Santa Barbara Humane, which has been serving animals in Santa Barbara County since 1887, has announced that it will be renovating and expanding its Santa Barbara location to support its growing services and needs in serving sheltered and community animals.
Story poles have been erected at the facility, at 5399 Overpass Road, to signify the work that Santa Barbara Humane has done and as required before presenting conceptual plans to the City of Goleta.
“The role of Santa Barbara Humane has expanded significantly since our inception 136 years ago,” CEO Kerri Burns said in a letter announcing the plans. “As we look to the future, we are carefully planning to ensure our services and care can meet the high standards and evolving needs of animal welfare here in Santa Barbara County.”
In addition to sheltering animals and connecting them with new homes and owners, Santa Barbara Humane offers accessible veterinary care and behavioral training for pets within the community.
In 2022, Santa Barbara Humane veterinary professionals provided affordable care to 20,426 animals — specifically, free and low-cost veterinary services were provided to 4,000 community animals, which Burns said was a 78% increase from the previous year.
In her letter, Burns said the most cited reason for owner-surrendered pets is behavioral challenges, so in 2022, Santa Barbara Humane provided professional behavioral training to more than 1,000 dogs — a 134% increase from the previous year.
“It is now time that our facilities grow along with our programs, services and vision for the next 136 years,” Burns said. “We have been working with a professional team to identify a renovation plan that will offer a celebrated resource for sheltered and community animals.”
While the renovations are still early in the planning phase, Santa Barbara Humane said they will include state-of-the-art veterinary facilities, enlarged pet enclosures and adapted spaces for behavioral training.
“There will be a great deal more information coming out on our renovation efforts as we officially move forward with our planning and fundraising,” Burns said. “We look forward to having your support as part of this exciting new chapter.”