We are a no-kill, cage-free animal rescue and adoption center on the central coast of California.
Welcome to HART, the Homeless Animal Rescue Team in Cambria, CA. We are a no-kill, cage free animal rescue and adoption center located on the beautiful Central Coast of California. HART’s mission is to rescue domestic animals in need, strays as well as cats who have lost their homes due to death or illness, and place them into good permanent homes. We also aim to eliminate unwanted surplus animals
from being born in our immediate area through our active spay/neuter programs. OUR MISSION
HART is a Volunteer Service Organization whose mission is to rescue domestic animals in need and place them into good, permanent homes, and to eliminate surplus animals from being born through active spay/neuter programs. HART is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization (Federal ID 77-0018508). OUR PHILOSOPHY
Our philosophy is ensuring quality of life to all living creatures, both feral and domestic. OUR HISTORY
HART was founded in 1983 by a small core of volunteers who fostered animals in their own homes. Starting with Mika (a wayward cat in a family way), HART has placed thousands of homeless animals into permanent homes through adoption and foster programs. In 2000 HART acquired its own premises by renting a former veterinarian’s office, allowing us to expand our resources in the community. Our TNR (Trap/Neuter/Release) programs have prevented countless more homeless animals. Through partnerships with educators and other rescue groups HART has helped to develop an effective Humane Education program that has been shared with local schools and communities. In 2012 HART purchased its current location at 2638 Main Street. For over 30 years the overwhelming constant characteristic of HART has been a team of volunteers dedicated to the welfare of the animals, first and always.
01/13/2025
Katie and Kess are a gorgeous pair of white kittens with striking masks and mantles of gray and black tabby markings draped across their backs and heads, each with their own unique charm. Katie has a playful and adventurous spirit, always ready to climb, stalk, and pounce her way into your heart. Her sister Kess, with her adorable black nose and outgoing personality, is the perfect balance—curious and full of life, but always ready for snuggles.
These sisters share a special bond, having faced a challenging start in life when they were abandoned in front of a Hospice facility in San Luis Obispo. Thankfully, a kind HART foster mom rescued them, and they’ve been thriving ever since. Katie and Kess are inseparable and dream of finding a loving home where they can continue their adventures and cuddles together.
If you’re looking for double the love and double the fun, Katie and Kess are ready to fill your home with joy and purrs. Could they be the perfect addition to your family?
01/08/2025
Hello there! I'm Sparrow, a stunning black and white kitten with the most gorgeous white whiskers you’ve ever seen. What really sets me apart is my unique zigzag-shaped tail— a birth enhancement! I'm truly one of a kind! I had a rough start to life, found in a carrier by a dumpster at a gas station with my siblings. Thankfully, a kind person rescued us and brought us to HART.
I’m a fun-loving, playful kitty who also adores snuggle time. I'm mellow and sweet. Hold me close, and you'll be rewarded with my soothing purrs. I would be over the moon to go to a forever home with one of my friends here at HART. Come meet me and see if we’re a purrfect match!
Dearest Reader,
The ton is all aflutter, for a new bachelor has entered the social season! Anthony, the last remaining kitten from the esteemed Bridgerton Litter, is the very picture of elegance in his tuxedo tabby attire, complete with crisp white gloves and a stylish brown-striped "coat." True to his reserved nature, Anthony favors a quieter household where he may fully reveal his gentle charm. Behind his cautious exterior lies a true little gentleman—kind, loyal, and ever in search of the perfect love match.
Could you be the one he's been destined to meet? I daresay, you may be his purrfect match!
Hi there, I’m Willow—a stunning black-and-white tuxie super mama with a heart of pure gold. I came to HART with my four adorable kittens, and when two orphaned kittens needed a mom, I didn’t hesitate to lovingly welcome them into our family tree. Now that my babies are all grown up and starting their own adventures, it’s finally my turn to find my fur-ever family.
