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C.A.R.E.4Paws Pet Wellness Clinic offers reduced pet healthcare in Paso Robles

C.A.R.E.4Paws Pet Wellness Clinic offers reduced pet healthcare in Paso Robles

Featured News, Press Coverage

By: Grace Bennett | KSBY California’s Central Coast | Published March 16, 2025 9:49pm |

On Sunday, pet owners in Paso Robles sought out care for their animals during the C.A.R.E.4Paws Pet Wellness Clinic’s first-ever visit to North County San Luis Obispo.

The non-profit’s community-focused event brought essential services to pets in need.

Owners were able to get vaccinations, flea treatments, and health check-ups for their pets at a reduced cost.

Organizers say the mobile clinic aims to support local pet owners and ensure their furry companions have access to vital healthcare.

“Vet care is getting more and more expensive. So the fact that C.A.R.E.4Paws can bring our mobile units and our team out directly in the community to provide low-cost care helps pets stay healthy and with their families for life,” Isabelle Gullo, the C.A.R.E.4Paws co-founder and executive director, told KSBY.

If you missed Sunday’s Pet Wellness Clinic, C.A.R.E.4Paws is hosting many more across the Central Coast this month.

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Emergency Preparedness Guide for Pet Families

Emergency Preparedness Guide for Pet Families

Featured News, Press Coverage

By: Staff | Grit Daily | Published on March 11, 2025 | Central Coast, California |
 
How to Keep Pets Safe During Emergencies, Evacuations, and ICE Encounters
 

Pet families in marginalized communities across the USA face significant challenges. For many, providing veterinary care, shelter, and food for beloved companion animals has become more challenging than ever.

The recent LA fires are a reminder that families also face the potential of emergency evacuations due to wildfires, and some face the devastation of sudden separation from their pets through displacement, including deportation. Leaving pets out of evacuation plans and other unforeseen circumstances can expose them to the risk of injury, loss, or worse. Central Coast nonprofit C.A.R.E.4Paws and Santa Barbara County Animal Services (SBCAS) are proponents of keeping pets healthy, safe, and with their families for life.

“Pets offer essential comfort and companionship, especially during hard times, but managing their care during evacuations or threats of sudden displacement can be incredibly difficult,” says C.A.R.E.4Paws’ Cofounder and Executive Director Isabelle Gullö. “Fortunately, there are many ways to prepare for whatever challenges a pet family may encounter.”

Having a plan in place when disaster strikes, whether a wildfire, flood, or unexpected evacuation, ensures that no family member — two- or four-legged — is left behind, says Sarah Aguilar, Director of Santa Barbara County Animal Services. “Emergency situations unfold quickly, and pet owners may have only minutes to leave their homes. Families can act swiftly and avoid unnecessary heartbreak by creating an evacuation plan that includes pets, complete with supplies, transportation and a safe destination.”

Aguilar emphasizes the importance of proactive planning for families at risk of sudden displacement. “Emergencies can arise in various forms, not just from natural disasters. It’s essential for families to have a strategy in place for their pets to ensure their safety and care under any circumstances. Identifying reliable caregivers and being aware of community resources in advance can significantly impact outcomes.”

dog and cat hiding under blanket while peeking out

How to be Prepared for an Evacuation

Make a plan for your pet now that includes shelter options and quick and easy access to all its needs when packing quickly. Establish a plan with a trusted neighbor to evacuate your pet and essential supplies if an emergency occurs while you are away. Be sure to agree on a designated meeting spot in advance.

  • Ensure your pet(s) is microchipped and wear collars and tags with up-to-date contact information. 
  • Have a photo of your pet(s) on your phone and printed. 
  • Prepare a go-bag with essentials. Include at least 3-7 days of pet food and water, collars, leashes, a crate, if needed, and medications and medical records in a waterproof bag.
  • Have a plan ahead of time for your pet. Many human shelters and hotels do not allow pets, so coordinate with a friend or relative who lives outside your immediate area and can take your pet if needed.
  • Ensure your pet’s vaccinations are current, and keep a picture of proof on your phone. Some animal shelters may request that information. 
  • Keep a list of emergency contacts, including local animal shelters and rescues. 
  • Licensing your dog is crucial for ensuring they can be quickly identified and located within the shelter system.
  • Stay informed by signing up for local emergency alerts, which provide up-to-date evacuation guidance. 

