Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter

01/18/2025

Thank you Officer Lipari! We will take good care of her.

Repost from Scotts Valley Police Department

Lest anyone think that Officer Lipari is all blazing speeds and brawn, the community of Scotts Valley should know that he is also strongly inclined towards caring for animals.

Earlier today, a reporting party was driving from Ben Lomond to Scotts Valley and heard a continuous concerning sound coming from her car. She was hesitant to investigate the source of the distressing sounds on her own so she called us for help.

Officer Lipari responded and bravely opened the hood of the car, despite the strong likelihood of a rabid raccoon or fully locked and loaded skunk. Instead he found a terrified - but miraculously uninjured - cat.

He rescued the cat, transported it to Coast County Veterinary to scan for a chip (none located) and then took the grateful feline to the Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter where they were turned over to their wonderful care.

01/16/2025

Donate your car and help your local animal shelter. Donating is easy, the pick-up is free, and your gift is tax-deductible. Click on below link to get started. 🙏🐶🐱🐰

https://careasy.org/santa-cruz-county-animal-shelter-foundation

01/16/2025

Meet our fresh-to-the-adoption-floor puppies!

These mixed breed puppies (suspect some German Shepherd in there) came to the Shelter after a good Samaritan found them as strays in Watsonville. They were age guessed to be around 6 weeks upon their arrival to the Shelter. We quickly found two foster families that could provide care for them for two weeks until they were of age for adoption (thank you Elan, Erin & Taleese!).

Well, tomorrow is the day so let’s meet the pups…

Oso (black fluffy) and Queso (brown and black) are in a foster home together. Their foster reports: “Oso is a super cuddly pup that loves sitting on your lap and getting lots of pets. She's sweet and gentle and is happy as long as she's by your side. When you're walking by her pen, she'll patiently wait by the door in hopes that you're coming in.Queso is a playful pup that loves chew toys and wrestling with her sister. She's always trying to get you to play with her--especially tug of war. Once she tires out, she's happiest resting on your lap and receiving lots of belly rubs.”

Quinn (brown fluffy) and Sydney (brown and black) are in a different foster home together. Their foster reports: “Quinn is an adorable and energetic puppy always looking for something to play with or chew on. She will be a big girl and you can practically see her grow every day. She can tend to be a bit independent but likes to have her humans close by to play and snuggle with. She has done very well with the house training and her adopters will need to continue to be proactive about this. She catches on quickly and positive reinforcement training will be important for this sweet girl as she grows. A perfect home for Quinn would be one that is very active, who likes to have their dog along for outdoor activities and adventures. Sydney is an adorable and energetic puppy always looking for something to play with or chew on. She will be a big girl and you can practically see her grow every day. Sydney likes to have her humans close by and she is very interactive and lovable. She has done very well with the house training and her adopters will need to continue to be proactive about this. Sydney catches on quickly and positive reinforcement training will be important for this sweet girl as she grows. A perfect home for Sydney would be one that is very active, who likes to have their dog along for hikes and adventures.”

Their fosters report that these are energetic puppies that can get a bit mouthy when they are over/under-stimulated (typical of puppies but can be startling for children). A home with older children, if children in the home, would be best to set these pups off on the right paw.

All adoptions are first come, first serve in person at the Shelter. We anticipate these cuties will go quick so if you are interested, come on down when we open at 11am today.

Adoption fee includes vaccinations, deworming, flea preventative, microchipping, licensing (dogs), and spay/neuter surgeries.

The Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter is open from 11am to 6pm every day and located at 1001 Rodriguez Street at the corner of 7th Avenue in Santa Cruz. Our telephone number is 831-454-7200. Visit our website at scanimalshelter.org or click on link in Bio.

Thank you for your support! The Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter is an open admission—or open door—animal shelter. This means that we will not turn away any animal that comes to our doors.

01/14/2025

Skipper scored an amazing home today. Woohoo🥳 We are so happy for them. Skipper has such a great personality, he will make a wonderful companion for his new family. It’s a win win🙌

Come find your new family member at SCCAS! The Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter is open from 11am to 6pm every day and located at 1001 Rodriguez Street at the corner of 7th Avenue in Santa Cruz. Our telephone number is 831-454-7200. Visit our website at scanimalshelter.org or click on link in Bio.