I’m as affectionate as they come—my favorite place in the world is your lap, with your gentle hand stroking my soft fur. I’ll let you know how happy I am with plenty of biscuits, loving licks, and head bonks. I’ve got a playful side too—wand toys are my absolute favorite! Come visit - I just know we're meant to be family!
01/03/2025
Hi there! I'm Tabitha, an irresistible torbie kitten with a fluffy white coat adorned in a one-of-a-kind mix of tabby stripes and ginger tortie spots—I'm basically a walking masterpiece! When I'm not busy being adorable, I'm chasing after toys, exploring my surroundings, or soaking up all the pets you can spare.
I feel happiest and most secure with other kittens around, and I’d love to find a forever home where I can have a feline friend to keep me company—maybe even my snuggly buddy, Aspen! Could your home be the one where I grow into the purrfect companion? 🐾
Meet May-ling, whose name fittingly means “beautiful.” This 5-year-old, mostly white sweetheart has striking blue eyes, suggesting a bit of Siamese in her ancestry, and delicate dilute “caliby” markings—a very special blend of calico and tabby. May-ling recently came to HART after her family transitioned to a care home, and she’s still adjusting to the many changes in her life.
May-ling is very sweet and adores affection, especially petting and brushing, which make her purr with delight. She’s also curious and playful, with a love for batting balls across the floor and chasing wand toys with her favorite humans. She sometimes enjoys the company of other cats, but is used to being alone, and would likely thrive in a home where she can be your one and only, and have all the playtime and laptime to herself. When she’s especially happy, she even makes biscuits to show her contentment.
May-ling is looking for a loving home where she can get all the affection she craves and have plenty of opportunities to play. Could you be the one to offer her the home that she longs for?
01/01/2025
Happy Mew Year! 🎉 We’re thrilled to wrap up the year with some PAW-some news! December brought a wave of magic to HART, as 1️⃣5️⃣ cats and kittens found their fur-ever homes!
Our December Cat of the Month, Mickey, finally found his very own family, as did 3-year-old sisters Cindy Lou and Molly Sue, who after 6 months of waiting, finally found the perfect home. Shy kitten sisters Lizzie and Yoongie, also six-month residents, found a loving home where they can thrive together.
Some shelter friends became siblings: Daisy & Spot and Sparrow & Anthony were adopted as pairs into their new families. Sweethearts Harlo and Howl charmed their adopters so thoroughly that they skipped the shelter entirely, going straight from their foster home to their forever home.
Finch, Rowan, and Cassie, who all overcame rough beginnings, are now starting fresh chapters with their new families. And perhaps the most heartwarming story of all—our beloved Blue finally found his forever family after a turbulent year. After being in and out of six homes, Blue has landed in his lucky number seven, where he is cherished and truly home at last.
A huge thank you to the wonderful families who opened their hearts and homes to these special kitties. You’ve made this holiday season unforgettable! ❤️🐾
12/28/2024
✨My name is Boone, and I’ve got quite the "tail" to tell—pun intended! I was brought to HART with a traumatic spine and tail injury that made my start in life pretty rough. It was so bad that part of my tail had to be amputated, and for a while, I couldn't even relieve myself on my own. But thanks to weeks of healing and loving care from my medical team and amazing foster purrson, I was finally able to feel when I need to "go." I'm pretty good about using the litterbox now—I’m quite proud of myself and my progress!
As you can see, I’m quite a handsome boy, sporting an adorable black mask and cape with the cutest black nose you've ever seen. I'm very outgoing, love attention and affection, and just want to be where my people are. I love to ride around on shoulders and sit in laps. I've lived with cats and dogs and befriended them all.
✨I've spent six months growing up in the shelter, but I'm crossing my paws that my New Year’s wish will come true: to find my forever home in time to start 2025 right! ❤🏡 I’m looking for a family who will shower me with affection, love me unconditionally, and help me continue to heal and turn the page to a happier chapter of my life. If you’re looking for a resilient, affectionate, and playful companion, I’m your guy—pick me, Boone!
