The purpose of the Santa Cruz SPCA is to ensure the best possible quality of life for animals and to promote respect and reverence for all. Our mission is to strive to prevent cruelty to animals, to stop pet overpopulation, to promote community responsibility and for the humane care, treatment and well-being of all animals through adoption, education, information, and action.
The SPCA got its start thanks to Dr. Charles Edward Graves, who graduated from a San Francisco veterinary college in 1901 and was the first veterinarian in Santa Cruz County to treat small animals.
In 1938, he donated his land to the Santa Cruz SPCA. In 1955 the Santa Cruz Animal Welfare Association was incorporated. Alva Enberg, founder, was also its first executive director.
When the Santa Cruz County Animal Services Authority was formed in 2002, they took over the animal control contract with the county of Santa Cruz and the Santa Cruz SPCA became a private agency, focused on humane education, animal rescue, and community support. As a result of the SPCA's shift from a public-funded service to private agency, the only funding they receive is in the form of private donations.
Adoption Procedures:
Our mission is to find the best possible homes for the animals in our care. Many of them have been through severe hardship, mistreatment or neglect, and that makes it even more important that we do our best for them. This means that we have to have guidelines because not every adopter is right for every animal. We try to do right by every person who comes our way looking for a new family pet. But sometimes we have to say no to a potential adopter. Our animals do not have a say in where they go; since we speak for those who have no voice, we must do it well. Our rejection of an adoption application is no reflection on the adopter. Everyone who wants to adopt an animal from a shelter or rescue group is special because they open their homes to those in need. But, while we try to meet the needs of everyone, our clients are the animals. They have no one else. We appreciate your understanding.
Get acquainted: We recommend spending no less than an hour of one-on-one time; this helps to ensure compatibility.
Housing Requirements: If you rent, we require a copy of your lease or a letter from your landlord stating you are allowed to have the animal you are interested in. This letter needs to be on your landlord's letterhead, and with appropriate contact information to verify the pets-allowed policy.
Bring your existing dog(s) if you are adopting another one: We want to make sure your existing pet loves your new friend as much as you do. Meeting on neutral territory will make the selection and introduction process that much easier. Please do not bring your own dog(s) into the building; this would put them at risk of exposure to communicable diseases. If you have cats at home, we will do a cat test with our feline shelter residents. Often dogs in a new environment will not display a prey drive towards cats during the first couple of weeks of acclimation; this test is only meant to indicate to us an immediate failure if the dog shows aggression.
All family members and/or roommates must meet the animal: Some small children are allergic to cats or dogs, but their parents are not aware of it yet. Some elderly family members can't handle the size or activity level of some of our canine guests. Some animals get along perfectly with one person, yet may act aggressive toward another. Bringing everyone who will be a part of the family or the household is critical to the success of the adoption. Please note that we do not adopt animals out to anyone under the age of 21.
A home check may or may not be required: Each adoption process will vary due to the needs of the particular animal and background of the applicant. If a home check is needed, we will set up a convenient time to meet with you at your home.
The adoption process: We do not start adoption processes within an hour of closing, and we do not hold animals. The paperwork itself takes just a few minutes, but the adoption process could last up to 1-2 hours depending on the animal you want to take home and the availability of an adoption counselor. During busier times, especially such as weekends, there can be many adoptions in progress; we ask for your patience if you have to wait during this step as we only have a limited number of staff. If you are adopting a cat, you will need to bring a carrier.
Adoption fees: Kittens under 6 months of age are $150; all other cats are $110. Puppies under 1 year of age are $300; dogs over 1 year are $200, senior dogs are $150. Fees can only be paid by check, cash, or debit card; we do not allow payment plans and we cannot take credit cards. (NOTE: Only an amount over the adoption fee is tax deductible).
All dogs in Santa Cruz County are required by law to be licensed; fees start at $28 for one year. License fees should be paid with a separate check made out to SCCASA. Adoption fees are NOT refundable.
** The Santa Cruz SPCA reserves the right to deny ANY adoption for ANY reason **
All of our animals must be spayed / neutered before they go home.
If they are not already altered, you will be able to pick your new pet up within a few days.
Please note that most of the animals in our center come to us with unknown medical histories. The Santa Cruz SPCA makes every effort to adopt out only healthy animals; however, we cannot guarantee the health of the animal you decide to adopt.
