Supporting the Mission of the Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter
As the largest and most comprehensive animal care and rescue organization in the county, the open-admission Shelter serves over 7,000 animals each year.
The Shelter, Santa Cruz
501(c)(3)
EIN 51-0439604
Education, advocacy and fundraising for the Shelter
Government funding is limited, so the Shelter depends on the community to sustain its life-saving and pet-homelessness-prevention programs. With two locations in Santa Cruz and Watsonville, the Shelter's budget is underfunded and its workers are primarily focused on care and crisis intervention for the county's neediest animals. There is no Shelter staff to lead on community partnerships, humane education, or fundraising — so this is where the Foundation steps in.
The Foundation helps cover costs for core services such as animal control, licensing and rabies vaccinations, safe housing for strays and surrenders, and intervention in animal abuse cases, while also funding prevention programs like spay/neuter clinics, training classes, and public advocacy.
Other Ways to Give
Vehicle Donation
Employer Match
Legacy Giving
Stock Donation
RMD/IRA Rollover
Donor-Advised Fund
Donate Items
Grant Referral
Visit the Shelter's Website
Santa Cruz Shelter
1001 Rodriguez St. (corner of 7th & Rodriguez), Santa Cruz, CA 95062
Watsonville Shelter
580 Airport Blvd., Watsonville, CA 95076
Board of Directors
The Foundation is governed by a paid Executive Director and a volunteer Board of Directors representing diverse Santa Cruz County residents. Board members actively participate in Shelter operations, which keeps their advocacy grounded in what the animals actually need.