12/26/2024
December is almost over, and Mickey - HART's December Cat of the Month - is still waiting for his Holiday Miracle—a forever home filled with love and joy! Mickey is a playful and affectionate one-year-old who’s ready to bring joy to your home. Whether he’s chasing wand toys with his favorite human or batting a ball across the floor, this sweet boy knows how to have fun. Mickey would love a sunny window, an enclosed yard, or a cozy catio where he can watch birds and bugs to his heart's content.
Mickey has been patiently waiting for his forever family since July, and his holiday wish is to find a loving home in time to celebrate the season. To help make his wish come true, his adoption fee is just $25 throughout December. Could you be Mickey's holiday miracle?
The shelter is closed this week, but we reopen tomorrow, Saturday, December 14th. Mickey and our other cats & kittens are looking forward to meeting you!
12/25/2024
Meowy Christmas from the Cats & Kittens at HART!
😺🎄🎅🍪🥛
12/20/2024
Join us for a purr-fectly festive afternoon! 😺🎄
🕐 When: Caturday, December 21st, 1–4 PM
📍Where: HART, 2638 Main Street, Cambria
✨Celebrate the magic of the season surrounded by purrs and paws at our Kitty Christmas Café! Meet our adorable adoptable cats and kittens while enjoying:
🐾 Adoption Specials – Find your furry soulmate just in time for the holidays!
🍪 Free Treats – Sip on hot cocoa or cider, and indulge in festive cookies.
🎶 Live Music – The Kitty Ditty HART Band will fill the air with Christmas cheer from 3–4 PM.
🎁 Holiday Shopping – Explore a wide selection of stocking stuffers and unique gifts at HART’s Gift Shop.
Don't miss this purrfect way to add joy to your holidays. Bring your friends, family, and festive spirit—we can’t wait to see you there! ❤️
12/18/2024
I’m Annie, a stunning one-year-old long-haired silver-gray tabby with mesmerizing green eyes that twinkle brighter than the lights on your Christmas tree! I’m playful, fun, and full of personality—I know what I want, and what I really want this holiday season is a fur-ever home of my very own. I love basking in the warm sunlight on the catio and playing hide-and-seek in my tunnel toy with people and other cats. Imagine cozy evenings by the fireplace, sharing the holiday magic with me by your side. Are you looking to add a little sparkle to your holiday season? Let’s make this the merriest Christmas ever—together! 🎄✨
Learn more about adopting Annie: https://www.hartcambria.org/our-adoption-process
12/13/2024
Meet Mickey - HART's December Cat of the Month! ❄️🎅🐾✨ This holiday season, Mickey is hoping for his very own Christmas miracle—a forever home filled with love and joy! Mickey is a playful and affectionate one-year-old who’s ready to bring joy to your home. Whether he’s chasing wand toys with his favorite human or batting a ball across the floor, this sweet boy knows how to have fun. Mickey would love a sunny window, an enclosed yard, or a cozy catio where he can watch birds and bugs to his heart's content.
Mickey has been patiently waiting for his forever family since July, and his holiday wish is to find a loving home in time to celebrate the season. To help make his wish come true, his adoption fee is just $25 throughout December. Could you be Mickey's holiday miracle?
.
12/12/2024
Support Homeless Animal Rescue Team (HART) by shopping at Freddie’s Thrift & Consignment! 🐱❤️🐶
12/12/2024
Shop at Freddie’s and support HART!
Thank you, Freddie’s! 🐱❤️🐶
12/12/2024
💞 To our incredible supporters on Giving Tuesday,
With so many worthy causes vying for your attention this time of year, we are deeply honored that you chose HART Cat Shelter to support. Your generosity means the world to us – and to the countless cats whose lives you’ve helped change.
