out and harass you without knowing the true facts. Our son has a 10,000 sf lot and has 4 dogs for 8 years. Our other son moved in with him and has an American terrier/​staffordshire mix, a new breed called a bully. He doesn’t get along with one of the other dogs so is kenneled in the day alone. A nosey neighbor claims the other dogs get special treatment and he is neglected. Far from the truth. Now they want him to rehome 2 dogs! That is like someone saying get rid of your children! We were always told you can have 6 dogs in CV as long as you have a big enough yard. I guess our next step is to contact the Mayor and the news stations. So many dogs are unwanted, so why take them away? Because the neighbors don’t want dogs next to their unlicensed daycare! Any help is much appreciated.

I wanna take them All!!!

I really like this place and it’s staff. Today was our second adoption here and both experiences were pure joy. They answer questions, are courteous and professional.

This was our favorite shelter in San Diego! I adopted the sweetest 6 month old pitbull at this facility. Unlike some of the other shelters we visited, this place is spacious and clean. We also noticed the workers really love animals. They have a large selection of dog breeds, and very cute ones at that. Definitely worth checking out if you’re interested in adopting.

After days and weeks of searching for the perfect dog companion, my main squeeze and I can finally lay our list of animal care facilities to rest as we have been blessed with one awesome dog that we have grown to love dearly!
It was last December, the week before Christmas ’12 when we decided to visit this facitly in hopes of finding the perfect match. My main squeeze actually visited this place on his own and to his luck, after turning into the first aisle and looking into the very first kennel, he saw a medium sized 2 year old german shepherd mixed dog with a description stating that he was «independent and very sweet and friendly». When he called out to him, he responded well and let out a bark that wasn’t weak nor ballistic. The dog whom we have named «Samson» or «Sam» for short approached the gate with ease and rubbed his body against the fence to be petted. It was that day I received a text from my man letting me know that he found the one and wanted me to see him for myself to see how Sam would respond to me.
When it was my turn to visit Sam, he gave me the same response which made me feel confident that he was the one. One of the staff employees gave both of us time to spend with Sam in the play area where the handler gave us a little info on Sam and his history. She explained that he was such a great dog and favorited amongst the staff. Also, she had mentioned that he would wait till she came to let him out to do his business as he would never soil his own kennel which was a great sign for us knowing he was house broken. From that point on, we decided to go forth with the adoption process, however being the fact that we would be leaving for a vacation over Christmas, we didn’t want to take Sam home with us that soon until after we got back from our trip. We let the handler know our situation and she was more than happy to speak with the manager whom held Sam for us till we got back the day after Christmas.
As adoption day approached, I must say I was a bit disturbed by many folks coming in to bring back puppies that they «could no longer care for» due to poor decisions made. The most common excuse I’ve heard is «my son gave this puppy to his girlfriend who lives in a place that can’t have dogs». That is the same reason why my neighbors have been babysitting their son’s dog who is away at boot camp as they had mentioned that the girlfriend can’t have dogs at her home. It actually angers me to hear of people adopting animals for the wrong reasons. Back to that line… It took a while to get to us just to sign papers as there is usually only 1 person at the window here. The adoption process in general was an ease though as everything was explained to us in full detail. The fee was about $ 80 which of course I didn’t mind forking out because it was all for Sam.
I must say, we really lucked out with Sam! He already knew how to follow all our commands and not to mention he makes my job so easy everyday after coming home from work! At times I can’t believe he was at the shelter since October of 2012, but apparently he was adopted by someone and returned due to the fact that he didn’t respond well to her cats, but that’s my boy! Haha… Seriously! Every night, I don’t have to tell him to go into his crate because he’ll just follow along next to me and go on his own. I love that about him! Thank you Chula Vista Animal Care Facility!!! If you’re a student and looking to volunteer, definitely do time here! It’s so endearing! Your heart will melt for every animal there!!!

