SDSU Student-Athletes Lend Helping Hands to Local Pets

More than two dozen SDSU athletes spent Valentine's Day caring for animals at the San Diego Humane Society.

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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Last Saturday, over two dozen San Diego State University student-athletes from various sports teams dedicated part of their Valentine's Day to providing care and support for the animals sheltered at the San Diego Humane Society. The students assisted with tasks like preparing meals, doing laundry, and getting adoption packets ready to help the 700+ dogs currently waiting to find forever homes.

Why it matters

The volunteer efforts of SDSU's student-athletes highlight the positive impact that young people can have on their local community, especially when it comes to supporting animal welfare organizations that rely on donations and volunteers to operate. The Humane Society plays a vital role in caring for homeless pets and facilitating adoptions.

The details

The SDSU student-athletes represented sports teams including soccer, cross country, basketball, swimming and diving, and football. Their volunteer work at the Humane Society included hand-crafting 460 meatballs for canine enrichment and afternoon snacks, folding two massive bins of laundry to help ensure clean kennels for the over 700 dogs, and preparing 100 adoption packets to help transition pets into their forever homes. The students also participated in a Valentine's Day-themed photo shoot with several shelter dogs to help promote the adoption of the 713 dogs currently waiting for a second chance.

  • The volunteer event took place last Saturday, February 14, 2026.

The players

San Diego Humane Society

A nonprofit organization that provides animal welfare services, including sheltering, adoption, and community outreach programs, to the San Diego area.

San Diego State University (SDSU)

A public research university located in San Diego, California that fields a number of NCAA Division I sports teams.

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The takeaway

The SDSU student-athletes' volunteer efforts at the San Diego Humane Society demonstrate the positive impact that young people can have on their local community, especially when it comes to supporting animal welfare organizations that rely on donations and volunteers to operate. Their hands-on work to care for the shelter animals and prepare them for adoption highlights the power of giving back.