Because of you, kittens left in the cold will now have warm beds and full bellies. Felines in need of medical care will receive the treatment they deserve. Cats who once had no hope will have a second chance at love in forever homes. From life-saving procedures to simple joys like toys and cat trees, your donation helps us provide the love and care every cat deserves.
We couldn’t do this without you. Thank you for believing in our mission and for standing with us to make a difference in the lives of cats in need. Together, we’re creating a brighter future – one paw at a time.
With gratitude, The Cats and Team at HART ❤️
✨If you haven’t supported HART recently but would like to, click a link below to explore all the ways you can help HART felines.
UPDATE: UNFORTUNATELY, THE KITTIES NEED A FEW MORE DAYS TO RECOVER. In the meantime, available cats and kittens will be available by APPOINTMENT ONLY. Please fill out an adoption application online and we will contact you to set up a viewing. Thank you for your understanding.
HART will be closed to the public from December 6th to December 13th to give some of our kitties, who have been feeling a little under the weather, time to rest and recover. We appreciate your understanding as we prioritize their health and well-being.
Thank you for your support, and we look forward to seeing you when we reopen on Saturday, December 14th! 🐾❤️
Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Homeless Animal Rescue Team (HART) posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.
Contact The Business
Send a message to Homeless Animal Rescue Team (HART):
Videos
Katie and Kess are a gorgeous pair of white kittens with striking masks and mantles of gray and black tabby markings draped across their backs and heads, each with their own unique charm. Katie has a playful and adventurous spirit, always ready to climb, stalk, and pounce her way into your heart. Her sister Kess, with her adorable black nose and outgoing personality, is the perfect balance—curious and full of life, but always ready for snuggles.
These sisters share a special bond, having faced a challenging start in life when they were abandoned in front of a Hospice facility in San Luis Obispo. Thankfully, a kind HART foster mom rescued them, and they’ve been thriving ever since. Katie and Kess are inseparable and dream of finding a loving home where they can continue their adventures and cuddles together.
If you’re looking for double the love and double the fun, Katie and Kess are ready to fill your home with joy and purrs. Could they be the perfect addition to your family?
#cambria #sheltercats #HART #hartcambria #HomelessAnimalRescueTeam #lososos #805business #pasorobles #cayucos #AdoptDontShop #atascadero #centralcoastcalifornia #sanluisobispo #slo #templeton #morrobay #slocounty #centralcoastca #sansimeon #sanluisobispocounty #sisters #bonded #bondedpair #tabbykittens #kittens
Boone's wish
✨My name is Boone, and I’ve got quite the "tail" to tell—pun intended! I was brought to HART with a traumatic spine and tail injury that made my start in life pretty rough. It was so bad that part of my tail had to be amputated, and for a while, I couldn't even relieve myself on my own. But thanks to weeks of healing and loving care from my medical team and amazing foster purrson, I was finally able to feel when I need to "go." I'm pretty good about using the litterbox now—I’m quite proud of myself and my progress!
As you can see, I’m quite a handsome boy, sporting an adorable black mask and cape with the cutest black nose you've ever seen. I'm very outgoing, love attention and affection, and just want to be where my people are. I love to ride around on shoulders and sit in laps. I've lived with cats and dogs and befriended them all.
✨I've spent six months growing up in the shelter, but I'm crossing my paws that my New Year’s wish will come true: to find my forever home in time to start 2025 right! ❤🏡 I’m looking for a family who will shower me with affection, love me unconditionally, and help me continue to heal and turn the page to a happier chapter of my life. If you’re looking for a resilient, affectionate, and playful companion, I’m your guy—pick me, Boone!
