Santa Barbara Humane is marking its 139th birthday on Friday, April 18, with a celebration focused on helping animals head home, and supporting the care that makes those moments possible.
On that day, adoption fees will be waived for most available animals at both the organization’s — Santa Barbara and Santa Maria — campuses (excluding VIP animals.)
From playful puppies to laid-back adult cats, a range of animals will be available for adoption, each waiting for the right match.
Among them is Yuki, a two-year-old Shiba Inu mix at the Santa Barbara campus. Yuki, brings plenty of energy and enthusiasm to every interaction, according to Santa Barbara Humane.
Transferred from an overcrowded shelter, Yuki is still working on his basic manners, and would benefit from a home that can provide consistent structure and continued training.
Playful and highly active, Yuki thrives on exercise and mental stimulation, and will do best with someone ready to include him in daily adventures, from long walks to outdoor outings.
Also available is Louie, a two-year-old tabby at the Santa Maria campus, who is a little shy at first but warms up over time.
Louie previously lived as a community cat and is looking for a calm home where he can feel safe and settle in at his own pace, Santa Barbara Humane said.
“This day is about creating real moments of connection,” said Dori Villalon, COO at Santa Barbara Humane.
“When someone walks through our doors and meets an animal they connect with, everything can change. Waiving adoption fees helps remove barriers so more of those moments can happen,” Villaon said.
The adoption event is part of Santa Barbara Humane’s first annual Birthday Giving Day, a community effort to support care for animals both in its shelters and out in the community.
“While some animals will go home that day, many others will still need veterinary treatment, behavior support, and time before they are ready,” Santa Barbara Humane said.
At the same time, families will continue to rely on affordable veterinary services, training support, and resources to care for the pets they already have.
“For 139 years, Santa Barbara Humane has served people with pets and pets without people across Santa Barbara County,” Santa Barbara Humane officials said.
“Today, that work includes adoptions, affordable veterinary care, dog training, a pet food pantry, and services delivered through its mobile veterinary unit,” they said.
“Every animal who goes home represents a much larger effort behind the scenes,” Villaon said. “From medical care to training to simply giving an animal the time they need to feel safe again, this work is made possible by a community that continues to show up.”