When a Southern California animal shelter posted a plea on a message board saying it was overwhelmed with animals, Santa Barbara Humane stepped up and offered to help ease some of the burden by transferring cats into their care.
On Monday, May 8, 47 adorable kittens came from OC Animal Care to Santa Barbara Humane.
Kerri Burns, Santa Barbara Humane’s CEO, said the organization is always happy to help
other animal welfare organizations.
“We are always thrilled when we can help a partner organization when they are struggling,” she said.
According to Burns, the timing of the transfer was fortuitous since Santa Barbara Humane
currently has space for felines.
“Transferring these kittens not only helps reduce the population at an overcrowded shelter but also fulfills a need in our own community for adoptable cats,” she said.
The kittens, who range in age from seven weeks to three months, will be spayed or neutered, and will receive microchips and all vaccinations appropriate for their age.
Both the Santa Barbara and Santa Maria campuses will have kittens available for adoption starting Wednesday, May 10. On that day, potential adopters can walk in for adoption, noon-3 p.m.
Adopters will soon have more chances to meet the kittens, thanks to Santa Barbara Humane’s expanded adoption hours. Starting Thursday, May 11, both campuses will be open for walk-in adoptions, noon-4:30 p.m. Thursday through Tuesday.
Animal surrenders and veterinary clinic visits will continue to be by appointment only.
All available animals can be viewed on Santa Barbara Humane’s website sbhumane.org.
As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, Santa Barbara Humane is the oldest animal welfare agency in Santa Barbara County, serving the community for 135 years. Two campuses in Santa Barbara and Santa Maria provide low-cost veterinary care, dog training, adoption, and socially-conscious sheltering for local animals, whether they are with a loving family or at the shelter waiting for a forever home.
Because Santa Barbara Humane does not receive any federal funding, it relies on donor support to help thousands of animals and families each year in Santa Barbara County