#HART #sheltercats #cambria #hartcambria #HomelessAnimalRescueTeam #805business #pasorobles #cayucos #atascadero #centralcoastcalifornia #sanluisobispo #slo #templeton #morrobay #slocounty #centralcoastca #sansimeon #sanluisobispocounty #catshelter #adoptablecats #newyearswishes #holidaymiracle #dreamingofahome #adoptme #kitten
December is almost over, and Mickey - HART's December Cat of the Month - is still waiting for his Holiday Miracle—a forever home filled with love and joy! Mickey is a playful and affectionate one-year-old who’s ready to bring joy to your home. Whether he’s chasing wand toys with his favorite human or batting a ball across the floor, this sweet boy knows how to have fun. Mickey would love a sunny window, an enclosed yard, or a cozy catio where he can watch birds and bugs to his heart's content.
Mickey has been patiently waiting for his forever family since July, and his holiday wish is to find a loving home in time to celebrate the season. To help make his wish come true, his adoption fee is just $25 throughout December. Could you be Mickey's holiday miracle?
The shelter is closed this week, but we reopen tomorrow, Saturday, December 14th. Mickey and our other cats & kittens are looking forward to meeting you!
#HART #hartcambria #HomelessAnimalRescueTeam #cambria #sanluisobispocounty #catshelter #slocounty #centralcoastca #morrobay #templeton #slo #sanluisobispo #centralcoastcalifornia #atascadero #pasorobles #805business #lososos #catofthemonth #december #santapaws #santaclaws #mickey #adoptme
Join us for a purr-fectly festive afternoon! 😺🎄
🕐 When: Caturday, December 21st, 1–4 PM
📍Where: HART, 2638 Main Street, Cambria
✨Celebrate the magic of the season surrounded by purrs and paws at our Kitty Christmas Café! Meet our adorable adoptable cats and kittens while enjoying:
🐾 Adoption Specials – Find your furry soulmate just in time for the holidays!
🍪 Free Treats – Sip on hot cocoa or cider, and indulge in festive cookies.
🎶 Live Music – The Kitty Ditty HART Band will fill the air with Christmas cheer from 3–4 PM.
🎁 Holiday Shopping – Explore a wide selection of stocking stuffers and unique gifts at HART’s Gift Shop.
Don't miss this purrfect way to add joy to your holidays. Bring your friends, family, and festive spirit—we can’t wait to see you there! ❤️
#cambria #HART #hartcambria #HomelessAnimalRescueTeam #sheltercats #pasorobles #805business #atascadero #centralcoastcalifornia #sanluisobispo #slo #templeton #morrobay #slocounty #centralcoastca #sansimeon #sanluisobispocounty #catshelter #kitty #cafe #kittycafe #sloountyevents
Meet Mickey - HART's December Cat of the Month! ❄️🎅🐾✨ This holiday season, Mickey is hoping for his very own Christmas miracle—a forever home filled with love and joy! Mickey is a playful and affectionate one-year-old who’s ready to bring joy to your home. Whether he’s chasing wand toys with his favorite human or batting a ball across the floor, this sweet boy knows how to have fun. Mickey would love a sunny window, an enclosed yard, or a cozy catio where he can watch birds and bugs to his heart's content.
Mickey has been patiently waiting for his forever family since July, and his holiday wish is to find a loving home in time to celebrate the season. To help make his wish come true, his adoption fee is just $25 throughout December. Could you be Mickey's holiday miracle?
#HART #hartcambria #HomelessAnimalRescueTeam #cambria #sanluisobispocounty #catshelter #slocounty #centralcoastca #morrobay #templeton #slo #sanluisobispo #centralcoastcalifornia #atascadero #pasorobles #805business #lososos #catofthemonth #december #santapaws #santaclaws #mickey #adoptme .
Will you help us reach our Giving Tuesday goal? 💞🐾
We're excited to share that we've raised nearly 40% of our $10,000 goal! 🎉Your support is making a real difference, and we're so grateful to everyone who has contributed so far. Will you help us close the gap and make a life-changing difference for these animals? Every gift, no matter the size, makes a huge impact.