Be Prepared for Possible Displacement

Pets left behind may suddenly find themselves abandoned in homes without access to food, water, or essential care.

  • Share an emergency care plan with trusted friends, relatives or neighbors that includes the name and number of someone who has committed to providing temporary care for the pet.
  • Research shelters or animal rescue organizations that can assist with shelter, food, and care. Many shelters have partnered with immigrant rights groups to provide coordinated assistance. 
  • Immigrants can take steps in advance to safeguard their ownership rights over their pets in case of deportation through legal documents like proof of ownership. This proactive measure can provide a sense of security. Keep important documents such as adoption papers, veterinary records, and receipts that verify their ownership of the pet.

Since 2009, C.A.R.E.4Paws has supported pet families on the Central Coast, helping more than 25,000 pets annually with resources that keep them healthy and with their people for life. The nonprofit relies on partnerships and the community’s support to do its work. To get involved, please visit their website.

About C.A.R.E.4Paws

C.A.R.E.4Paws — short for Community Awareness, Resources & Education — works to reduce pet overpopulation and improve pet family welfare. Its critical services include free and low-cost spays/neuters, veterinary care and vaccine events in C.A.R.E.4Paws’ mobile veterinary clinics; distribution of pet food and supplies; support for pet families exposed to domestic violence through Safe Haven; and Paws Up For Pets humane education.

C.A.R.E.4Paws has worked in Santa Barbara County since 2009, and in 2022, the nonprofit expanded its mobile clinic services to San Luis Obispo County. To learn more or to make a contribution, visit their website. Follow them on Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

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Morning Rotary learns about farm animals, local support

Morning Rotary learns about farm animals, local support

Press Coverage

CoastalView.com |

Published Feb 19, 2025 Updated Feb 19, 2025 |

The Rotary Club of Carpinteria Morning had an animal-themed meeting on Feb. 12. The club heard from members of Carpinteria’s Playa Del Sur 4H club, who brought some of their baby goats and lambs along to visit, and from C.A.R.E.4Paws.

Members of the 4H club spoke about raising farm animals, and throughout the meeting, members of the Morning Rotary club raised more than $400 to donate to 4H.

Chris Harris, president of the C.A.R.E.4Paws board of directors, spoke about the organization, a Santa Barbara non-profit that provides resources for low-income, senior, disabled, unhoused and veteran pet families in underserved communities.

“We are not a shelter or a rescue group. Our goal is to prevent dogs and cats from ending up in shelters and improve the quality of life for pet families in need,” Harris told club members. C.A.R.E.4Paws operates mobile community medicine and spay/neuter outreach, Harris said, with free and low-cost spays/neuters, veterinary care and vaccine clinics. The organization also offers a companion pet assistance program, which helps families with pet food and supplies, grooming, foster care and dog training.

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All Hands On Deck: Local Businesses Respond to Fire Evacuees and First Responders

All Hands On Deck: Local Businesses Respond to Fire Evacuees and First Responders

Press Coverage

By Montecito Journal |

Published January 21, 2025 |

As Santa Barbara and Montecito export aid and comfort to the firestorm-stricken areas around L.A., we’re reminded once again that people are people (to quote a beloved local), and the impulse to jump in and help is as reflexively human as it gets.

Richie’s Montecito & Adam’s Angels First Responders Donation Drop Off

Richie shares, “We are proud to partner with Adam’s Angels to support those in need during this challenging time. Together, we’re stepping up to provide emergency aid for individuals and families displaced by recent events, as well as the firefighters bravely battling to keep Los Angeles communities safe. Let’s come together as a community and make a difference!”

