The San Diego County Fair started in 1880, the same year the San Diego Humane Society was founded.
This year, both organizations share an anniversary and commitment to celebrate pets and wildlife while educating the public.
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WATCH HERE“If everybody that comes to the fair adopts an animal from us, we can empty the shelters, and that would be a super ending to the fair on July 6," said Gary Weitzman, president and CEO of the humane society.
Weitzman said the four public shelters across the county care for about 40,000 pets a year. That is the estimated number of people who will attend the fair each day once it opens June 11.
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SIGN UP The connection between people and their pets inspired the San Diego County Fair board of directors to collaborate with the humane society for a much different theme than in decades past.
Joy Bambao of La Mesa was at the San Diego shelter Tuesday morning looking to adopt a kitten. She has owned animals all her life and appreciates what they contribute to her family.
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"They bring havoc and love," Bamboa said.
Bambao supports this year's theme: "There's a lot going on right now, with so many kittens that don't have homes. I think it's great what the humane society is doing."
In 2024, more than 900,000 people attended the fair during its run in Del Mar. More than 1,200 temporary jobs were created and an estimated $230 million was contributed to the local economy.
Gates open June 11, but only for people and service animals.
Katie Mueller, who is the chief operations officer for the San Diego County Fair, told NBC 7, that “it’s a celebration of the bond between humans and pets. However, the fair is not a safe place for pets in particular. The asphalt is very hot, and there's a lot going on with activities and the food smells.
On the last Saturday before the fair closes, there will be a Pooch Fun Run and Walk in the morning prior to the gates opening to the public, during which pet owners will be allowed to roam the fairgrounds with their animals.
