There will be enough visitors to the San Diego County Fair to empty the shelters at the San Diego Humane Society with adoptions throughout this year’s 2025 “Summer Pet-Tacular”-themed event.
“We want to make sure that everybody has an opportunity to celebrate animals with us and hopefully adopt while they’re there as well,” said Gary Weitzman, president and CEO of the Humane Society.
He and leaders from the 22nd District Agricultural Association, which produces the fair at the Del Mar Fairgrounds, gathered at the San Diego Humane Society April 22 to highlight the partnership between the two organizations this year.
The fair will run Wednesdays to Sundays from June 11 to July 6, extending past its usual Fourth of July fireworks finale to allow one last full weekend.
In addition to pet-themed games and attractions, there will be cats, dogs, guinea pigs, potbellied pigs and other animals looking for homes. The “Pet-tacular” theme and partnership was announced last fall, shortly after the Humane Society announced surging numbers of dogs in its care.
“That’s what makes San Diego such a remarkable place, that we have this incredible love for animals, for our pets, our companion animals, for wildlife, for conservation,” said Weitzman, flanked by Humane Society staff, fairgrounds leaders and puppies. “We are at the forefront of what is done in the name of animal welfare here in this county.”
Both organizations date back to 1880, but fairgrounds board President Frederick Schenk said there’s “no time like the present” for them to come together, especially with the ongoing need for more adoptions.
“It will mean more pets will be adopted into living homes,” Schenk said, “it will mean more joy in families’ lives, it will provide our community with education about properly caring for everyone’s pets, and it’s definitely going to be a lot of fun.”
He added that “both of our organizations are all about serving our larger community, bringing joy to others and building on connections.”
Pets will not be allowed general ission at the fair, but there are a few special events that they can participate in with their owners.
On Saturday, July 5, before the fair opens, owners can bring their pets on a leash for a half-mile course that ends with a festival, contest and other activities. There will also be puppy yoga sessions on June 29 and July 6 with a 45-minute class and 15 minutes with adoptable puppies. There will also be a 4H dog show, wiener dog and corgi races, stunt dog shows and immersive experiences for humans.
“You will be immersed in a world of pets, both fictional and real,” said Katie Mueller, chief operating officer at the Del Mar Fairgrounds. “You can play with a giant ball of yarn, you can swim through an aquarium castle or sit in a bird’s nest. You can interact with animals throughout the exhibit, we’re going to have not only dogs and cats, but birds and fish and reptiles.”
Advance ticket prices start at $16 for Wednesdays and Thursdays and $20 for Fridays through Sundays. A season for all 20 fair days starts at $65. For more information, visit sdfair.com.
