Santa Barbara Humane will offer fee-waived adoptions on Saturday, June 6, as part of California Adopt-a-Pet Day, a statewide initiative led by the California Animal Welfare Association, San Francisco SPCA, and the ASPCA.
The event will be noon-5 p.m. at Santa Barbara Humane, Santa Barbara Campus, 5399 Overpass Road; and Santa Barbara Humane – Santa Maria Campus, 1687 W. Stowell Road.
Animals available for adoption at Santa Barbara Humane include dogs, cats, puppies and kittens at both campuses.
Every adoptable animal is spayed or neutered, vaccinated, and microchipped prior to adoption.
Staff work closely with adopters to help match them with a pet that fits their lifestyle and home, according to Santa Barbara Humane.
“Events like California Adopt-a-Pet Day help remove barriers to adoption while creating space for more animals in our care,” said Kerri Burns. “It is a meaningful way to connect people in our community with pets who are ready for a home while ensuring we can continue serving animals who need us.”
California Adopt-a-Pet Day has already made a significant impact statewide. In its first year, 3,609 animals were adopted in a single day. In 2025, nearly 5,000 pets found homes across more than 200 participating organizations.
This year, organizers hope to surpass 5,000 adoptions for the first time.
Adoption fees at participating organizations, including Santa Barbara Humane, are waived, thanks in part to support from the ASPCA, making it easier for first-time adopters to welcome a pet home.
Nearly half of the adopters during last year’s event were adopting for the first time, Santa Barbara Humane reports.
Community members can preview animals currently available for adoption by visiting sbhumane.org/adopt, where profiles are updated regularly with photos and information about each animal.
As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, Santa Barbara Humane is the oldest animal welfare agency in Santa Barbara County, serving the community for more than 139 years.
The organization’s campuses in Santa Barbara and Santa Maria provide affordable veterinary care, affordable dog training, adoption services, and socially conscious sheltering for local animals, whether they are with a family or waiting for a home.