Are you one of those people who randomly stop by animal shelters «for fun» then leave nearly in tears because you want to adopt so many animals? *looks around* Just me? Hmm.
This is one of my favorite shelters to browse (the other being the one near Fashion Valley) because the staff is great, it’s clean, well-​organized, and the play area for potential adoptees is large.
Almost five years ago, I was perusing this shelter when I fell in love with this itty bitty, weirdly proportioned chihuahua. She ran up to me when I approached her kennel and THAT WAS IT. Her torso was so long and her ears were so big. I instantly fell in love. I took down her tag number and went inside to ask about her. I was told that she was available for the following day, but there were three other people interested in her that had already put their names down. Apparently, when you like a dog before the availability date, there is a waiting list with a max capacity of four parties. I was the last one. The worker told me that the first party has the opportunity to pick up the dog during their first hour of operation (8 – 9), then if they don’t show up or if they’re deemed an inappropriate match for the dog, then the second person on the list can come from 9−10am to pick up the dog. She said to call around 10:30 to see if my dog was still around, and if so, I would be able to adopt her. I felt defeated because I knew my chances were slim and I really, truly wanted this dog and nobody else. WHEN YOU KNOW, YOU KNOW, RIGHT?
So, I spent the rest of that day thinking about that sad looking chihuahua at the animal shelter. I happened to end up at a thrift store that day and there was a miniature version of a human bed, perfect for a small dog. I didn’t want to get it, but my dad told me that I should «just in case.» So I bought it, thinking to myself that I just jinxed myself and now I’d be stuck with this stupid miniature human bed to remind me of that dog I loved but didn’t get to take home.
I called the next morning at precisely 10:30, expecting to hear that my dog was adopted, but the lady cheerfully told me that she was all mine and that I should come down to take her home. She said two of the parties didn’t show up and another family had a child under 8 and they don’t adopt tiny dogs to families with tiny children. I drove down to the shelter to pick up my new best friend, forked over the ridiculously reasonable amount of $ 60, and was sent home with my beloved dog, a bunch of papers, a voucher for a free vet visit, some dog food, a dog sweater, a leash, and a collar. They told me that if for some reason things didn’t work out, I could bring her back within 2 weeks for a refund.
As for my dog? Well, her name is Penny Lane. She is a whopping three pounds and was neglected by her old owner until she managed to escape. Her nails were grotesquely long and she had the most unnecessarily thick choke chain when we got her and an obvious fear of being left alone. She was on the older side (6 years) when I adopted her, but she is such a sweetheart and I love her to death! To those of you open to adopting a dog, please don’t rule out the older ones. All dogs deserve some love! And I was even able to teach her tricks. ME AND PENNY, BREAKING STEREOTYPES SINCE 2007.

Clean and well maintained areas, friendly/​knowledgeable staff, and affordable adoption fees. They are always looking for foster homes. They also have a large volunteer program going on. I did my volunteer service here for two years and I had a great experience doing so.
Personal thoughts: If your dog gets picked up, be a better owner and don’t lose your dog… your dog will experience lots of anxiety due to your «mistake». All animals will experience stress being here away from their owners, so weight loss in animals is common, not because of horrible care or service. Force feeding brings even more stress towards the animal, so be more proactive and prioritize looking for your pet. Too many people lie and drop off their pets. Its easy to falsify paper work. The staff does the best they can and if they are rude, don’t take it personally.
And yes, younger dogs are given priority over the older dogs because they have a higher chance of being adopted. Older dogs can’t typically handle the stress and become very frightened or snappy. County shelters run solely from the government salary, so they are very limited in resources. This shelter receives lots of donations which help greatly.
County shelters deal with WAY too many dogs who are ill in some way, and the owners are not taking proper care of those animals and even refuse to provide the animals with any medical treatment. Some people in such situation even hide the dogs and lie to avoid fees. The only one who suffers from this is the ill animals, just because some people neglect their pets and don’t face the consequences.
If you do lose your pet you should be aware of such things and be prepared to pay fines if needed. However, in the meantime, don’t lose your pet. Check your yard for holes, lose latches, or objects that can be used to climb or jump over a wall. Take precautions so your dog is not stolen. All you can do is try and prevent.

Here’s a little snippet from the website:
The Chula Vista Animal Care Facility ensures health and safety for animals and citizens in Chula Vista, Imperial Beach, National City and Lemon Grove.
Services include:
— Picking up stray and nuisance animals
— Accepting lost and relinquished animals
— Assisting injured and stray animals
— Finding homes for unwanted animals
— Featured Pet
— Available Pets for Adoption
— Controlling animals that bite or are vicious or threatening
— Handling barking dog complaints
— Fight against animal cruelty
— Assisting with lost and found pets
— Licensing dogs
— Rescuing fighting animals, and animals locked in hot vehicles
This animal shelter opened up in the Fall of 2001. So the facilities are new and they have a lot of dogs, cats, rabbits, etc. up for adoption.
We adopted two of our dogs here a rare pure white fur Korean Jindo/​Chow mix who was 3 years old at the time and a 4 month old black Lab/​Pit Bull mix. Both dogs are thee apple of my eye! The chow mix was on death row and was about to be euthanized in two weeks.
I had a wonderful experience adopting here since everyone is nice and professional.
There are so many homeless animals that buying from a pet shop or breeder shouldn’t be an option. If you want a specific breed, I suggest you look at animal shelters first. They have pure breds, mutts, puppies and senior citizens all needing a home.