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Santa Barbara, CA – Local animal shelters in Santa Barbara County are experiencing a surge in rescued animals, and they urgently need the community’s support to provide loving homes and ensure the well-being of these vulnerable creatures. The Santa Barbara County Health Department, Animal Services, is issuing a heartfelt plea for residents to consider fostering or adopting a pet.

Recent improvements to local shelter facilities, including expanded kennels, improved veterinary care, and enrichment programs, have significantly enhanced the animals’ quality of life while they await their forever homes. However, these upgrades have also increased the shelter’s capacity, leading to a higher number of animals needing care. Fostering and adoption are crucial to alleviating the strain on resources and providing animals with the individualized attention and socialization they deserve.

Why Foster? Fostering is a temporary commitment that offers a lifeline to animals who need a break from the shelter environment. It's a wonderful opportunity to provide a loving home, socialization, and basic care to animals recovering from illness, injury, or those who are too young to be adopted. Fostering can be a short-term solution, lasting from a few weeks to several months, allowing shelters to focus on more critical cases. The Animal Services Department provides all necessary supplies, including food, bedding, and medical care, making fostering accessible to many.

The Rewards of Adoption: Adopting a pet is a life-changing decision for both the animal and the adopter. Shelter animals often come with unique personalities and heartwarming stories. By adopting, you're not only giving an animal a second chance at a happy life but also freeing up space in the shelter for another animal in need. Plus, the adoption fees are often significantly lower than purchasing a pet from a breeder, and many adopted animals are already spayed/neutered and vaccinated.

How You Can Help:

• Foster a Pet: Contact Santa Barbara County Animal Services to learn more about becoming a foster parent. Even a short-term commitment can make a huge difference.
• Adopt a Pet: Visit your local shelter and meet the wonderful animals waiting for their forever homes.
• Donate: Financial contributions to the Animal Services Department help provide essential care and resources for the animals.
• Volunteer: Shelter volunteers are always needed to assist with tasks such as walking dogs, socializing cats, and cleaning kennels.
• Spread the Word: Share this information with your friends and family and help raise awareness about the importance of animal adoption and fostering.

Contact Information:

Santa Barbara County Health Department, Animal Services
(805) 681-5100
https://www.countyofsb.org/animal-services

Let’s work together to ensure that every animal in Santa Barbara County has a safe, loving home. Your support can make a world of difference!