We’re accepting donations of: Bottled water, Gatorade, Red Bull, Nuts, Dried Fruits, Disposable razors, Chapstick, Eye Drops, Protein Bars, Blankets, Beef Jerky.

411: Drop off at Richie’s Barbershop, 1187 Coast Village Road. #d6

Lucky’s in Malibu

Lucky’s on Coast Village Road went to the Critical Command center for firefighters at Malibu’s Zuma Beach – the main camp for firefighters from all over the state and country – and worked their Lucky’s magic. “We cooked for over 600 firefighters,” says Larry Nobles, Director of Operations at Lucky’s. “It was myself and Lucky’s Malibu Executive Chef Marco Bello, Lucky’s Montecito Executive Chef Rene Gonzalez, and three other guys. We are hoping to be able to cook again this week for the community and for the firefighters in front of Lucky’s Malibu, and to be a place where the community can gather.” Okay … how?!

“It was an idea that Gene Montesano had late Wednesday night that we turned into action Wednesday morning,” Nobles says. “We cleared out the food at our closed Malibu location and brought it to the camp. Tons of logistics, health inspections on our food – and then we got in. No news team, no media, just us and firefighters.”

Sound Bath at the Y

On Friday, January 17, from 6-7 pm, the Montecito YMCA will be hosting a free sound bath for fire evacuees to relax and recharge. Let soothing sounds help reduce stress and promote healing during this challenging time. Sign in at 5:45 pm.

For more info: (805) 969-4871; mo.info@ciymca.org

Folded Hills Coast Village Road – Donations for Evacuees

This week Kim and Andy Busch, owners of Folded Hills on CVR, organized a drop-off for donations of the most needed items to the Dream Center Los Angeles and pet supplies to the Santa Ynez Valley Humane Society.

C.A.R.E.4Paws Takes In L.A. Fire Pets

Isabelle Gullö, Co-Founder and Executive Director of C.A.R.E.4Paws announced they are partnering with Cold Noses Warm Hearts, Meade Canine Rescue, ASAP Cats, and Santa Ynez Valley Humane Society to urgently assist in animal rescue efforts during the Los Angeles fires. Together, these organizations are working to transfer cats and dogs from three Los Angeles shelters, with the potential to expand their efforts even further.

Pets will be transported using C.A.R.E.4Paws’ mobile vet clinics, the Santa Ynez Valley Humane Society’s van, and Diaz Paws Transportation. The rescued animals will be adopted out through the collaborating organizations, ensuring they find loving homes.

Currently, 15 cats from Baldwin Park Shelter are being transported to ASAP Cats in Santa Barbara. C.A.R.E.4Paws is deeply grateful for the outpouring of community support and the foster applications we are receiving. Together, we can make a difference for these animals in need.

411: https://care4paws.org

Bonding Sessions for Fostered Dogs

Local dog whisperer Jaclyn Sicilia (who will be featured next week in the MJ) is offering at least one bonding and connecting session to each family or person who fosters or adopts a dog from any of the animal shelters in L.A. that have taken in dogs during the fires. Understandably, fostered or adopted dogs may be shaken up from the events and struggling to connect with their new surroundings. She adds, “These sessions help people understand their pooches better and how they can better meet their needs, which, by meeting the needs of our pooches, helps us to better connect with them and strengthens our bonds with them.” Each session lasts between an hour-and-a-half and three hours with the first session 100% discounted and any subsequent sessions at a discounted rate.

411: Instagram: @palmtrees_n_pooches; Email: jcsicilia923@gmail.com

Human-Canine Partners Doing Heartbreaking, Necessary Work

Denise Sanders, Senior Director of Communications & Search Team Operations, confirms the Search Dog Foundation’s immaculately trained teams are working the ravaged neighborhoods down south. “We currently have five SDF-trained canine search teams deployed for the Los Angeles fires,” Sanders says. These human-canine teams are doing extremely difficult work in the immediate wake of a heartbreaking human cataclysm.

