Helping Roscoe find relief through accessible dental care

Helping Roscoe find relief through accessible dental care

Meet Patrick and his best friend, Roscoe! Patrick adopted Roscoe from the county shelter four years ago, but when Roscoe began struggling with dental pain, Patrick wasn’t sure where to turn.

“I wasn’t able to afford a full-service vet,” Patrick shares. “I’m so grateful I found C.A.R.E.4Paws.”

Roscoe received a much-needed dental cleaning in our mobile clinic and is now pain-free!

“It was the best service I’ve ever received,” says Patrick. “Your clinic crew really helped my boy, and Roscoe did great afterward. I will continue to use your services for his care!”

C.A.R.E.4Paws opens a confidential, free emergency boarding facility to support Central Coast pet families navigating domestic abuse and other life crises

C.A.R.E.4Paws opens a confidential, free emergency boarding facility to support Central Coast pet families navigating domestic abuse and other life crises

Edhat Santa Barbara | Saturday, March 14, 2025 |

When families face sudden life crises, one of their biggest worries is often the safety of their pets. To help address this need on California’s Central Coast, C.A.R.E.4Paws has launched a confidential Pet Refuge that provides free, temporary emergency boarding for dogs and cats while their families stabilize.

“Pets are family,” says Isabelle Gullö, C.A.R.E.4Paws’ Cofounder and Executive Director. “During difficult times, the fear of losing a beloved companion or not knowing what will happen to a pet can add tremendous stress. The Pet Refuge helps ensure animals remain safe and cared for until families are able to reunite. It’s a significant, much-needed milestone for our animal-loving community.”

A dog and a cat running towards us in a field

The Pet Refuge operates through a trusted, confidential boarding partner, with additional oversight and support from C.A.R.E.4Paws staff and volunteers. Together, they ensure pets receive daily care, enrichment and veterinary support while staying in a safe and secure environment.

The program serves pet families navigating difficult circumstances such as domestic violence, hospitalization, deportation proceedings and displacement from disasters like wildfires or other unexpected crises that temporarily prevent them from caring for their animals. Unlike animal shelters or rescue programs, the goal of the Pet Refuge is temporary care and reunification, allowing pets to return home once their families are able to care for them again.

Now that the refuge structure is in place, C.A.R.E.4Paws is working to raise at least $20,000 to support the pets staying at the Refuge. Beyond monetary gifts toward veterinary care and food, the organization is grateful for donations of supplies, including Kuranda beds (raised, chew-resistant dog beds), cat bedding, cozy blankets, as well as Kongs and other types of durable chew toys.

Two kittens cozy, warm and safe

“Every single donation makes a meaningful difference,” says Gullö. “With the community’s help, we can ensure the refuge is a safe, welcoming place for pets whose families are navigating some of life’s toughest challenges.”

To donate, visit care4paws.org/donate. To learn more about the Pet Refuge project, visit care4paws.org/petrefuge. Survivors seeking support can contact C.A.R.E.4Paws at 805-335-7524 or safehaven@care4paws.org. Anyone in immediate danger should call 911.

C.A.R.E.4Paws opens confidential, free emergency boarding facility

C.A.R.E.4Paws opens confidential, free emergency boarding facility

Santa Barbara Independent | Wednesday, December 03, 2025 11:24am |

Santa Barbara, Calif. – As thousands of Central Coast families struggle to make ends meet, many are fighting to keep their beloved pets fed, healthy and home. To provide urgently needed support, C.A.R.E.4Paws hosts its Howliday Donation Drive-Thru on Saturday, December 6. From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., community members can drop off dog and cat food and monetary gifts at donation sites that span Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo (SLO) counties. This includes Santa Barbara’s Earl Warren Showgrounds and La Cumbre Feed, Klondike Pizza in Santa Maria and Arroyo Grande, Dr. Greenthumb’s Dispensary in Orcutt, Edwards Barn in Nipomo, and Creekside Pet Boarding in Arroyo Grande.

“Right now, so many of our neighbors are facing impossible choices, and pets often feel the impact,” says executive director and cofounder Isabelle Gullö. “When families don’t have enough resources, animals are at greater risk of being surrendered to already overwhelmed shelters. C.A.R.E.4Paws is here to prevent that, and we simply can’t do our work without the generosity of this community.”

Feline pet family

This holiday season, supporters can also make a big impact through a $25,000 matching gift challenge for the Albus Fund, which helps provide lifesaving veterinary care for pets in crisis. All donations will be matched dollar for dollar. “The cost of urgent veterinary services is out of reach for a growing number of pet families,” says Gullö. “The Albus Fund match is an incredible opportunity to be there for pets when their people have nowhere else to turn.”

