Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter

Staff member Jill nominates Boston A313516 & Tokyo A313520 as Homecoming Co-Queens!

“These girls are guaranteed to bring smiles to their new family’s face. Whether they are snuggling with each other, saying hi to you, or playing – they are spirited curious kittens that are basically sunshine in a cat body. Adopting two cats is great for the kitties as well as their people. When you are at work, they keep each other company. Also, having a buddy improves their behavior in a home as it allows them the enrichment of play and socialization that they cannot necessarily get in the same way from their human guardian. If you are looking for a daily dose of dopamine in your life – come meet these two today!”

We have had 31 adoptions since our Homecoming Adoption Special began on Friday👑😻🥳

Now is the time to come into SCCAS and adopt your new furry feline family member! All cat and kitten adoptions are $25 and includes spay/neuter, microchip and more.

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.

We have more happy endings to share with you. Here are Pauli and Cookie with their new families.

We have had 17 adoptions since our Homecoming Adoption Special began on Friday👑😻🥳

Now is the time to come into SCCAS and adopt your new furry feline family member! All cat and kitten adoptions are $25 and includes spay/neuter, microchip and more.

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.

Have you heard about our Homecoming Cat and Kitten Adoption Special?!! $25 adoption fee now thru 9/28. Come find your new royal family member to your kingdom.

Nominations are flowing in… Adopt Your Favorite!

Staff member Shadia voted Aubrey A315478 as Homecoming Queen!

“Aubrey is an affectionate purr machine that loves a good night out in her fancy tuxedo suit. This young lady sure loves a snuggle on the dance floor and would make an exquisite addition to anyone’s homecoming court.”

Volunteer Sequoia nominates Mara A313635 as Homecoming Queen!

“Mara is the quirky queen you didn’t know you were looking for! She has so much love to give and that occasionally overwhelms her. Sometimes she wants to curl up and relax and other times she wants to tell you all about her day. Either way, she will love you unconditionally. With a loud purr and soft fur, she’s got it all!”

We are 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.

Oso was swooped up yesterday by this lovely family. He had just come up for adoption and they were in the right place at the right time.

We wish this family the best as they get adjusted to their new lives. Remember the 3-3-3 rule! Three days for initial decompression, three weeks to learn the routines of your household, and three months to start to feel relaxed and at home.

Come find your new family member at the Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter. We are 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.

You may be done with high school, but you can still celebrate Homecoming!

SCCAS is at “cat-pacity” with more animals arriving every day, so now’s a purrfect time to select a furry friend (or two) for your Homecoming team!

We already had an adoption today. Look at our little tortie Trillium with her new mama🐈‍⬛😻

The $25 adoption fee includes vaccinations, microchipping, and spay or neuter, as always!

Visit us today and every day from 11am to 6pm. We are located in Santa Cruz at 1001 Rodriguez Street at the corner of 7th Avenue.

Our Watsonville location is at 580 Airport Blvd and open Tues.-Sat. 9:30am-noon; 1-5pm. Closed Sundays and Mondays.

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.

Meet these three little fur babies looking for their forever homes. Mariposa Lily, Trillium and Dandelion were in foster care and now back at the Shelter. Come meet them today! We want to thank foster parent Jennifer for giving these cuties lots of love, attention and socialization.

Mariposa Lily aka MiniMe is the spitting image of her mom. She has her mom's beautiful markings -- white socks, a little pink nose and pink toe beans. You can count on her to be sleeping in adorably funny positions, often on her back, and she has been very photogenic. She isn't one to lay about however, she's all business when it comes to chasing string toys and is surprisingly quick.

Her favorite cuddle partner is her tortoiseshell sister but she is young and capable of being friends with other kittens or cats. Ideally she needs someone to be her playmate. Mariposa is a happy, friendly kitten that would be a great addition to any sort of home.

Trillium is a pretty tortoiseshell or tortie cat and the most adventurous of the bunch. She was always the first to try something new and was never afraid to explore. I had trouble catching photos of this little dynamo in focus because she was often in motion.

I often found her curled up with her sister Mariposa Lily, but she's a well-adjusted, charming little kitten that can adapt to a variety of situations and homes and would really like it if you'd come see her and the rest of the litter. They are all social, snuggly, like to be picked up and cuddled and also love to play!