Thank you for your support! The Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter is an open admission—or open door—animal shelter. This means that we will not turn away any animal that comes to our doors.

01/11/2025

Anyone looking to add to their family? Rexha was surrendered after her family lost their housing. She is a true gem. She is cat friendly and loves to fetch the ball. She is a volunteer favorite⭐️

Please read her bio below and come meet her today! We are open from 11am to 6pm. Help us find the right fit for her so her time at the shelter is minimal🙏

Meet Rexha!
-3 year old female bulldog mix (very sturdy at 70 lbs)
-In previous home, lived with men, women, seniors and teenager
-Favorite activities are: going to the beach, cuddles and playing tug of war
-Lived in a home with 3 cats previously and loved them.
-Has lived with a male pitbull previously and coexisted nicely
-Knows “sit”, “shake”, “lay down” and “speak”
-Does fine riding in the car

The Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter is open from 11am to 6pm every day and located at 1001 Rodriguez Street at the corner of 7th Avenue in Santa Cruz. Our telephone number is 831-454-7200. Visit our website at scanimalshelter.org or click on link in Bio.

Thank you for your support! The Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter is an open admission—or open door—animal shelter. This means that we will not turn away any animal that comes to our doors.

01/11/2025

It is ! Meet Cole, an adolescent mixed breed! Cole came into the Shelter a bit shell shocked – apprehensive of the environment and the people. We found a wonderful foster fam to take him in and show him that the world isn’t scary. Cole has been thriving in foster with his foster guardian and their resident dog. His foster parent reports: “ Cole is the sweetest puppy. He does need some warm up time when meeting new people or dogs but within 10 minutes he’s usually initiating play! He’s doing well with positive exposure and is getting more confident every day. He has fantastic instincts and is very smart. He can hold his bladder all night and goes potty every time he’s brought outside. He’s crate trained and loves taking naps in his crate. It only took him a minute to learn how to sit on command! His favorite thing to do is snuggle up with his person for a nap.”

Cole would thrive in a home with a dog savvy adopter that will be patient with him in the transition. A decompression time in the home will be crucial to Cole’s success and comfort with his new space and people – low traffic and keeping things low key and on a schedule for the first month or so. A resident dog who wants a play mate would be wonderful.

Thanks to his foster fam, Cole has a lot of skills to make him a wonderful companion. Now he just needs to meet his person, could it be you?

A big thank you to foster parent Sinead and resident pup Willow for giving Cole lots of love and guidance. Set up a meet and greet today!

The Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter is open from 11am to 6pm every day and located at 1001 Rodriguez Street at the corner of 7th Avenue in Santa Cruz. Our telephone number is 831-454-7200. Visit our website at scanimalshelter.org or click on link in Bio.

01/10/2025

Have you heard about our adoption special for black kittens and cats through the Bogey Fund🐈‍⬛🐈‍⬛?!! Since the start of the promotion, we have found homes for 8 black kitties! Let’s keep the adoptions going🤞🤞

Meet Stg. Tubbs, the tuxedo long haired boy! He came into the Shelter as a stray so we do not know much about him. Staff have observed that, after a period of decompression from coming in as a stray, he has been soliciting attention, enjoys being brushed and is very affiliative. Sgt. Tubbs may do well in an indoor/outdoor home after a period of acclimation and supervised time outdoors. A home with cat-friendly animals may also be a fit.

When meeting Stg. Tubbs for the first time, he almost fell out of the kennel rubbing against my hand, purring and soliciting attention. He would thrive in a home with adopters who will give him loads of love.

This cat’s adoption fee is sponsored by our Bogey Fund - a fund that shines a light on the often overlooked black cats in Shelters & assist with finding them adoptive homes.

The Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter is open from 11am to 6pm every day and located at 1001 Rodriguez Street at the corner of 7th Avenue in Santa Cruz. Our telephone number is 831-454-7200. Visit our website at scanimalshelter.org or click on link in Bio.

Thank you for your support! The Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter is an open admission—or open door—animal shelter. This means that we will not turn away any animal that comes to our doors.

01/09/2025

Great news! Registration has opened for our low cost spay and neuter clinic happening next month (February 14, 15 and 16).

