San Diego Humane Society Hosts Annual Virtual Kitten Shower

Event aims to gather essential supplies for fragile newborn kittens in need of specialized care.

Published on Mar. 11, 2026

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The San Diego Humane Society is hosting its annual virtual "kitten shower" to prepare for the influx of newborn and abandoned kittens the shelter typically sees during peak season. Community members are encouraged to donate supplies or make monetary gifts, which will be matched up to $20,000 through support from a local foundation. Last year, the organization cared for over 5,400 kittens under 8 weeks old, many of them only days old and requiring constant care.

Why it matters

The virtual kitten shower helps the San Diego Humane Society raise awareness and gather essential supplies to provide specialized care for fragile newborn kittens. As the organization expects similar high numbers of kittens in need this year, the event is crucial to ensuring the shelter has the resources to properly care for these vulnerable animals.

The details

The SDHS has an online "registry" at major retailers where supporters can purchase needed items like kitten formula, bottles, heating pads, and scales. All donated supplies are shipped directly to the humane society. Since opening the nation's first 24-hour kitten nursery in 2009, the SDHS has expanded its neonatal animal care across the region and provides support for foster volunteers who care for kittens at home.

  • The annual virtual kitten shower takes place in March 2026.

The players

San Diego Humane Society

A nonprofit animal welfare organization that provides care and services for animals in need across the San Diego region.

William Hall Tippett and Ruth Rathell Tippett Foundation

A local foundation that is matching donations to the San Diego Humane Society's virtual kitten shower up to $20,000.

Aileen Pantoja

Associate director of nursery and foster at San Diego Humane Society.

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What they’re saying

“Kitten season always brings an influx of vulnerable animals who rely entirely on people for their survival.”

— Aileen Pantoja, Associate Director of Nursery and Foster (San Diego Humane Society)

The takeaway

The San Diego Humane Society's annual virtual kitten shower is a crucial event that helps the organization gather essential supplies and resources to provide specialized care for the thousands of fragile newborn kittens that come into their shelter each year during peak season. This event highlights the important role the community plays in supporting animal welfare organizations and ensuring vulnerable animals receive the care they need.