SDF-trained human remains detection (HRD) team Jon Munguia &CliffordofLos Angeles County Fire Department – and live-find SDF-trained teams Josh Davis & Bosco and Garreth Miller & Reva of California Task Force 3 (CA-TF3), and Patrick Easton &Linus and Eric Lieuwen &Ridge of California Task Force 7 (CA-TF7) – have deployed to the Los Angeles fires along with their SDF teammates to assist in the aftermath of the blazes that have devastated the region in recent days.

A First Responder from the MJ Ranks

Montecito Journal’s Renaissance Woman, Office Manager, and Front Desk Polymath – the unflappable Kassidy Craner – informs us that her father, Battalion Chief Richard Ames of Santa Barbara City Station #1, has been doing battle down south since the ferocious conflagration roared to life. He and 22 brave crew members gathered from around the state are firefighting in truly hellish conditions – with no real end in sight at this writing. “The job is open-ended until further notice,” Kassidy says. “…but I will keep you updated…”

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SB County C.A.R.E4Paws helps clear shelters for animal evacuees in LA wildfires

SB County C.A.R.E4Paws helps clear shelters for animal evacuees in LA wildfires

Featured News, Press Coverage

Santa Ynez Valley News Staff Report |

Published Jan 14, 2025 Updated Jan 15, 2025 |

C.A.R.E4Paws and other area agencies have mobilized their services to assist with animal rescue efforts during the Los Angeles wildfires.

The Santa Barbara County nonprofit has partnered with Cold Noses Warm Hearts, Meade Canine Rescue, ASAP Cats, and Santa Ynez Valley Humane Society to transfer cats and dogs from three Los Angeles shelters to help make space for evacuees from the L.A. wildfire evacuation areas.

Santa Ynez Valley Humane Society & DAWG over the weekend made a supply drop to overfilled shelters, comprised of donations such as pet food, beds, crates and blankets provided by members of the local community.

On Monday, C.A.R.E4Paws spokeswoman Chantelle Cook reported that 15 cats were being transported from Baldwin Park Shelter to ASAP Cats in Santa Barbara. Ten large dogs and one puppy were also moved from the West L.A. shelter, with three transported to Santa Ynez Valley Humane Society & DAWG and the rest temporarily taken in as fosters by C.A.R.E.4Paws.

The agency later reported via social media that their smaller clinic and Diaz Paws transported nine cats and nine dogs from Baldwin Park Animal Care Center to ASAP Cats, Meade Canine Rescue, Cold Noses, Warm Hearts, and C.A.R.E.4Paws.

Cargo van filled with pet supplies and food

Pets are being transported using C.A.R.E4Paws’ mobile vet clinics, the Santa Ynez Valley Humane Society’s van, and Diaz Paws transportation, Cook said.

The rescued animals will be adopted out via collaborating organizations, ensuring they find loving homes.

“C.A.R.E4Paws is deeply grateful for the outpouring of community support and the foster applications we are receiving. Together, we can make a difference for these animals in need,” the agency said.

To participate in the nonprofit’s $5,000 donation-match fundraiser to help offset transportation and other rescue costs, visit care4paws.org/donate

For foster inquiries, go to form.jotform.com/Care4Paws/LAfires

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Danny Clinkscale’s ‘Reasonably Irrelevant’ Podcast

Danny Clinkscale’s ‘Reasonably Irrelevant’ Podcast

Press Coverage

We’re honored to be featured on Danny Clinkscale’s podcast, Reasonably Irreverent Commentary. Here’s what Danny says: “Kansas City Profiles Presented by Easton Roofing brings you an educational and inspiring conversation with Isabelle Gullo, Executive Director of C.A.R.E.4Paws. Starting in 2009, the organization has worked tirelessly with the goal of preventing dogs and cats from ending up in shelters and improving quality of life for pet families in need. California-based, it has lessons in caring and outreach that resonate anywhere. A compelling and uplifting listen!”

