Every animal at the Santa Cruz SPCA wants the same thing this holiday season: a home. Between November 18 and January 3 you can make that happen. Visit the Santa Cruz SPCA during our annual Home for the Holidays adoption event to meet pets waiting for loving homes. You’ll find a warm, welcoming environment where you can take your time getting to know your potential new family member.
This year, adoption fees are being waived on select animals who need homes the most: large breed dogs, adult cats, and pets who have been waiting more than 30 days for someone to choose them. These are wonderful animals who deserve families, and your adoption doesn’t just change one life. It opens shelter space for the next animal who needs help.
Meet the Dogs Waiting for Home
Large adult dogs over 40 pounds are often overlooked in shelters simply because of their size. But these gentle giants have so much love to give.
Dogs like Rooster aren’t asking for much: just a place to belong, someone to walk with, and maybe a comfortable spot on the couch. During Home for the Holidays, you can name your own adoption fee for any large adult dog over 6 months and 40 pounds.
The Cats Who’ve Been Waiting
Adult cats 6 months and older are waiting patiently for their opportunity to find a forever home. They’re past the chaotic kitten phase; their personalities are fully formed, and they’re ready to settle into your life with minimal drama.
Whether you’re looking for a single companion or a bonded pair who keep each other company, adult cats adapt beautifully to new homes. They know how to use a litter box, they don’t need constant supervision, and many are perfectly content to curl up nearby while you work, read, or binge your favorite shows.
The Longest Waiters Need You Most
Some animals have been at the shelter for more than 30 days, watching other pets go home while they remain. These animals haven’t done anything wrong. Sometimes they just need the right person to find them.
These longer-stay animals like Misty pictured above often turn into the most devoted companions. They’ve learned patience, they’ve built trust with shelter staff and volunteers, and they’re ready to show their future families what loyalty and trust really looks like.
What Your Adoption Includes
Every Santa Cruz SPCA adoption comes complete with everything your new companion needs to start their life with you:
- Spay/neuter surgery
- Microchip for identification
- Current vaccinations
- Flea and worm treatment
- FeLV/FIV testing for cats
- Free veterinary exam certificate
- Adoption packet with care information and coupons
Standard adoption fees range from $65 to $300 depending on the animal’s age and species. During Home for the Holidays, we’re waiving fees for the pets who need homes most: large breed dogs, adult cats, and animals who have been patiently waiting more than 30 days for their families to find them.
Ready to take the next step?
Visit the shelter at 2601 Chanticleer Avenue in Santa Cruz
Open for adoptions Tuesday through Sunday, 11am to 5pm
Browse available pets at spcasc.org and complete an Adopter’s Profile online or simply stop by during browsing hours to meet animals in person and talk with adoption staff. Our team will help you find the right match for your household, lifestyle, and experience level.
Learn more about the adoption process: spcasc.org/adoption-process
Follow along on Facebook and Instagram to see featured pets and meet new arrivals each week.
Can’t Adopt Right Now? You Can Still Make a Difference
The Santa Cruz SPCA receives no government funding and operates entirely on community support. If adoption isn’t in the cards for you this season, there are other meaningful ways to help unhoused animals:
Make a donation to fund lifesaving medical care and shelter daily operations: spcasc.org/donate
Become a foster and temporarily open your home to an animal in need: spcasc.org/foster
Volunteer your time and skills to support shelter operations: spcasc.org/volunteer
Questions?
Contact the Santa Cruz SPCA Client Care team at 831-465-5000
