Alpacas arriving at Robin's Nest Rescue during a rehoming.

Refer an Animal

Whether you're surrendering an animal of your own or sharing word about one in need, we'd like to hear from you.

Several Ways to Help an Animal

Robin's Nest is a small sanctuary, and every intake is considered carefully. Whether you need to refer a farm animal or connect injured wildlife with the right care, we've gathered the resources to help.

How to Refer an Animal

Pick the option that fits your situation. Both go to the same team — the subject line just helps us route your message faster.

Surrender Request

Surrender Your Animal

If you can no longer care for a farm animal in your home or on your property, we'd like to hear your story. Surrender is never an easy decision — we'll listen, learn about your animal, and see whether Robin's Nest is the right fit.

Report an Animal

Report an Animal in Need

Aware of a farm animal who needs rescue — abandoned, neglected, or in an urgent situation? Share what you know. We'll review the case and help connect it with the right resources, whether that's Robin's Nest or a partner sanctuary.

Injured Wildlife

Report Injured Wildlife

Found an injured or orphaned wild animal — bird, bunny, or other wildlife? Robin's Nest specializes in farm animals, but our local partners at Project Wildlife are equipped to help. See drop-off locations and emergency contacts below.

Both options reach the same team. Prefer to reach us directly? Email info@robinsnestrescue.com or call (760) 440-5363 .

Injured Wildlife

Report Injured Wildlife

Robin's Nest specializes in farm animals, but we get many calls about injured wildlife. Our partners at Project Wildlife are the right first call for birds, bunnies, and other wild animals in need.

Please do not attempt to care for the animal yourself.

Do not offer food or water to the animal. Contain them in a box with air holes or in a crate (covered with a pillowcase or sheet) and keep them in a dark, quiet room. Bring them to a Project Wildlife drop-off location as soon as possible.

For emergency assistance, call San Diego Humane Society at 619-299-7012 (press 1).

Pilar & Chuck Bahde Wildlife Center

5433 Gaines St.

San Diego, CA 92110

Hours: 10 a.m.–6 p.m. daily (except holidays)

If you cannot make it to the Bahde Wildlife Center, animals may also be dropped off at the Oceanside, Escondido, or Ramona Campus during regular business hours.

Ramona Wildlife Center

18740 Highland Valley Road

Ramona, CA 92065

Hours: Daily 10 a.m.–6 p.m.

What Happens Next

The Intake Process

A small team reads every message. Here's what to expect once you reach out.

1

Tell us about the animal

Email us with the species, age, sex, health status, temperament, and current situation. Photos and video help us assess quickly. Share as much detail as you can.

2

We review together

Our team evaluates whether the animal is a fit for Robin's Nest based on our current capacity, the animal's needs, and our care expertise. If we're not the right home, we'll try to point you toward partner sanctuaries.

3

Next steps

If we can take the animal in, we'll coordinate transport, intake paperwork, and a quiet onboarding period. If not, you'll have our honest assessment and a list of next options to explore.

Referral FAQs

The questions we hear most about surrenders and rescue tips.

  • What kinds of animals does Robin's Nest take in?
    We specialize in farm animals — horses, donkeys, alpacas, pigs, goats, sheep, tortoises, and the occasional ranch dog or cat connected to a farm intake. We're not a dog/cat shelter; for companion animals, your local humane society or rescue is typically a better fit.
  • Do you accept every animal that's offered?
    No — and we'll be honest with you about why. Our capacity is finite, and each new resident is a multi-decade commitment. Decisions are based on space, the existing herd dynamics, the animal's care needs, and our ability to provide lifelong care.
  • How quickly will I hear back?
    We aim to respond within a few business days. Urgent situations (animal in immediate danger) should still be reported to local animal control or law enforcement first — we can be a long-term placement option, not an emergency response team.
  • Is there a fee to surrender?
    There's no required surrender fee, but caring for a rescued farm animal is expensive. If you're able to contribute toward intake costs, vet care, or ongoing support, it helps us keep the doors open for the next animal in need.
  • What if my animal isn't a fit for Robin's Nest?
    We'll tell you so directly, and we'll do our best to suggest reputable partner sanctuaries or networks that might be a better match. We won't leave you without a path forward when we can help.
  • Can I just call you?
    Email is the best first step so we have written details about the animal and your situation. We'll follow up by phone or email — whichever you prefer — once we've reviewed your message.

Community Resources

San Diego Animal Rescue & Resource Guide

A community resource guide compiled by Robin's Nest Rescue. Please contact organizations directly for current intake policies, adoption availability, surrender procedures, and emergency assistance.