To register your pet scan QR code, click link below or if you do not have internet access call 831-454-7200 for assistance.

https://tinyurl.com/4pej3pnd

01/09/2025

Attn: South County residents- Looking for a low cost spay or neuter for your cat or dog? Contact our friends at FOWAS

Keep sharing please! Thank you! 😘

01/08/2025

PupDate🐾♥️ Maverick was adopted in 2011 and is over 13 years old now. We were so happy to receive the below update and photos of Maverick from 2011 and now. What a cutie🥰?!! He is living his best life here in Santa Cruz.

“We lost our 16 year old chow shepherd mix Lucky in Spring 2011. My husband was not ready for a new dog so I started volunteering at the shelter. After a few months, my husband finally gave in and we went to the Shelter. My son chose Maverick because he was such a playful, cute little dude. Maverick is small but might, hence his name. He is a protector and lover, and with long sleek legs that make him look like a gazelle. He would jump on the kitchen stool so he could get a better hug from us. He’s not as spry anymore but we still do daily walks and sniffaris. Mav’s favorite thing these days is hanging out on his heated blanket and cuddling on the sofa.”

Come find your Maverick at the Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter!

The Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter is open from 11am to 6pm every day and located at 1001 Rodriguez Street at the corner of 7th Avenue in Santa Cruz. Our telephone number is 831-454-7200. Visit our website at scanimalshelter.org or click on link in Bio.

Thank you for your support! The Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter is an open admission—or open door—animal shelter. This means that we will not turn away any animal that comes to our doors.

01/08/2025

Meet the Goat Squad: Sirius, Orion, and Lyra! 🐐✨

This trio of well-loved goats is ready to find their new forever home! Surrendered due to zoning restrictions, these goats have been raised with care and plenty of attention. Here’s what you need to know about them:

🌟 Sirius
📋 ID: A317915
🖤 Color: Black & White
🎂 Age: 1.5 years old
👑 Personality: Sirius is confident and curious, often leading the way for her goat friends.

🌌 Orion
🖤 Color: Black
🎂 Age: 1.5 years old
👑 Personality: Orion is calm and easygoing, making him a great companion for people and animals alike.

✨ Lyra
🤍 Color: White with black speckles
🎂 Age: 1.5 years old
👑 Personality: Lyra is playful and affectionate, always enjoying time with her herd and human friends.

Why Adopt the Goat Squad?
• Socialized with dogs, cats, chickens, and children.
• Regularly groomed and vetted with no outstanding medical concerns.
• Familiar with handling and respond to the word “NO.”
• Prefer dry conditions and have been cared for in a clean, safe environment.

They were all bottle fed for the first 4 months at home, indoors, like to be on furniture. They lived with dogs, cats, and chickens. Comfortable with handling with adults and children. They have been groomed regularly and brushed, never bathed. They have had their feet done and done well. They have seen a mobile farm vet, no outstanding medical concerns. Diet at home is mostly alfafa bales, they are fed once a day, one slice, in the morning. They know the word “NO” when they are misbehaving. They lived in an enclosure at night, 1/4 acre for the day. They don’t like the rain. -
Ready to meet this adorable trio? Visit them at the Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter and see if they’re the perfect fit for your home!

📍 Location: 1001 Rodriguez Street, Santa Cruz, CA 95062
📞 Phone: (831) 454-7200
🕒 Hours: Open daily 11:00 am - 6:00 pm

01/07/2025

Look who was adopted yesterday - Scrappy and Charlie! They are off to their new ♥️🐾

Come find your new BFF at the Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter!

Adoption fee includes vaccinations, deworming, flea preventative, microchipping, licensing (dogs), and spay/neuter surgeries.

The Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter is open from 11am to 6pm every day and located at 1001 Rodriguez Street at the corner of 7th Avenue in Santa Cruz. Our telephone number is 831-454-7200. Visit our website at scanimalshelter.org or click on link in Bio.

Thank you for your support! The Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter is an open admission—or open door—animal shelter. This means that we will not turn away any animal that comes to our doors.

01/03/2025

UPDATE: Frankfurt was adopted today! Someone saw this post on another group and drove down to meet him. He now has a Boston terrier sibling. Thanks to everyone who shared this post.

It is and we want to share an update on Frankfurt who has been in foster care for a couple of weeks. He is a special 4-year-old English bulldog looking for a special place to call home. Below is an update from his amazing foster parents along with some photos and (videos in comments) of Frankfurt. Please read his full bio on our website at scanimalshelter.org and if interested in learning more about Frankfurt and/or meeting him, call or come into the shelter to speak with staff.

