Spark Rescue Santa Barbara, a grassroots, no-kill rescue group, which since 2014 has placed thousands of animals in loving homes, is now searching for a permanent home of its own.
Spark Rescue has operated without a shelter building and without paid staff.
“Many of Spark’s dogs and cats are abandoned, left on the streets or given up by families who no longer want them, while others are pulled from overcrowded Southern California shelters,” the organization said.
However, Spark’s foster network can no longer keep up with demand, its leaders said.
“For two years, Spark has searched for land of its own, but AG-II properties, where a rescue can operate, are scarce in Santa Barbara County,” they said.
While Spark is looking at other available properties, one of them, Spark officials said, “is perfect for the rescue’s needs” and “Spark could move in immediately.”
It is a 2.15-acre AG-II farmstead at 10800 Calle Real, Goleta, with two homes, an avocado orchard, open land and a 30-by-40-foot workshop.
The county has confirmed that a rescue can operate on AG-II land, Spark officials said.
The price has been reduced to $2,175,000, and permits and build-out are estimated at about $700,000, for a total goal of $2,875,000.
Spark’s foster model would stay at the heart of the rescue. The property would shelter overflow and sanctuary dogs and cats, and give volunteers a place to gather, the rescue group said.
“For more than 10 years, our foster families have carried this rescue on their hearts and in their homes,” said Susan Park, Spark’s director/founder.
“Calle Real would let us say yes to more of the dogs in shelters who are considered unadoptable,” Park said. “It would also be a sanctuary, a place for the dogs and cats who have nowhere else to go.”
Founded in 2014, Spark Rescue Santa Barbara is an all-volunteer, foster-based no-kill 501(c)(3) nonprofit.
“Every animal lives in a volunteer’s home, not a kennel, while it heals, learns to trust, and waits for its family. Spark’s foster homes stretch across Santa Barbara, Ventura, Ojai and Santa Maria,” its leaders said.
Spark rescues dogs and cats from some of the region’s most crowded areas, including LA City, LA County, SEAACA, San Bernardino, Devore, Hesperia, Kern County, and the city f Bakersfield.
Every animal receives full veterinary care through Spark’s partners, Simi Valley Spay and Neuter, St. Francis Pet Hospital, and Village Vet Hospital.
“Because the animals live in real homes, their foster families know them well, and that shapes how Spark places them,” the nonprofit said. “Approved adopters meet the animal at its foster home, bringing their whole household, and Spark reviews each home for safety before an adoption is finalized.”
Through Spark’s foster-to-adopt option, adopters can also care for a dog for up to 14 days to see if it’s the right fit.
“Every animal is carefully placed in a forever home, which has kept Spark’s adoption return rate below 1%,” leaders said. “Spark is a grassroots organization that receives no funding from any national agency; it runs on the generosity of its incredible community.”
Ways to get involved
· Adopt: Meet adoptable dogs and cats at www.sparkrescue.org and at Spark’s meet-and-greet adoption events.
· Foster: Open your home to an animal while it waits for its family. Spark provides support and covers care.
· Donate at https://www.sparkrescue.org and on Givebutter, https://givebutter.com/spark-sanctuary-gj6eze.
Readers who know of someone with AG-II property in Santa Barbara County and is interested in selling, is urged to email Spark Rescue, rescue@sparkrescue.org, or call 805-225-8045.
Learn more about Spark Rescue Santa Barbara at www.sparkrescue.org.