Dandelion is an amazingly soft tabby who was voted most likely to chill out while being held and also the best bet for a lap cat, when she's not zooming around after balls, mice and other toys. Like the rest of her litter she has a great demeanor and would learn to adapt to a variety of living situations. She's social and sweet.

This little fluffy Dandelion would love to meet you soon!

Visit our website at scanimalshelter.org for more information.

Yay for SPAYtober!

As the seasons change, and life's rhythm gets back to a more routine pace, we expect our schedule to slow down too.

That said we are noticing that so many female cats are still unspayed, and having litters.

So .... October we've decided is now SPAYtober!! 🍁🍂

Of course we still want to see the boys, and puppers too, but we're making extra room for the girlies 😻 Call us and get them in! Let’s fill up that October calendar! 831-724-4988

$69 for spay/neuter (cats)

$299 for spay/neuter (dogs)

Please spread the word, thank you! 😁

Meet the “teenagers” of the 2024 kitten season. These teenagers are typically 4 to 11 months old but originally came in as underage, tiny kittens at the beginning of the kitten season. Their littermates have been adopted and these felines have grown up in our care. Most have been in our care for two to five months. As time goes on, more and more younger kittens come in and get adopted leaving these growing kitties to get passed over. But each and every one of these teens are special. As near-adults, it’s much easier to get a sense of their adult personality than it is with younger kittens. It’s a little easier to decide whether they’re a good match for your household and/or what you’re looking for as far as kitty character! They have the kitten energy, socialization and pep of the youngsters but have more wisdom, personality and spirit of adults. They often have spent time in foster homes and have gotten lots of TLC from our lovely volunteer group so they get A+ socialization before adoption. What’s not to love!? If you want to add an often overlooked kitty to your home – come meet these teens 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.

PupDate🐾🥰🙏

“One year ago today, we adopted a little yellow puppy from the Santa Cruz Animal Shelter. I am writing to say what a WONDERFUL dog he has grown up to be. He is always ready to play or nap or go in the car or lie in the sun or practice his tricks. He loves his whole family with his whole heart, but especially his boy. He also has the best ears of any dog ever!

We are so glad he found his way to the shelter and that we found our way there to make him ours.

Liz, Christopher and Leander

p.s. - Whimzees and Wubbas are some of Draco’s favorite treats and toys, so watch for some coming to the shelter for the other dogs via the donation list on Chewy!”

Meet our Pets of the Week! Thanks to KPIG Radio for sharing and promoting this sweet trio looking for a home together.

These pups are ready to fuel up your sweetness and silliness tanks! They came to the Shelter as part of an accidental litter between a German Shepherd and an apparently smaller mystery dad dog. Based on their current size, these pups will likely grow to be medium-sized, not G. Shep sized. They’re still learning a lot about the world around them, so things like potty training, meeting new people and pets, and leash walking are all fairly new concepts, so adopters will need to be patient and gentle in the transition. Puppies, as cute as they are, are a lot of work. Adopters should anticipate spending a lot of resources (time, treats, patience etc…) towards guiding and shaping them into well socialized adults. A home with another dog may be a fit - we recommend arranging a puppy-to-dog introduction at the Shelter prior to adoption. We don’t have any history of these puppies with kids or cats. If you are looking for pups that are ready to hit the road with you – come meet these cuties today!

A big thanks to photographer Yekun for the photos of these adorable pups.

Puppies are a LOT of work but also very rewarding and fun. We advise adopters to make sure they are ready for all the time and patience that is required prior to adopting. If you think you are ready to have a puppy companion, come into the Shelter to talk about the process of meet and greets & adoption!

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

We are 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.

Check this out.

🐈 Time to get your Princess in Black costume sorted for Wednesday's event with the award-winning team of Shannon & Dean Hale with LeUyen Pham!

👗 Which character are you dressing up as? 🎩

Want more information on this fun-filled event, which also includes an activity hosted by the Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter? 👇👇

EVENT + RSVP: https://www.bookshopsantacruz.com/princess-in-black

A big thank you to foster parent Beth Darr and family for taking care of these two. Come meet them today! Visit our website at scanimalshelter.org for more information.

Adoptable "Molasses" and "Oatmeal Raisin" are headed back to the Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter later today so that they can meet you!

Adoptions are first come, first served and must be done in person.

Don't miss out on a chance to bring either (or both) of these love bugs home with you.
Shown here with two of our resident big dogs whom they really enjoy playing with.

