You can see it in their eyes.  Why am I here?  What did I do? Some had a family and a good life before ending up in the shelter, others were neglected, or worse, from the day they were born.  Some are here because they were lost and no one came for them.  Others were left because they were old or sick and no longer much fun... or too young to behave like someone felt they should. Some were taken away from abusive owners.  In one case, a pet was abandoned because her coat didn't match the new furniture.

No matter what excuse is behind their abandonment, they all have two things in common: they are discards of a society that often throws away living beings like yesterday's newspaper, and every one of their lives is at risk.  Half of them will die simply because no one wants them.  They know it and you can see it in their eyes.

We see a need in our community, too - in people short on pet food at the end of the month, in children eager to learn humane values, and in those grieving over the loss of their companion.  All  need somewhere to turn for help.

Here's where you, and all of us together, come in. The Santa Cruz SPCA is a network of kindred spirits who know what must be done and strive to make a difference.

Whether it's saving animals from an uncertain fate at a shelter, providing food and other assistance to pet owners in need, teaching humane values to our children through educational programs, or helping out in a disaster, the SPCA is here to help.

We look forward to welcoming you as a new member of the SPCA family.

PROGRAMS

Pet Rescue, Sheltering, and Adoptions

Since 1938, the SPCA has rescued thousands of animals.  We share our offices with many of them and others live within our large network of foster homes and emergency boarding facilities.

Heather's Pet Food Bank

The SPCA regularly distributes over 7,000 pounds of food a month to needy pet owners. Ensuring that our community's companion animals never go hungry is a basic and critical aspect of animal welfare.

Second Chance Fund

The Second Chance fund is a unique program which enables the SPCA to provide extensive veterinary care for sick, injured, abused, or neglected animals who would otherwise have to be euthanized.  The fund covers the cost of surgery, medication, and other treatments that an animal may need before they are made available for adoption.  By giving animals a second chance, this special fund directly saves lives.

Humane Education

As experts have recognized the link between animal abuse and violence against people, the need for humane education in schools is greater than ever. Our programs teach children the traits needed to be caring, thoughtful, and respectful citizens: responsibility, compassion, trustworthiness, knowledge, respect, and a positive attitude.

Blackie's Senior Friends

We offer financial assistance to senior citizens to enable them to adopt and care for their companion animals.  When elderly pets are surrendered to shelters, often, they are deemed ”unadoptable“ and not given the opportunity to find a new family.  This fund helps prevent this by pairing senior pets with senior people.

Pet Loss Support

Since 1988 we have offered a group lead by a skilled facilitator to help people deal with their grief and heal after the loss of a pet.

Discount Spay/Neuter Program

This critical SPCA program was created to assist Santa Cruz pet owners with obtaining affordable spay/neuter surgery for their companion animals.  We provide discount certificates, referrals, and even pay for surgeries on a case by case basis.

Disaster Assistance

In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, the SPCA organized one of the largest efforts in the nation, including the transportation, sheltering  and medical  treatment of over 130 displaced pets, some barely clinging to life when they arrived.  Through three airlifts, our dedicated staff and volunteers worked into the early morning hours.  The animals were welcomed with warm beds, meals, and loving embraces.  When the storm settled, several pets were reunited with their owners and the rest were adopted into loving, forever homes.