🐾 Donate here: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/fundraising/giving-tuesday-2024-a-donation-to-harts-general-fund
So far in 2024, HART has already taken in nearly 150 cats and kittens—but we can’t do this without your support. HART is a 100% donation- and grant-funded organization, and every dollar goes directly to helping felines in need - like Boone.
🐾 Donate here: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/fundraising/giving-tuesday-2024-a-donation-to-harts-general-fund
Thank you so much for your kindness and support! 💗
#HART #hartcambria #HomelessAnimalRescueTeam #cambria #sanluisobispocounty #centralcoastca #slocounty #morrobay #templeton #slo #sanluisobispo #centralcoastcalifornia #atascadero #cayucos #pasorobles #lososos #GivingTuesday2024 #give #donate #supportyourlocalnonprofit
Today is #GivingTuesday - a global movement that inspires hundreds of millions of people to give, collaborate, and celebrate generosity. This GivingTuesday, HART needs your support to continue our life-saving work:
➡ DONATE: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/fundraising/giving-tuesday-2024-a-donation-to-harts-general-fund
As a 501(c)(3) non-profit, HART relies SOLELY on public donations or grants to fund its operation. From pet food to spays & neuters, routine medical expenses to cat trees and beds; even utilities and basic operating costs; your donation to HART helps cover it all! Your help is needed this #GivingTuesday to raise at least $10,000 to help us continue our work.
➡ Learn more: https://www.hartcambria.org/giving-tuesday-2024
Your support helps us create brighter futures for so many cats—and for that, we are endlessly grateful.
If you'd prefer to help by writing a check, it can be made out to "Homeless Animal Rescue Team" and sent to:
HART
2638 Main Street
Cambria, CA. 93428
Thank you so much for your support!
#HART #hartcambria #HomelessAnimalRescueTeam #sheltercats #cambria #lososos #pasorobles #cayucos #atascadero #centralcoastcalifornia #sanluisobispo #slo #templeton #morrobay #slocounty #centralcoastca #sansimeon #sanluisobispocounty #catshelter #givingtuesday #givingtuesday2024 #hartguardianangelfund #nonprofitfundraiser #supportyourlocalshelter
💗Please donate today to help us help more cats like Knicks and Gideon: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/fundraising/giving-tuesday-2024-a-donation-to-harts-general-fund
GivingTuesday is a global movement that inspires hundreds of millions of people to give, collaborate, and celebrate generosity on #GivingTuesday, December 3, 2024. This GivingTuesday, HART needs your support to continue our life-saving work.
As a 501(c)(3) non-profit, HART relies solely on public donations or grants to fund its operation. From pet food to spays & neuters, routine medical expenses to cat trees and beds; even utilities and basic operating costs; your donation to HART helps cover it all! Your help is needed this #GivingTuesday to raise at least $10,000 to help us continue our work. Your support helps us create brighter futures for so many cats—and for that, we are endlessly grateful.
#HART #cambria #HomelessAnimalRescueTeam #hartcambria #805business #centralcoastcalifornia #sanluisobispo #slo #slocounty #centralcoastca #sanluisobispocounty #catshelter #morrobay #atascadero #pasorobles #cayucos #homelesscats #givingtuesday #givingtuesday2024 #nonprofitfundraiser #donatetoday
🍁 Annie is HART’s November Cat of the Month, and she's been waiting all month for a special family to pick her and bring her home! This gorgeous one-year-old gray tabby has soft, medium-length fur, striking white eyeliner that frames her green eyes beautifully, and the most adorable pink nose. This sweet girl came to HART as a mother of five tiny kittens, and now that her babies are ready for their own adventures, Annie’s looking for a loving home of her own! Annie is curious, playful, and affectionate. She loves to explore her surroundings and help with projects.