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Gail Arnold’s favorite nonprofits of the year

Gail Arnold’s favorite nonprofits of the year

Featured News, Press Coverage

By: Gail Arnold | The Santa Barbara Independent

Published Tuesday, Dec 03, 2024 | 12:12pm | Santa Barbara, California

Columnist Gail Arnold Presents Four Santa Barbara–Based Nonprofits that do Extraordinary Work

As many of you contemplate end-of-year donations, I present here four Santa Barbara–based nonprofits that do extraordinary work. Your donations would enable these organizations to serve more of those in need.

C.A.R.E.4Paws

This treasured nonprofit provides critical assistance to low-income pet owners, preventing pets from going hungry or without needed veterinary care or from being relinquished to a shelter. With its two mobile clinics, CARE4Paws provides free and low-cost spay and neuter procedures (2,900 procedures this year) and other veterinary and wellness care (more than 16,000 dogs and cats served this year). CARE4Paws also provides free pet food and supplies to low-income and homeless pet owners; provides foster care for pets of domestic violence victims; and funds for veterinary care at other facilities.

The more community support it receives, the more suffering it can alleviate and the more pets who can remain with their owners. Its annual Happy Tails fundraiser is always fun and engaging. Read more about CARE4PAWS here. To make an online donation, go to care4paws.org.

Santa Barbara Rescue Mission

This oh-so-valuable nonprofit provides food and shelter year-round to homeless individuals in our community. By year end, it will have provided nearly 50,000 nights of shelter and more than 75,000 meals. The Santa Barbara Rescue Mission (SBRM) also runs 12-month residential substance abuse treatment programs, which have success rates many times higher than national averages and operating costs that are a fraction of the cost of commercial programs. Since program inception in 1997, more than 1,000 men and women have graduated with their lives truly transformed. 

SBRM receives no government funding, relying on the community for support. Its passionate supporters gather each year at Dos Pueblos Ranch for its fundraiser, the Bayou. Read more about the Santa Barbara Rescue Mission here. To make an online donation, go to sbrm.org.

This incredible nonprofit with an amazingly talented and dedicated staff provides legal representation, case management, and therapy to undocumented immigrants struggling in the Tri-County region and facing deportation. Presently, The Immigrant Legal Defense Center (ILDC) represents 290 individuals, 62 percent of whom are children and youth. It maintains a waitlist only for children and youth, which currently stands at more than 100.

With the incoming administration prioritizing mass deportations, ILDC will be ramping up its legal services for detained and non-detained immigrants. Also, it will be hosting several workshops to train community members on immigrant rights so they, in turn, can educate immigrants, with a goal of replacing their fear with knowledge of their rights. 

While ILDC does receive some state funding, community support is crucial to meet the huge demand that already exists, let alone what lies ahead under the new administration. Read more about the Immigrant Legal Defense Center here. To make an online donation, go to sbimmigrantdefense.org.

SEE International

Based in Goleta, this exceptionally impactful nonprofit operates mainly in the developing world, where its 650 volunteer ophthalmologists perform sight-restoring cataract surgeries. Clinics run for a few days to a couple of weeks, with on average 100 people regaining sight. Having volunteer teams, who pay their own travel expenses, coupled with donated and carefully sourced medical supplies enable this efficient nonprofit to turn every $100 donated into the gift of sight for a blind individual. 

Locally, in Santa Barbara and Ventura counties, SEE provides free eye exams and glasses, serving 6,000 residents this year. In October, SEE celebrated 50 years and 750,000 sight-restoring surgeries. Read more about SEE International here. To make an online donation, go to seeintl.org.

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C.A.R.E.4Paws: A lifeline for Central Coast families and their pets

C.A.R.E.4Paws: A lifeline for Central Coast families and their pets

Featured News, Press Coverage

Santa Ynez Valley News

Published Sunday, November 16, 2024

Since 2009, C.A.R.E.4Paws’ Mobile Community Medicine & Spay/Neuter Outreach program has provided low-cost and free vaccines, spay/neuter surgeries and other types of medical services to thousands of pets annually.

