Published 4:28 PM, Dec 11, 2023 and last updated 7:28 PM, Dec 11, 2023 | California’s Central Coast

With a population of just under 7,500, census data shows that 1 in 10 people in Oceano are grappling with poverty. But one organization is ensuring that families with pets don’t stress over vet bills.

C.A.R.E4Paws, an organization dedicated to reducing pet overpopulation and improving the quality of life for pets of families in need, has recently expanded its services to San Luis Obispo County.

“We started out as an animal welfare organization, but it’s really about pet family welfare,” said Isabelle Gullö, C.A.R.E 4Paws Executive Director. “The animal-human bonding is so critical and if you help an animal, you have to look at the circumstances of that pet’s family and vice versa.”

The organization brings a mobile clinic to the Oceano community every month, offering a range of services that could otherwise cost thousands of dollars.

Fabian García-Uscanga, who lives in Oceano and owns two dogs, tells me he’s spent more than $1,400 on a dental service for his small dog and any other consultation can be quite costly.

From flea treatments to spaying and neutering, the mobile clinic provides access to community members like García-Uscanga, making veterinary care more affordable.

“These services are going to come in very handy because going to the vet these days is hard with empty pockets,” he said.

The organization relies on donations and business sponsorships to offer free and low-cost services. In Oceano, funding comes from Petsmart Charities, aiming to cater to the underserved Hispanic population.

“We are one of ten organizations in the whole United States that received this grant and it’s specifically to support pet families in Oceano,“ Gullö said, adding that any resident in the county is invited.

C.A.R.E 4 PAWS determines those most in need of free services, including the homeless, through a sensitive process, avoiding income verification.

Gullö says this is how they plan to reduce pet overpopulation and, “Keep pets healthy at home.”

Published: Wednesday, Nov 01, 2023 | 4:15pm

Santa Barbara, Calif., November 1, 2023 – As the cost of living on the Central Coast continues to rise, thousands of families struggle to pay household bills and put food on the table. This includes feeding and caring for their four-legged family members.

To help provide pet food and supplies, as well as veterinary services for community members in need, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties and C.A.R.E.4Paws cohost a donation drive this weekend from 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. at two locations. On Saturday, November 4, supporters can drop off dog and cat food, new or gently used pet supplies and monetary donations at Berkshire Hathaway’s Santa Barbara office at 3868 State Street. On Sunday, November 5, the drive takes place at Santa Barbara County Animal Services’ (SBCAS) shelter in Goleta at 5473 Overpass Road.

The donations raised on Saturday will be distributed directly through C.A.R.E.4Paws’ Companion Pet Assistance program, which has provided more than 1.5 million free pet meals since the start of the pandemic, including weekly food distribution to unsheltered community members at locations such as Santa Barbara’s Alameda Park.

Donations raised on Sunday will support the Pet Resource Centers (PRCs) located at SBCAS’s Goleta, Lompoc and Santa Maria shelter facilities, where families in need can pick up food, supplies and sign up for mobile clinic veterinary services through C.A.R.E.4Paws. The PRCs are co-operated by SBCAS, C.A.R.E.4Paws and Companion Animal Placement Assistance (CAPA) in partnership with Animal Shelter Assistance Program (ASAP), Bunnies Urgently Needing Shelter (BUNS), K-9 PALS and Santa Barbara County Animal Care Foundation.

Community members can also visit C.A.R.E.4Paws’ Amazon Wishlist to purchase items to be delivered. Monetary gifts, which can be donated anytime at care4paws.org/help, will pay for pet food and veterinary services provided in C.A.R.E.4Paws’ mobile clinics, including free and low-cost spays/neuters, medical care and vaccines.

“We are thrilled to partner with C.A.R.E.4Paws so food and other resources can be collected and distributed directly in the community,” says Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices California Properties’ realtor Charlotte Cross, who is organizing this weekend’s donation drive.

“When people live in poverty, so do their pets,” says C.A.R.E.4Paws’ cofounder and executive director, Isabelle Gullo. “No one should have to choose between paying household bills and feeding or providing veterinary care for their beloved four-legged family members. We thank Berkshire Hathaway and realtor Charlotte Cross for spearheading this donation drive, which will help keep pets healthy and with the people who love them.”

For more details about how to support the Pet Food Donation Drive, go to care4paws.org/events. For more information about C.A.R.E.4Paws and its services, visit care4paws.org or reach out via info@care4paws.org or 805-968-2273.

