Heart of Gold's Shelter

Heart of Gold's Shelter We are a private, specialized, no-kill, 501(c)(3) dog rescue dedicated to providing housing & individualized care to dogs of all breeds.

We cater to their respective temperaments and adopt them into well-matched homes.

And last, but certainly not least, is Cheddar to show off the final photoshoot pictures for this round of transferred pu...
08/04/2026

And last, but certainly not least, is Cheddar to show off the final photoshoot pictures for this round of transferred pups!

Cheddar
Pomeranian mix
Male, 4 years old

Meet Cheddar! This handsome boy transferred to us from the San Diego Humane Society.
Cheddar was extremely shy/fearful at transfer. He kept to himself and wanted nothing to do with the staff. He hit it off with Bugsy (adopted) who became his "emotional support dog." With Bugsy's help, coaxing Cheddar out of hiding to go play outside was made easy! In time, Cheddar was craving attention from the staff and playing with all of his new friends!
Cheddar is looking for a home that loves routine as he finds great comfort in it. Taking things slow and steady with him is the key to unlocking his bouncy and happy self!

ADOPTION FEE:
$150
Includes:
Neutered, UTD on vaccinations (Rabies, DAPPV, Bordetella), microchipped, flea treated, dewormed

Contact us for an application and to schedule a viewing appointment!

Regarding COVID-19 and other contagious illnesses: Please reschedule any visits if you are sick.
https://www.adoptapet.com/shelter/105826-heart-of-golds-shelter-el-cajon-california

Here comes another official photoshoot picture drop for little Honey! HoneyChihuahua mixFemale, 11 years old Meet Honey!...
08/04/2026

Here comes another official photoshoot picture drop for little Honey!

Honey
Chihuahua mix
Female, 11 years old

Meet Honey! This sweet little potato girl transferred to us from the San Diego Humane Society.
Honey was placed in the SDHS Emergency Boarding program on and off for the past 3 years, with her owner sadly passing away during the most recent emergency boarding stay. Family members were contacted but were unable to assist with housing her.
We scooped Honey up for transfer and got her started on our weight loss program! She has plenty of pep in her step and that Chihuahua sass! She will cannonball into our arms, so we are quick to catch her! This spunky little lady is looking for her retirement home stocked with cozy beds & blankets, lots of love, and equipped with quick reflexes in case she is in the mood for another cannonball. Catch!

Health considerations: As a senior dog, Honey is in the early stages of cataract development. She was recently diagnosed with a grade 3 heart murmur via stethoscope and x-ray confirmation. No medication is needed at this time. She is being monitored for any symptoms, otherwise, an echocardiogram is recommended in January 2027 (and a 6 month to 1 year follow-up visit) to check for any changes.

ADOPTION FEE:
$75
Includes:
Spayed, UTD on vaccinations (Rabies, DAPPV, Bordetella), microchipped, flea treated, dewormed

Contact us for an application and to schedule a viewing appointment!

Regarding COVID-19 and other contagious illnesses: Please reschedule any visits if you are sick.
https://www.adoptapet.com/shelter/105826-heart-of-golds-shelter-el-cajon-california

Hazel's official photoshoot pictures are here! Please note that we have received significant interest in Hazel. I just r...
08/04/2026

Hazel's official photoshoot pictures are here!
Please note that we have received significant interest in Hazel. I just returned to the office from my days off and will be working through email inquiries in the order they were received.

Hazel
Papillon mix
Female, 3 years old

Meet Hazel! This adorable gal transferred to us from the San Diego Humane Society.
Hazel was originally adopted from SDHS in April and returned to them in July. The previous owner stated the reason for return as Hazel being "too attached" to them by following them everywhere and staring for attention...so in other words, a loving and devoted dog!
Hazel has been a ray sunshine here at the rescue. She is tiny and easy to pick up, loves to snuggle into our neck or chest when held, has a blast bouncing around with her new friends, and is full of so much love!

ADOPTION FEE:
$150
Includes:
Spayed, UTD on vaccinations (Rabies, DAPPV, Bordetella), microchipped, flea treated, dewormed

Contact us for an application and to schedule a viewing appointment!

Regarding COVID-19 and other contagious illnesses: Please reschedule any visits if you are sick.
https://www.adoptapet.com/shelter/105826-heart-of-golds-shelter-el-cajon-california

While Cheddar's photoshoot pictures are in the works, here is an official peek at our gorgeous boy!CheddarPomeranian mix...
08/01/2026

While Cheddar's photoshoot pictures are in the works, here is an official peek at our gorgeous boy!

Cheddar
Pomeranian mix
Male, 4 years old

Meet Cheddar! This handsome boy transferred to us from the San Diego Humane Society.
Cheddar was extremely shy/fearful at transfer. He kept to himself and wanted nothing to do with the staff. He hit it off with Bugsy (adopted) who became his "emotional support dog." With Bugsy's help, coaxing Cheddar out of hiding to go play outside was made easy! In time, Cheddar was craving attention from the staff and playing with all of his new friends!
Cheddar is looking for a home that loves routine as he finds great comfort in it. Taking things slow and steady with him is the key to unlocking his bouncy and happy self!

ADOPTION FEE:
$150
Includes:
Neutered, UTD on vaccinations (Rabies, DAPPV, Bordetella), microchipped, flea treated, dewormed

Contact us for an application and to schedule a viewing appointment!

Regarding COVID-19 and other contagious illnesses: Please reschedule any visits if you are sick.
https://www.adoptapet.com/shelter/105826-heart-of-golds-shelter-el-cajon-california

Here is another transfer that had her photoshoot today with our Volunteer Photographer! Let's get this gal seen while we...
07/31/2026

Here is another transfer that had her photoshoot today with our Volunteer Photographer! Let's get this gal seen while we wait for the arrival of her official photos.