In 2024 alone, the clinic program will help 20,000 animals in Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties, outpacing the 17,000 pets it assisted in 2023 and the 13,000 the year prior.

“The costs of veterinary services are beyond what most low-income families can pay, and it’s only getting more expensive,” says Dr. Alex Gomes, a C.A.R.E.4Paws clinic veterinarian and board member and a full-time doctor at Main Street Small Animal Hospital in Templeton.

“Here on the Central Coast, C.A.R.E.4Paws is the only group that works directly in the community to care for animals who would otherwise never see a vet, whether they’re six months or 12 years old,” he said.

Pets are a vital part of human societies. Seven out of 10 U.S. households have at least one pet and 95% of people living with pets consider them family members, recent polls report. Sadly, millions of these bonded families struggle to access veterinary care because of the cost, which can lead to animal suffering and pets being relinquished to shelters.

This is where C.A.R.E.4Paws comes to the rescue.

The nonprofit’s mobile veterinary units bring affordable wellness services directly to marginalized Central Coast communities to keep cats and dogs healthy, out of shelters and with their families for life.

Beyond financial difficulties to pay for pet services, lack of transportation, distance to care and language barriers are among other challenges families face when it comes to seeking out and receiving veterinary treatment. This is especially true for families experiencing homelessness.

Without access to care, many pets don’t get vaccinated or altered, explains Gomes, who heads up the Central Coast chapter of Street Dog Coalition, a C.A.R.E.4Paws partner that provides free veterinary services to unsheltered community members.

Man holding his cat who is receiving care at the C.A.R.E.4Paws mobile pet clinic

As a result, according to Gomes, shelters remain overcrowded, disease runs rampant through pet populations and you see more zoonotic diseases, which are caused by germs spread between animals and people.

“With its mobile clinics, affordable services and bilingual, compassionate clinic team, C.A.R.E.4Paws works at the root of the problem, removing barriers and saving lives every single day!” he said.

C.A.R.E.4Paws’ clinic program provides not just vaccines and spay/neuter surgeries at low cost, but medical exams, treatment of skin and ear infections, basic bloodwork as well as dental care and mass removals.

In fact, the clinic team will perform at least 3,300 surgeries this year, compared to about 3,000 in 2023. If a family cannot afford to pay for surgery or other treatment, the nonprofit does everything it can to provide the service for free or for a small donation.

The organization also offers critical resources through other programs, such as distribution of pet food and supplies, dog training, grooming for dogs of the unhoused and support for pet families exposed to domestic violence. It co-operates several pet resource centers alongside animal and human welfare partners, where people in need can access dog and cat food and supplies and sign up for wellness services for their companion animals as well as for themselves.

Overall, C.A.R.E.4Paws’ partnerships with dozens of animal nonprofits and shelters, vet clinics, pet service providers, businesses, social-welfare groups, community groups and youth organizations help ensure that pets don’t go without care due to financial constraints or accessibility challenges.

Taken together, C.A.R.E.4Paws’ partnerships and programs provide a lifeline for many pet families, like Lucia and her beloved service dog, Luckie, a 14-year-old Labrador.

“C.A.R.E.4Paws is a very strong support system for us,” said Lucia, who struggles with progressing disabilities.

Over the last few years, Luckie has received help with pet food, vaccines, exams and dental surgery as well as temporary foster care while Lucia underwent surgery in the spring of 2024.

“Luckie is my trusted companion and, for us, C.A.R.E.4Paws is family,” she said.

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As vet care costs soar, C.A.R.E.4Paws stays committed to ensuring Central Coast families in need have access to affordable pet wellness services

As vet care costs soar, C.A.R.E.4Paws stays committed to ensuring Central Coast families in need have access to affordable pet wellness services

Press Coverage

Edhat Santa Barbara

Published Sunday, November 24, 2024 | 9:38 am

Pets are a vital part of human societies. Seven out of 10 U.S. households have at least one pet and 95% of people living with pets consider them family members, recent polls report. Sadly, millions of these bonded families struggle to access veterinary care because of the cost, which can lead to animal suffering and pets being relinquished to shelters.

