There are certain occasions that deserve a place on your calendar, and June 6 is one of them. On that Saturday, the Santa Cruz SPCA and the Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter will once again join more than 150 other shelters across California for the third annual Adopt-a-Pet Day, a coordinated effort to place at least 5,000 animals in loving homes in a single day.
It’s a simple idea, and it works.
California’s shelters are facing an overcrowding crisis, and our two local organizations are doing essential work to address it. To encourage the community to participate, both shelters will waive adoption fees on June 6 for every animal who has been spayed or neutered, vaccinated, and microchipped. That covers not just one or two categories of pet, but the full range of dogs, cats, and small companions in their care. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals will graciously cover the adoption fees.
“We’re thrilled to take part again this year,” said Mandi Hart, Shelter Manager at the Santa Cruz SPCA. “The Santa Cruz SPCA and the County Shelter play essential roles in addressing this crisis, and we hope our community will help us match, or beat, last year’s numbers by adopting, sharing, and spreading the word.”
“Last year, our community truly stepped up,” added Amber Rowland, General Manager of the Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter. “Days like this one give us a real chance to turn the tide for thousands of deserving pets, and we couldn’t do it without the people of Santa Cruz County showing up the way they do.”
A Pet for Every Home
Between the two shelters, there’s an extraordinary variety of animals waiting to be discovered. Bouncy puppies and tiny kittens, of course. By event time, the season’s litters should be plentiful. Small breed dogs and friendly mixed breeds, perfect for apartment dwellers and walking buddies alike. Adult cats, with their personalities fully formed and their preferences happily on display. And larger dogs, those gentle souls whose loyalty tends to be measured in years rather than tail wags.
At the Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter there are rabbits, too, and pocket pets like guinea pigs, plus the occasional farm animal looking for the right pasture. The point is simply that whatever kind of companion you might be picturing, the odds are excellent that they’re already at one of our two community shelters, waiting.
And among them, of course, are the longest waiters: pets who have been at the shelter for weeks or months, watching others go home before them. They have done nothing wrong. They have, however, learned patience and built deep trust with the staff and volunteers who care for them, qualities that often translate into the most devoted companionship imaginable.
What’s Included
Every adoption includes spay or neuter surgery, vaccinations, and microchipping: everything a new companion needs to begin life in your home properly prepared.
The Particulars
The Santa Cruz SPCA is located at 2601 Chanticleer Avenue in Live Oak. The Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter operates two locations: the main shelter at 1001 Rodriguez Street in Santa Cruz, and a second at 580 Airport Boulevard in Watsonville. For Adopt-a-Pet Day, the Watsonville location will be closed so staff can join the team in Santa Cruz; all event adoptions will take place at the Rodriguez Street and Chanticleer Avenue shelters. Both will keep their usual hours of 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Adopters must be 21 or older and complete a brief application.
You may, of course, browse available pets in advance at spcasc.org and scanimalshelter.org, and complete an Adopter’s Profile online. The adoption staff at each shelter will help you find precisely the right match for your household, lifestyle, and experience.
If Adoption Isn’t Possible Just Now
Both organizations rely on community support to do this work. Should adoption not be the right choice for you at this moment, there are other meaningful ways to contribute: a donation toward medical care and daily operations, opening your home as a foster, or volunteering your time. Each is its own quiet act of generosity. Visit either shelter’s website to learn more.
For questions, the Santa Cruz SPCA Client Care team can be reached at 831-465-5000.
