Due to many factors, including the economy, soaring vet costs and an 11% increase in homelessness in Santa Barbara County, demand for access to affordable pet care has hit an all-time high in Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties.
Since 2009, C.A.R.E.4Paws has made a tremendous impact. We tirelessly serve thousands of pet families in marginalized communities by providing access to affordable veterinary care, pet food, dog training, foster care, and other critical resources. In 2024 alone, we provided critical resources to over 30,000 pets, which includes assisting 19,200 cats and dogs with affordable wellness services and thousands more with pet meals and supplies!
The inability to care for a beloved pet—a vital source of comfort and companionship—takes quite a toll on community members, especially those already experiencing hardship.
“We are here to help ensure families have access to pet care and other resources they need,” says C.A.R.E.4Paws’ Cofounder and Executive Director, Isabelle Gullö. “Can you imagine the pain of not being able to feed or provide medical treatment for your cat or dog? Or having to give up your beloved companion to seek shelter from homelessness or domestic violence? Our programs support people experiencing financial hardship and temporary life transitions, and the demand for help is only increasing. With the community’s support, we can continue making an impact and prevent more suffering!”
Check out the heartfelt testimonials from numerous pet families impacted by our programs at Happy Tail Stories. Each story is a powerful tribute to the impact that C.A.R.E.4Paws programs have made.
One inspiring story is that of Hunter and his newly adopted dog, Dixie (in the photo below), who urgently needed a large, malignant mammary tumor removed. C.A.R.E.4Paws, with the help of PetSmart Charities, stepped in to fund Dixie’s surgery, which Dr. Alex Gomes performed at a heavily discounted cost at Main Street Small Animal Hospital in Templeton. Dixie was spayed at the same time. Grateful for the support, Hunter shared, “It’s absolutely amazing. We would never have been able to do this, as it’s a really expensive surgery. This will help her live!”
We invite the community to play an active role in providing solutions with us!
Mobile Clinic Sponsorships
In 2024 alone, C.A.R.E.4Paws’ Mobile Community Medicine & Spay/Neuter Outreach program provided low-cost and free vaccines, spay/neuter surgeries, and other medical services to 19,200 cats and dogs in Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo (SLO) counties surpassing the 17,000 served in 2023 and the 13,000 the year before. Businesses and individual supporters can have their logos and names on the backs of the nonprofit’s two mobile veterinary clinics. Sponsorship opportunities are available at the Gold, Platinum, and Lifetime levels; visit Clinic Sponsorships to learn more.
Monetary Gifts
Financial contributions help fund essential services such as mobile veterinary care and pet food distribution. You can donate directly at this link: Donate.
Foster
Fostering helps pet families exposed to domestic violence. Studies show that many survivors stay an average of two years longer in a violent situation when family pets are involved. C.A.R.E.4Paws’ Safe Haven program provides immediate, anonymous shelter for animals until they can be reunited with their loving owners. Foster requests also come from community members going through a temporary transition, such as hospitalization and homelessness. Find out more at Foster a Pet in Need.
Volunteer
Volunteer support is critical for C.A.R.E.4Paws’ programs and events, including pet wellness clinics, Paws Up For Pets early education and outreach, Community Outreach, and Companion Pet Assistance (delivery of pet food and supplies). Visit this volunteer link to fill out an application and learn more.
Pet Food and Supplies
Since the pandemic, C.A.R.E.4Paws has distributed more than 5 million pet meals. Donation-drive support includes dropping off pet food at a partner location, donating monetary gifts, shopping wish lists or organizing a donation drive. Learn more at our Donation Drive link.
With ongoing community support, C.A.R.E.4Paws can continue bridging the gap for those needing affordable pet care, serving as a vital lifeline for beloved companion animals. Thank you for being part of this incredible effort—together, we’re making a profound impact!