As HART’s Cat of the Month for November, her adoption fee is only $25 to help her find the purr-fect match. Come meet Annie at HART! 🍂🐾
Learn more about Annie: https://www.hartcambria.org/cat-of-the-month-november
#HART #hartcambria #HomelessAnimalRescueTeam #sheltercats #cambria #sanluisobispocounty #slocounty #slo #sanluisobispo #centralcoastcalifornia #atascadero #pasorobles #catshelter #graycat #fluffycat #cat #cutecat #prettykitty #tabbycat #mamacat #annie #adoptme
Meet Yoongie & Lizzie, two gorgeous gray-coated sisters with stunning green eyes who have been at HART for almost 6 months. 😿They arrived as scared little kittens and have been growing up in the shelter, often overlooked because they’re a bit more reserved than some of the other cats. Yoongie and Lizzie aren’t the first to rush to the door to greet visitors, but if you approach them quietly with a gentle hand, they’ll reward you with sweet purrs and affection. These lovely sisters are hoping to find a home together where they can blossom into the wonderful companions they are meant to be. With HART's Fall Adoption Specials, the Adoption Fees for a pair of kittens are just $100 ($150 off) and adult cats are just $75 ($24 off). This includes: spay/neuter, microchipping, vaccinations, and a complementary wellness visit at participating local vets. Come meet these cuties at 2638 Main St. in Cambria! Could they be the perfect addition to your family? 🧡 #HART #hartcambria #HomelessAnimalRescueTeam #cambria #catadoption #catshelter #sanluisobispocounty #centralcoastca #slocounty #morrobay #slo #sanluisobispo #centralcoastcalifornia #atascadero #cayucos #pasorobles #lososos #graycats #greycat #sisters #bondedpair #adoptus
Meet Chickadee, the most adorable little prop bandit from our fall photo shoot! At just seven months old, she’s bursting with purr-sonality and charm. We can’t believe this sweet girl has been waiting at the shelter for FIVE months already for her fur-ever home—she’s truly a star!⭐️ She is playful, affectionate, and curious - she loves to be where the action is! When she’s not stealing props, she loves to be snuggled up on someone’s lap. In November, you can adopt a pair of kittens at HART for just $100 (that’s $150 off!) so take advantage of this adoption special and bring home Chickadee and one of her sisters or friends. Learn more about Chickadee here: https://www.adoptapet.com/pet/42825978-cambria-california-cat or come meet her at HART today - 2638 Main Street in Cambria! #HomelessAnimalRescueTeam #hartcambria #HART #slocounty #centralcoastca #morrobay #sanluisobispocounty #catshelter #atascadero #pasorobles #sanluisobispo #cambria #black #kitten #blackkitten #blackkittenlove #blackkittenmagic #kitten #adoptme
Welcome to HART, the Homeless Animal Rescue Team in Cambria, CA. We are a no-kill, cage free animal rescue and adoption center located on the beautiful Central Coast of California. HART’s mission is to rescue domestic animals in need, strays as well as cats who have lost their homes due to death or illness, and place them into good permanent homes. We also aim to eliminate unwanted surplus animals from being born in our immediate area through our active spay/neuter programs.
Our doors are open and we welcome you to drop in. Enjoy some cuddle and play time with the cats in our beautiful home environment, which allows you to get to know these fun and furry beauties one on one. We have three separate rooms of our amazing felines just waiting for you to meet them and take them to their new forever home. Spend the day and who knows? One of the cats might end up adopting you!
OUR MISSION
HART is a Volunteer Service Organization whose mission is to rescue domestic animals in need and place them into good, permanent homes, and to eliminate surplus animals from being born through active spay/neuter programs. HART is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization (Federal ID 77-0018508).
OUR PHILOSOPHY
Our philosophy is ensuring quality of life to all living creatures, both feral and domestic.