All-Purpose Shelters & Humane Organizations

  • The Animal Pad

    Dog rescue and foster-based adoption organization serving San Diego and Baja rescue efforts.

    theanimalpad.org
  • San Diego Humane Society

    Major regional humane organization offering adoptions, investigations, wildlife rehab, behavior support, and community programs.

    sdhumane.org
  • San Diego County Department of Animal Services

    County shelters, lost & found services, licensing, adoptions, and animal control resources.

    sddac.com
  • Helen Woodward Animal Center

    Companion animal adoptions, pet pantry support, education, and rescue transport programs.

    animalcenter.org
  • Rancho Coastal Humane Society

    Rescue, shelter, adoption, veterinary assistance, and pet support services.

    rchumanesociety.org

Dog Rescues

  • The Animal Pad

    All-breed dog rescue focused on medical and high-need cases.

    theanimalpad.org
  • A New Life Charitable Foundation

    Rescue and rehabilitation for neglected and abandoned dogs.

    anlcf.org
  • Frosted Faces Foundation

    Dedicated to senior dog rescue, hospice support, and adoption.

    frostedfacesfoundation.org
  • Labs and More Rescue

    Labrador and mixed-breed rescue organization.

    labsandmore.org
  • Second Chance Dog Rescue

    Foster-based rescue focused on adoptable dogs and puppies.

    secondchancedogrescue.org

Cat Rescues

  • The Rescue House

    Volunteer-based cat rescue and foster organization.

    rescuehouse.org
  • The Cat Lounge Rescue and Adoption Center

    Cat adoption lounge and rescue center.

    thecatlounge.org
  • GOTCATS? SAN DIEGO

    Community cat rescue and TNR (trap-neuter-return) advocacy organization.

    gotcatssd.org
  • East County Animal Rescue

    Cat and dog rescue serving East County communities.

    ecaroc.org

Horse & Equine Rescues

Wildlife Rehabilitation & Conservation

  • Project Wildlife (San Diego Humane Society)

    Wildlife rehabilitation serving injured and orphaned wild animals throughout San Diego County.

    sdhumane.org/programs/project-wildlife
  • San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance

    Wildlife conservation, rehabilitation, education, and species preservation.

    sandiegozoowildlifealliance.org
  • The Living Coast Discovery Center

    Wildlife conservation and coastal species rehabilitation and education.

    thelivingcoast.org
  • SeaWorld Rescue

    Marine animal rescue and rehabilitation.

    unitedparks.com
  • CA Permitted Wildlife Rehabilitation Facilities

    Directory of permitted wildlife rehabilitation facilities in California maintained by CA Dept. of Fish and Wildlife.

    wildlife.ca.gov

Farm Animal & Sanctuary Organizations

Rabbit & Small Animal Rescues

  • San Diego House Rabbit Society

    Rabbit rescue, fostering, and adoption education.

    sandiegorabbits.org
  • Wee Companions

    Rescue for guinea pigs, rabbits, rats, hamsters, and other small companion animals.

    weecompanions.org

Breed-Specific Rescues

  • German Shepherd Rescue of San Diego County

    Rescue and rehoming for German Shepherds.

    gsrsd.org
  • Golden Retriever Rescue of San Diego

    Rescue and adoption for Golden Retrievers.

    grrsd.org
  • Southern California Bulldog Rescue

    Rescue and rehoming for Bulldogs.

    socalbulldogrescue.org
  • Shadow Husky Rescue

    Rescue and rehoming for Huskies.

    shadowhuskyrescue.com

Bird & Avian Rescues

  • Free Flight Exotic Bird Sanctuary

    Sanctuary and adoption center for rescued parrots and exotic birds, with strong public education and outreach programs.

    freeflightbirds.org
  • Parrot Education & Adoption Center (PEAC)

    Volunteer nonprofit focused on parrot rescue, adoption, and companion bird education.

    peac.org
  • The Shore Sanctuary

    San Diego-based nonprofit sanctuary specializing in medical-needs birds and vulnerable animals, including parrots, chickens, ducks, pigeons, geese, and other rescued avian species.

    theshoresanctuary.org

Robin's Nest Rescue is proud to support collaboration across the San Diego animal welfare community.

Other Ways to Help

If you're not ready to refer an animal but still want to support our work, volunteering or giving directly funds the food, fencing, and vet care that makes every rescue possible.

Explore Ways to Get Involved

Have a Question First?

If you're unsure whether your situation fits — or you just want to talk it through — send a note and we'll get back to you. We don't bite. The animals might, but we don't.

Email info@robinsnestrescue.com