This is where C.A.R.E.4Paws comes to the rescue. The nonprofit’s mobile veterinary units bring affordable wellness services directly to marginalized Central Coast communities to keep cats and dogs healthy, out of shelters and with their families for life..

Since 2012, C.A.R.E.4Paws’ Mobile Community Medicine & Spay/Neuter Outreach program has provided low-cost and free vaccines, spay/neuter surgeries and other types of medical services to thousands of pets annually. In 2024 alone, the clinic program will help 20,000 animals in Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo (SLO) counties, outpacing the 17,000 pets it assisted in 2023 and the 13,000 the year prior.

C.A.R.E.4Paws’ clinic program provides not just vaccines and spay/neuter surgeries at low cost, but medical exams, treatment of skin and ear infections, basic bloodwork as well as dental care and mass removals. In fact, the clinic team will perform at least 3,300 surgeries this year, compared to about 3,000 in 2023. If a family cannot afford to pay for surgery or other treatment, the nonprofit does everything it can to provide the service for free or for a small donation.

The organization also offers critical resources through other programs, such as distribution of pet food and supplies, dog training, grooming for dogs of the unhoused and support for pet families exposed to domestic violence. It co-operates several Pet Resource Centers alongside animal- and human-welfare partners, where people in need can access dog and cat food and supplies and sign up for wellness services for their companion animals as well as for themselves.

Overall, C.A.R.E.4Paws’ partnerships with dozens of animal nonprofits and shelters, vet clinics, pet service providers, businesses, social-welfare groups, community groups and youth organizations help ensure that pets don’t go without care due to financial constraints or accessibility challenges.

Taken together, C.A.R.E.4Paws’ partnerships and programs provide a lifeline for many pet families, like Lucia and her beloved service dog, Luckie, a 14-year-old labrador. “C.A.R.E.4Paws is a very strong support system for us,” says Lucia, who struggles with progressing disabilities. Over the last few years, Luckie has received help with pet food, vaccines, exams and dental surgery as well as temporary foster care while Lucia underwent surgery in the spring of 2024. “Luckie is my trusted companion and, for us, C.A.R.E.4Paws is family.”

As the need for access to pet care and other resources keeps growing on the Central Coast, C.A.R.E.4Paws is committed to continuing its work and providing services to those who need it the most, says Isabelle Gullö, the organization’s Cofounder and Executive Director. “For so many people, a pet represents the brightest part of their world—a source of true love and companionship.” She adds, “We see firsthand what happens when someone can’t afford care, and we need to work together as a community to support pet families, increase pet retention and protect the human-animal bond.” 

To contribute to C.A.R.E.4Paws’ Mobile Community Medicine & Spay/Neuter Outreach and other programs that keep pets healthy and with the people who love them, please visit care4paws.org. For assistance with pet care, go to care4paws.org/programs or contact C.A.R.E.4Paws at 805-968-2273 or info@care4paws.org.

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Safe Haven highlighted during Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Safe Haven highlighted during Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Featured News, Press Coverage

By: Christa Kurkjian | KEYT Morning News Guest Segment | Published October 17, 2024 12:00 pm | Santa Barbara County |

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month and local nonprofit C.A.R.E.4Paws created its Safe Haven program in 2020.

C.A.R.E.4Paws’ Executive Director Isabelle Gullo stopped by the Morning News to talk about the Safe Haven Program and the mission of the nonprofit.

Watch KEYT coverage
C.A.R.E.4Paws volunteer Chris LaBossiere feeds wet cat food to cats that belong to an unhoused resident staying in the Santa Maria Riverbed.

Safe Haven is a Santa Barbara Countywide program that assists domestic violence survivors and their companion animals. C.A.R.E.4Paws helps facilitate free, anonymous refuge for animals so that an owner can leave an abusive partner without fearing for the safety and well-being of a family pet. 

Learn more
Make a donation
Foster for Safe Haven