Honey
Chihuahua mix
Female, 11 years old

Meet Honey! This sweet little potato girl transferred to us from the San Diego Humane Society.
Honey was placed in the SDHS Emergency Boarding program on and off for the past 3 years, with her owner sadly passing away during the most recent emergency boarding stay. Family members were contacted but were unable to assist with housing her.
We scooped Honey up for transfer and got her started on our weight loss program! She has plenty of pep in her step and that Chihuahua sass! She will cannonball into our arms, so we are quick to catch her! This spunky little lady is looking for her retirement home stocked with cozy beds & blankets, lots of love, and equipped with quick reflexes in case she is in the mood for another cannonball. Catch!

Health considerations: As a senior dog, Honey is in the early stages of cataract development. She was recently diagnosed with a grade 3 heart murmur via stethoscope and x-ray confirmation. No medication is needed at this time. She is being monitored for any symptoms, otherwise, an echocardiogram is recommended in January 2027 (and a 6 month to 1 year follow-up visit) to check for any changes.

ADOPTION FEE:
$75
Includes:
Spayed, UTD on vaccinations (Rabies, DAPPV, Bordetella), microchipped, flea treated, dewormed

Contact us for an application and to schedule a viewing appointment!

Regarding COVID-19 and other contagious illnesses: Please reschedule any visits if you are sick.
https://www.adoptapet.com/shelter/105826-heart-of-golds-shelter-el-cajon-california

While we await photos from our Volunteer Photographer, here is little miss Hazel girl!HazelPapillon mixFemale, 3 years o...
07/31/2026

While we await photos from our Volunteer Photographer, here is little miss Hazel girl!

Hazel
Papillon mix
Female, 3 years old

Meet Hazel! This adorable gal transferred to us from the San Diego Humane Society.
Hazel was originally adopted from SDHS in April and returned to them in July. The previous owner stated the reason for return as Hazel being "too attached" to them by following them everywhere and staring for attention...so in other words, a loving and devoted dog!
Hazel has been a ray sunshine here at the rescue. She is tiny and easy to pick up, loves to snuggle into our neck or chest when held, has a blast bouncing around with her new friends, and is full of so much love!

ADOPTION FEE:
$150
Includes:
Spayed, UTD on vaccinations (Rabies, DAPPV, Bordetella), microchipped, flea treated, dewormed

Contact us for an application and to schedule a viewing appointment!

Regarding COVID-19 and other contagious illnesses: Please reschedule any visits if you are sick.
https://www.adoptapet.com/shelter/105826-heart-of-golds-shelter-el-cajon-california

We have climbed the rankings from our initial 2024 placement! Sniffspot's 2026 list of top dog rescues & shelters has us...
06/29/2026

We have climbed the rankings from our initial 2024 placement!
Sniffspot's 2026 list of top dog rescues & shelters has us placed as #22 in California, and #10 in San Diego!

We may be a fairly small rescue & team, but we've achieved significant milestones, provide amazing care and "matchmaking" services for the rescue dogs in our care, and still have big dreams of rebuilding our rescue facility!

Thank you for your support, testimonials, reviews, and feedback we've received from our community.
We look forward to the future of our rescue journey! 🐾

EDIT: ADOPTED!The official photos of our newest pup have arrived! Enjoy! EliLabrador/Shepherd mixMale, 3 months old Meet...
06/25/2026

EDIT: ADOPTED!

The official photos of our newest pup have arrived! Enjoy!

Eli
Labrador/Shepherd mix
Male, 3 months old

Meet Eli! This adorable boy transferred to us from the Chula Vista Animal Care Facility.
He arrived as a stray along with 8 other siblings who have since been adopted. He was pensive as he waited alone in his kennel. We had to scoop him up for transfer when we laid eyes on him.
Eli is currently in foster care in a home with 5 dogs (including long-term foster, Penny!), 3 cats, 2 guinea pigs, and 2 birds.
Though he is a puppy who wants to play with his dog and cat friends, he is an introvert who wants to get to know people before opening up. As such, he's a quiet thinker when meeting new people and will carefully observe them from a safe distance. Safe socialization is always a work in progress, so we look forward to seeing if he will remain an introvert or change as he grows. With continued socialization and dedication, he will continue to thrive.
He is currently eating 4 times a day, every 4 hours, with snacks in between. This will change over time as we keep an eye on his weight and diet needs of this growing pup.
His puppy pad skills are excellent thus far, though we do go out for potty breaks every 2-3 hours during the day, with one potty break in the middle of our usual 8 hour sleeping period.
Eli is one sweet pup looking for a home that is going to continue to set him up for success!

ADOPTION FEE:
$200
Includes:
Neutered, Vaccinations in progress (Rabies complete. Receiving his 3rd set of vaccinations on 7/15), microchipped, flea treated, dewormed

Contact us for an application and to schedule a viewing appointment!

Regarding COVID-19 and other contagious illnesses: Please reschedule any visits if you are sick.
https://www.adoptapet.com/shelter/105826-heart-of-golds-shelter-el-cajon-california

Address

9400 Blossom Valley Road
El Cajon, CA
92021

Opening Hours

Monday 7am - 3:30pm
Tuesday 7am - 3:30pm
Wednesday 7am - 3:30pm
Thursday 7am - 3:30pm
Friday 7am - 3:30pm
Saturday 7am - 3:30pm
Sunday 7am - 3:30pm

Telephone

+16193120393

Website

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