For 16 years, C.A.R.E.4Paws has provided access to critical resources for low-income, senior, disabled and unhoused community members. This includes free and low-cost veterinary care, spays/neuters and vaccine clinics in the organization’s two mobile clinics, provision of pet food and supplies, and support for pet families exposed to domestic violence through Safe Haven. In 2025 alone, C.A.R.E.4Paws helped 16,000 dogs and cats with pet wellness services and distributed 25 tons of pet food.

Pet familiy attending C.A.R.E.4Paws mobile pet wellness clinic
Most of the food is distributed through Pet Resource Centers co-operated with several animal and human welfare partners, such as Santa Barbara County Animal Services’ (SBCAS), ASAP Cats, Santa Barbara Rescue Mission, People Helping People in Solvang, and 5Cities Homeless Coalition. Food is also provided to pet families staying at Good Samaritan Shelter locations and during weekly community events at Santa Barbara’s Alameda Park and the Santa Maria riverbed. In fact, this Thanksgiving, C.A.R.E.4Paws and partners like Community Action Partnership of SLO County (CAPSLO) shared meals and supplies with families in the riverbed.

On December 6—or anytime of the year—donation drop-off sites are available at multiple partner locations across Santa Barbara and SLO counties. A full list is available at care4paws.org/drive, where you can also find options to donate funds and contribute food through C.A.R.E.4Paws’ Amazon Wish List.

For more information about the Howliday Donation Drive or the $25,000 Albus Fund matching gift challenge, visit care4paws.org/drive or care4paws.org/albusfund. To learn more about C.A.R.E.4Paws’ year-round support programs, visit care4paws.org or reach out via info@care4paws.org or 805-968-2273.

March 2026 E-newsletter

March 2026 E-newsletter

Roll on by this Saturday! 🧡🚗

Donation Drive-Thru for pet families in need collage

Join us for a community-wide Donation Drive-Thru on Saturday, March 14! Swing by anytime from 11am to 2pm at Deckers (250 Coromar Drive in Goleta) to help us raise critical resources to keep local pets healthy and with their families for life.

Our goal is to support pet families in need by stocking our pet pantries and funding essential medical care. We are gratefully accepting donations of both dry and canned pet food, as well as monetary gifts. Your financial contributions go directly toward the purchase of pet food and the operation of our mobile clinic wellness services.

Can’t join us on Saturday? You can still make an impact by supporting us any time of the year with one of the options below.

Your generosity keeps families together!

Pawsitive progress at our Pet Refuge

Pet Refuge collage

Thanks to many generous supporters, our Pet Refuge is a reality! The pre-manufactured dog kennels are installed and the large exercise yard is ready for playtime.

This is a significant milestone for our animal-loving community, as the refuge will provide a safe, free, temporary haven for dogs and cats whose families are navigating difficult life circumstances.

Now we’ve entered the next fundraising phase and are working to raise $20,000 to support the care of the pets staying at the refuge. Beyond monetary gifts, we are truly grateful for donations of supplies, including Kuranda beds, cozy blankets and Kongs (durable chew toys).

Every single donation makes a meaningful difference!

To learn more and explore our giving and sponsor opportunities, click below. Thank you for your kindness and support.

List of our grantors
C.A.R.E.4Paws Together we inspire more happy tails collage

We’re pawsitively excited for our Happy Tails Celebration & Fundraiser on Sunday, May 3, from 3pm to 7pm, at Santa Barbara’s Cabrillo Pavilion.

Join us for a fun and meaningful afternoon filled with community, inspiring stories, great food and drinks and exciting auctions, all in support of pet families across the Central Coast.

We invite you to become a Happy Tails Sponsor to support our work in 2026 and beyond. We offer several meaningful sponsor opportunities that all include event tickets, while assisting pet families with critical services.

C.A.R.E.4Paws Happy Tails Celebration & Fundraiser video

View our Happy Tails video above. Special thanks to our incredible videographer, Ryan Pettey!

Did someone say Pizza 4 Pets?

Dog and cat created with AI holding a sign that reads, "See ya at the Arroyo Grande Klondike Pizza!"

🍕 Ready to add a slice of goodness to your March? Klondike Pizza’s month-long fundraiser in Arroyo Grande supports C.A.R.E.4Paws and our mission to keep Central Coast pets healthy, safe and with the people who love them.

