San Diego, United States - November 10, 2025 The San Diego Humane Society has introduced a new Adoption Trial Program that allows potential adopters to bring home a pet for a “test run” before making a lifelong commitment. The initiative is designed for individuals who want to see how an animal fits into their household while still providing a temporary home outside the shelter. Unlike fostering, which is fully temporary, participants act as “trial adopters,” taking home a specific adult pet aged seven months or older with the intent to adopt. They have up to 14 days to decide if the animal is the right match. “You can think of it like a test run,” said Dr. Gary Weitzman, president and CEO of the San Diego Humane Society. “If there is a specific pet you want to bring home, we want you to try things out and see if it is a good fit. It is a win-win — potential adopters don’t feel pressure to commit right away, and pets get a break from the stressful shelter environment, which also opens space for more animals who need our help.” The program also delays payment and final adoption paperwork for up to two weeks. During this period, the pet remains the legal property of the organization. If the adoption is not finalized, staff gain valuable insights into the animal’s behavior in a home setting to assist future placements. Currently, the San Diego Humane Society is caring for 1,550 animals, with an average stay of 51 days. The organization recently reached record numbers of adult dogs in care, with September and October exceeding capacity compared to any other year. “We have to find creative ways to connect people with our amazing animals,” added Weitzman. “Adoption is always the best option — our pets go home already spayed or neutered, microchipped and vaccinated, and we are here to support every adopter, every step of the way.”