Meet Princessa! This sweet, spirited senior Shepherd came to the Shelter after her previous guardians were unable to continue caring for her. Despite being double digits (11 years old) – this girl has lots of s***k and soul to share with her next family. She has been in a foster home and the foster reports that she is an easy gal to care for. She is house trained. A typical day for Princessa involves a few short walks around the neighborhood, sun bathing and/or napping on her bed, and then keeping up with the neighborhood gossip (aka looking out the window to see what is happening outside while relaxing on her bed). Princessa is looking for an adopter that enjoys going for walks but doesn’t necessarily need an adopter that will hike up a mountain. She has gone on little day trips with her foster family to the beach where there were other dogs and people and has done well. She sleeps through the night and has excellent manners in the house. Princessa has met other dogs out on walks and has done well. She previously also lived with a dog. If you are looking to give an older girl a soft spot for her golden years – come meet Princessa 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.

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.

Our sweet Vaquita who was found injured and tied to a stranger’s fence has a family now! Woohoo🥳🐶🥰 We are over the moon and this photo says it all.

Is it time to add a new family member? Come visit the Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter.

We have Vaquito’s two sisters Valerie and Veronica who were found with her tied to a fence. Plus we have more puppies, dogs, kittens, cats, bunnies, guinea pigs, roosters, rats and more. Visit our website at scanimalshelter.org (link in bio) to view all adoptable pets.

We are 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.

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.

Check out these photos of Barbara - so cute🥰

Are you looking for a small dog that packs a punch? Meet Barbara!

This small, mixed breed is full of energy and s***k. She is looking for a home that has experience with the high-needs of young puppies. Barbara requires frequent potty breaks to learn house training, obedience training to learn commands, and leash training to perfect her walking skills. Like all puppies, Barbara benefits from having human companions around throughout most of the day, and has a tendency to cry and whine when left alone. She enjoys squeaker toys, chew toys, treats, and is currently teething. Barbara loves to play tug of war! Barbara will need an adopter who is committed to positive-reinforcement training. Barbara has been described as s***ky and fiesty. Are you looking for a small dog that will satisfy your need for canine play and companionship? Come see if Barbara will fit into your BARBIE WORLD here at the Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter.

Thanks to volunteer Indi for capturing Barbara’s s***kiness in these adorable photos.

UPDATE 9/09/24 at 10:28 am - Found and Safe at is back at Shelter!!!

Lost dog alert: Large, gentle, black & white dog, Smokey, escaped Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter’s adoption kennels Sunday evening at 6:45 pm. Please do not chase! He is 72 lbs, neutered male, about 4 yrs old. Call or text 831-359-2807 if he is found and contained. Thank you!

Hop🐇 on by and say 👋 to some adoptable bunnies and Guinea pigs.

Come to the taproom at 12:30pm TODAY SUNDAY 9/8 and hang with some adoptable bunnies while you enjoy some brews!

Saturday was a beautiful day for our Bella: she was adopted and had her freedom ride to make her new family complete! 🥳🐶🥰🐾

Her adopter said “Thanks so much for your help as we adopted Bella! We absolutely love her. She’s so sweet and gentle. The shelter was busy on Saturday, and the team triaged everyone very well. I was so impressed with everyone!”

We have hundreds more sweet pets waiting for their chance at a loving home, and we can’t wait to help you find your match!

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.

🐾PupDate🐾

“We adopted a 10-week-old puppy three days ago. His name is Simon. I wanted to let you know that he is thriving and running around his new home and yard gleefully. He learned to use the doggie door in about 5 minutes, and is already learning some basic commands. He is signed up for puppy training next week. He is really happy and loving and sleeps through the night with us. We love him so much!”

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

We are 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.

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

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.

Join us at Bookshop Santa Cruz! We will have a craft table set up to make toys and more for our Shelter kitties from 5-6 pm.

🏰 FREE IN-STORE EVENT!! 🏰

👸 Celebrate 10 years of The Princess in Black with us as we welcome the award-winning team of Shannon Hale, Dean Hale & illustrator LeUyen Pham on September 18th at 6pm for their upcoming release, The Princess in Black and the Kitty Catastrophe. But wait, there is more 👇👇

🏰 Come dressed as your favorite character from the beloved series and participate in an activity hosted by our co-sponsor, The Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter!

🐱 This is a fun-filled event you don't want to miss. Be sure to register your interest in attending here: https://www.bookshopsantacruz.com/princess-in-black

We added more dates for our free vaccination clinics!