Throughout March, every time you enjoy a delicious Klondike meal (dine-in or take-out), you can choose to donate to help cover affordable veterinary care, pet food, vaccines and other critical services that keep pet families together. You’ll also have the chance to enter to win fantastic raffle prizes, with winners announced on April 2 during our special grand finale. That day, the C.A.R.E.4Paws team will be serving in the restaurant, and we’ll receive a generous portion of all sales plus tips!

Come enjoy great food while supporting local pets in need.

Calling all local pups!

C.A.R.E.4Paws Pooch Play offs collage of pet portraits

There is still time to enter your pup into the Pooch Playoffs 2026! Images By Valerie hosts this dog portrait project that combines creativity and giving back to the community, as all the photo session fees are donated to C.A.R.E.4Paws. Together, over the last few years, we’ve raised more than $8,000 to support animals in need.

Here’s how it works:

  • Your dog gets a professional portrait session.
  • Dogs are entered into a friendly community voting bracket.
  • Voting goes live this month.
  • And yes…there are serious bragging rights involved.
  • If you’d like details or want to enter your pup, click the button below.
Picture of Esme Medina, Partner Services Coordinator, with a dog standing on it's hind legs begin hugged

So many thanks and tail wags! 🐾

Together, we ensure pets stay healthy, safe and with their families. Thank you for being a part of the C.A.R.E.4Paws team.

Chili’s journey to health

Chili’s journey to health

When Cyd reached out to us about her dog, Chili, the stakes couldn’t have been higher. Chili was struggling with Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD), a painful and frightening condition that can affect a pup’s mobility and quality of life.

Cyd shared with us: “You are so appreciated for your help. It cannot be expressed. Chili is my heart and soul.“

At C.A.R.E.4Paws, it is truly our privilege to help pet families in need, like Cyd and her beloved Chili, offering care, compassion and support during a worrying chapter in Chili’s health journey. 🐾❤️

Students change lives for animals

Students change lives for animals

When youth lead with compassion, lives change! Young animal advocates from Conqs’ Animal Welfare Club at Cabrillo High School in Lompoc, California, are raising support for C.A.R.E.4Paws and pet families in need on the Central Coast. Cofounders Xiomara Flores and Hannah Lara and their passionate team show how powerful youth leadership can be and that our next generation is leading with heart!

We are so impressed by the passionate leaders and members of Conqs’ Animal Welfare Club at Cabrillo High School in Lompoc. Our Executive Director, Isabelle Gullo, did a presentation for the club this week and received a warm welcome, including beautiful flowers and a thoughtful card. 

Group photo of young animal advocates from Conqs’ Animal Welfare Club at Cabrillo High School in Lompoc
Quality pet care for our cats on a fixed income

Quality pet care for our cats on a fixed income

We are always happy to hear from our clients. Brandi shared this wonderful note about Roo Roo, her 6-year-old cat. Brandi has known her since she was just a few days old. We are honored to be a part of Roo Roo’s journey! “We want to let you know how grateful we are to have C.A.R.E.4Paws in our community. My husband and I are on a fixed income, and being able to get care for our cats is huge with the rising costs of vet bills these days. Your help is so needed, and we are very grateful!”

Hercules’ deep ear cleaning

Hercules’ deep ear cleaning

“Thank you so much for Hercules’ deep ear cleaning at your Oceano clinic. The clinic crew was kind, gentle and patient with Hercules, and I am so thankful,” says Luvinia. “It’s very expensive to take care of our family, and C.A.R.E.4Paws makes it possible for working families to pay for the care of their animals. Hercules felt so good after his visit. When we got home, he did zoomies all around the room and a happy dance. Thank you for taking care of my big baby!”

Starring Hercules! Watch our absolutely adorable video short, courtesy of Andrea.

A lifeline for McLovin

A lifeline for McLovin

For Monica in Arroyo Grande, it’s been a challenging year filled with hospital stays and medical bills for her daughter. When her beloved cat, McLovin, suddenly became dangerously ill, she spent $300 at a vet with no answers and no improvement. “I left feeling unseen,” Monica says. “Then I remembered C.A.R.E.4Paws and finally felt heard.” Our team stepped in—visiting her home to provide fluids and medication for McLovin, teaching supportive care and connecting her with an exam and bloodwork at a partner vet clinic. “They went out of their way to help a family in need,” Monica shares. McLovin’s happy ending was made possible by our compassionate clinic team and support from the Albus Fund, which provides urgent care assistance.

Grey and white cat named McLovin