About C.A.R.E.4Paws

C.A.R.E.4Paws—short for Community Awareness, Responsibility & Education—works to reduce pet overpopulation, keep animals out of shelters and improve quality of life for pet families in need. Its critical services include free and low-cost spays/neuters, veterinary care and vaccine events in C.A.R.E.4Paws’ own mobile veterinary clinics; distribution of pet food and supplies; support for pet families exposed to domestic violence through Safe Haven; Paws Up For Pets humane education; and Pet Emergency Training (P.E.T.) for First Responders. 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.

Published September 30, 2023 12:18 pm | Santa Barbara, California

— October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and one local animal rights organization is kicking off the month with their 2nd annual Walk Against Abuse.

C.A.R.E.4Paws is encouraging people to bring their dogs to Sunday’s event as the afternoon will feature several pet friendly activities including a dog parade and painting for dogs.

And though the walk against abuse is a family friendly fundraiser, the issue at hand is a heavy one.

The organization wants people to know that animal cruelty and domestic violence go hand in hand.

“I would hate to leave Shadow. I believe a lot of people probably stay in their situation because of their dogs,” said Brian Keefer, who works at Elings Park.

C.A.R.E.4Paws has seen first hand how hard it is for victims of domestic violence to leave an abusive situation when it means having to leave a pet behind to seek shelter and a fresh start.

“ Statistically, it’s found that people in an abusive relationship—when there is a companion pet involved—they typically will stay in an abusive relationship about eight times longer, or they will unfortunately have to leave their their pets behind. And, you know, pets are oftentimes used as pawns to try and seek revenge. And so it’s really important that when somebody is able to flee, that they are able to take their pets. And previously they weren’t able to enter into a shelter with their pets,” said C.A.R.E. 4 Paws Community Programs Coordinator Wendy Domanski.

That’s where C.A.R.E.4Paws’ Safe Haven program comes in.

The program provides temporary anonymous fostering for the pets of domestic violence victims.

Sunday’s walk against abuse event will raise money for this program, and spread awareness of this ongoing reality.

“People as a community as a whole can come with their pets, with their family to show support. And I know it’s a sad subject, but we’re here to make a difference. And that’s what this event is about, it’s about making a difference, coming together, showing your children that—you know— we do walk against abuse, but that together we can make a difference. The more foster families that we have, the more support that we have for C.A.R.E.4Paws, the more awareness, the more people that we can help,” said Domanski.

Published September 17, 2023 | 4:32 pm | Santa Barbara, California

C.A.R.E.4Paws invites community members to kick off Domestic Violence Awareness Month by Walking Against Abuse, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 1 at Elings Park in Santa Barbara.

The annual event raises funds and awareness for Safe Haven, a C.A.R.E.4Paws program that provides anonymous boarding or foster care for pets of domestic violence survivors.

Safe Haven was started in 2020 alongside several animal welfare partners and social welfare agencies, including Domestic Violence Solutions for Santa Barbara County (DVS), to ensure pet owners can leave abusive partners and seek emergency shelter through DVS or a similar agency without fearing for the safety and well-being of their beloved pets.

Walk Against Abuse is a family-friendly event that includes a dog walk through Elings Park; activities for kids and adults; food; music and a presentation about how Safe Haven prevents suffering and saves lives, and how to become a Safe Haven foster family.

Entry is $25 for adults, $10 for children 12 and younger. Sponsor opportunities allow community members and local businesses to support the event as well as Safe Haven expenses, such as pet boarding fees, animal training, pet food, vaccines, spays/neuters, medical care and pet housing deposits.

“Domestic violence is everywhere around us, crossing all social and economic boundaries and education levels,” said Isabelle Gullö, C.A.R.E.4Paws’ cofounder/executive director.

Gullö said there’s a proven link between family violence and animal cruelty. Abuse often starts with a pet to control other family members and, because it’s difficult for survivors to find shelter with their companion animals, many stay in the abusive home to protect their pets.

“Safe Haven provides a much-needed refuge for vulnerable pets, while giving their loving owners a chance to escape the violence. C.A.R.E.4Paws’ Walk Against Abuse allows the community to come together to raise awareness and support for a truly critical cause and program,” she said.

Many Safe Haven pets stay with C.A.R.E.4Paws for several months or sometimes longer than a year, as it is difficult for survivors to rebuild their lives, let alone find pet-friendly housing.

In addition to DVS, other program collaborators include the Santa Barbara County District Attorney’s Office Victim-Witness Assistance Program, and Good Samaritan Shelters, whose advocates are trained to help survivors of abuse. Survivors can also contact C.A.R.E.4Paws directly for help.

To learn more about the event and ticket/sponsor options, visit the Walk Against Abuse event website. For more about C.A.R.E.4Paws’ Safe Haven program, visit care4paws.org/safehaven or contact C.A.R.E.4Paws at info@care4paws.org or 805-968-2273.