OUR HISTORY
HART was founded in 1983 by a small core of volunteers who fostered animals in their own homes. Starting with Mika (a wayward cat in a family way), HART has placed thousands of homeless animals into permanent homes through adoption and foster programs. In 2000 HART acquired its own premises by renting a former veterinarian’s office, allowing us to expand our resources in the community. Our TNR (Trap/Neuter/Release) programs have prevented countless more homeless animals. Through partnerships with educators and other rescue groups HART has helped to develop an effective Humane Education program that has been shared with local schools and communities.
In 2012 HART purchased its current location at 2638 Main Street.
For over 30 years the overwhelming constant characteristic of HART has been a team of volunteers dedicated to the welfare of the animals, first and always.
OUR BOARD MEMBERS
Michael Zarowitz, President
A California native, Michael graduated with degrees in economics, finance, genetics, and a doctorate in molecular biology. During his work as a biomedical research scientist, he acquired several patents. Since moving to the central coast he has been an adjunct faculty member at Cal Poly and is currently a volunteer science teacher at Coast Union High School.
Michael became involved with HART through his partner, Mary Ann Zirretta. Playfully describing himself as a 25-year "on-call grunt,” Michael is a long-standing volunteer and creative fundraiser. Along with Carol Jean Attoe, he organized HART's award-winning Pinedorado Parade floats.
Michael currently lives in Cambria with his dog Shiloh.
Gary Swauger, Treasurer
Gary grew up in Torrance, CA. After studying architecture at Cal Poly, he moved to Cambria with his wife, Susan, two cats, and a dog. Since then, Gary has designed over 400 homes, motels, restaurants, and other commercial buildings.
Beginning his association with HART at the first shelter location, Gary worked on permit requirements, software development, and updating computer equipment. He helped orchestrate the purchase of HART's current building and was the lead on designing tenant improvements necessary to transform an old single family residence into an animal shelter. As Board treasurer, he continues to pursue and evaluate various approaches that will keep HART on solid financial ground.
Currently, Gary and Susan care for Stuart and Snow, two former HART cats and a standard black poodle named Pal
Julie Jenkins, Secretary
Julie was raised in Ohio. She holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees and is a certified life coach. While technical theatre was her early career choice, she eventually moved to Los Angeles where she worked at the studios until she retired from the industry in 2014.
Moving to Cambria in 2015, Julie began volunteering with HART soon after and describes herself as “the new kid on the block.” She serves on the Med Team and regularly furnishes a lap for any feline in search of loving attention. In addition to fostering post-surgery cats, Julie offers compassionate hospice care for those cats experiencing end-of-life challenges. Julie, is a proud member of the ‘Fosters Failure Club’ with 4 fosters that are now permanent members of her household. She considers it a privilege to contribute to the wonderful work done by all those who sustain HART.
Carol Jean Attoe, Board Member
Born and raised in Wisconsin, Carol Jean has lived most of her adult life in California. She earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees, taught physical education at Sacramento CC, and volunteered at the SPCA. After retiring from teaching, she turned her attention to ceramic arts. For over 30 years, her work has been grounded in the natural world and inspired by animals and nature.
During her years at HART, Carol Jean has been a cleaner, transporter, and events volunteer, while her Love Paws fundraisers have enhanced the shelter’s coffers. Her precious cats, Shadow and Silver, are HART alumni.
Of her commitment to HART, Carol Jean says, “It is my hope that we can raise awareness of the animal/human bond and bring love and peace to all livings things.”
Leah Cox, Board Member
Leah and husband Kerry moved to Cambria 2 1/2 yrs ago from the Santa Monica mountains near Lake Sherwood. Before their moving boxes were unpacked Leah was doing TNR for HART. She is our Head Trapper and appreciates any help you can give with trapping situations. Leah has volunteered with county animal shelters and private rescue groups for over 25 yrs, fostering 100’s of kittens, before opening her own Rescue in 2011. Leah is also a member of the ‘Foster Failure Club’ with 2 HART cats plus several feral cats she brought with her from SoCal. HART is delighted to have her decades of cat rescue experience.