“Frankfurt has been doing great. He’s a bit of a bull in a china shop but a really happy guy. He loves going out on walks and outings to the park and beach. He’s not great on a leash and will pull significantly. His disability doesn’t stop him at all. He’s really strong! He gets very excited when meeting new people and dogs. Some dogs are great with him and welcome his exuberance and others aren’t as interested. He did well around little kids too and has met a handful, however he doesn’t know his own strength and could easily knock over a little kid with his excitement if the introductions are not managed. His wobbliness hasn’t been a huge problem. Although he does fall from time to time. When he does fall, he gets right back up and keeps trotting along. He’s pretty steady when he gets a good pace going while walking. He can even run pretty fast!
Stairs/stepping down from anything elevated (i.e. couch) are his biggest struggle. He’s pretty good going up and can navigate my one step from backyard to house but needs guidance 100% of the time going down.”

Frankfurt came into our care as a stray. Staff observed he is not so steady on his feet at all times. Medical staff observed him and suspect he has some sort of neurological condition that causes him to have severe ataxia with intermittent stumbling. An ideal home would be a dog savvy adopter who will provide significant lifestyle modifications in the home including but not limited to: carpet/non-slip floors and fall protection. Interested adopters will need a consultation with medical staff to provide them will information to make an informed decision prior to falling in love with Frankfurt’s endearing personality😍

01/01/2025

We are closed to the public today (1/01/25). We have limited staff and volunteers on hand to take care of the shelter animals. We will reopen to the public on 1/02/25 at 11am.

Stray animal drop off is available between 8am and 4pm. Please ring doorbell at the door to the left of the main entrance. Our address is 1001 Rodriguez Street at the corner of 7th Avenue in Santa Cruz.

Visit our website at scanimalshelter.org or click on link in Bio for more information.

Thank you for your support! The Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter is an open admission—or open door—animal shelter. This means that we will not turn away any animal that comes to our doors.

01/01/2025

Please help us get the word out! These dogs were found in recent days and are safe at the Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter. The Shelter is closed New Years’ Day, but will be open again on January 2, and we’d love to get these dogs back to their rightful owners!

A317798 Small, fluffy dog found by a traveler along Hwy 1, near Castroville, and brought to us here in Santa Cruz
A317801 French bulldog mix found on Seabright Beach
A317807 & A317808 A pug mix and Lhasa Apso mix found along Graham Hill Rd
A317815 Young brindle shepherd found in Watsonville

Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter serves as the pet Lost & Found. Protect your pet by providing a collar & tag and a microchip, and be sure to take extra precautions to keep your pets safely confined through the New Year’s fireworks!!

Thank you!

12/31/2024

Today (Tuesday, December 31st) is the last day of our adoption special. Adoption fee of Cats, dogs and bunnies is $50.

Adoption fee includes vaccinations, deworming, flea preventative, microchipping, licensing (dogs), and spay/neuter surgeries.

The Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter is open from 11am to 6pm every day and located at 1001 Rodriguez Street at the corner of 7th Avenue in Santa Cruz. Our telephone number is 831-454-7200. Visit our website at scanimalshelter.org or click on link in Bio.

*please note last meet and greet is at 4:30 pm*

Thank you for your support! The Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter is an open admission—or open door—animal shelter. This means that we will not turn away any animal that comes to our doors.

‼️WE WILL BE CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC ON NEW YEARS DAY‼️

12/29/2024

Happy 🐰

Meet adoptable bun Cotton Tail! She is about 3 years old and is looking for a place to call home. Volunteers say she is getting used to being handled and even enjoys some cuddles. Check out the photos and come meet this special 🐰 today.

Adoption fee includes vaccinations, deworming, flea preventative, microchipping, licensing (dogs), and spay/neuter surgeries.

The Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter is open from 11am to 6pm every day and located at 1001 Rodriguez Street at the corner of 7th Avenue in Santa Cruz. Our telephone number is 831-454-7200. Visit our website at scanimalshelter.org or click on link in Bio.

Thank you for your support! The Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter is an open admission—or open door—animal shelter. This means that we will not turn away any animal that comes to our doors.