Press Coverage Archives

By: Camillia Lanham | The Santa Maria Sun

Published August 10, 2023 | 6:00pm | Oceano, San Luis Obispo County, California –

Three mobile clinics rolled into Oceano on Aug. 6, aiming to treat animals in the community at no cost to town residents in need. Although Santa Barbara-based C.A.R.E.4Paws charges for its services on a sliding scale and does comp services for those who can’t afford to pay anything, the nonprofit is now able to help the seaside berg’s pet population for free thanks to a $120,000 grant from PetSmart Charities.

“Only 10 nonprofits in the United States have received this grant, so it’s an incredible honor and a wonderful opportunity to be a part of this innovative initiative,” C.A.R.E.4Paws Executive Director Isabelle Gullö said. “This grant is part of PetSmart Charities’ visionary new $100 million grant program focusing on underserved communities.”

C.A.R.E.4Paws had the opportunity to pick one community to serve when it applied for the Access to Care project grant. Gullö said Oceano is a fairly remote area where pet families have zero access to veterinary care or even affordable pet food, about 42 percent of the community members are Hispanic, and the per-capita income is less than $34,000 per year.

As part of the first Pet Wellness Clinic event at the Oceano Parks and Recreation facility on Aug. 6, the nonprofit provided free spay/neuters and medical care inside its mobile units by prior appointment, as well as a walk-in clinic with free vaccines, microchipping, flea treatment, deworming medication, and nail trimming. Gullö said C.A.R.E.4Paws will be back in Oceano on Aug. 11 and 18 and then either weekly or biweekly, depending on the turnout to the first couple of events.

“It’s a bit hard to say how huge the need is going to be, but we are definitely planning on having a regular presence there going forward,” she said.

The nonprofit’s aim is to qualify again for the grant in future years and possibly expand the program to other underserved areas in SLO and Santa Barbara counties.

Gullö co-founded the nonprofit in 2009 with fellow Santa Barbara County Animal Services shelter volunteer Carlos Abitia, C.A.R.E.4Paws’ mobile clinic manager. She said they realized that the main contributor to shelter overpopulation is a lack of access to affordable pet care, so they launched the nonprofit that would work directly with communities, providing low- and no-cost care to pet families in need. In 2022, C.A.R.E.4Paws expanded its mobile community outreach and spay/neuter outreach program into SLO County with plans to do more in the future, including serving communities in northern SLO County.

On Aug. 6, the nonprofit debuted its new 37-foot mobile clinic in Oceano, which C.A.R.E.4Paws raised money for over the last three years.

“The new clinic is larger and better equipped than our existing 26-foot units, with capacity for two surgery teams and increased kennels space, which allows us to house more large dogs during clinic days,” Gullö said. “This means we will use it the most going forward, but we plan to double up or use all three units as often as resources allow. The need for help keeps growing in both Santa Barbara and SLO counties, and we want to do all we can to meet that demand.”

C.A.R.E.4Paws opens up their first Wellness Clinic in Oceano

By: McKenzie Diaz | KSBY

Published August 6, 2023 and last updated 12:47pm, Aug 12, 2023 | 9:30 pm | California’s Central Coast –

Today more than 100 pet families brought their pets to the Oceano Wellness Clinic. Having access to veterinary care could not just improve the lives of pets but also their people. On Sunday C.A.R.E.4Paws sought to do just that with the very first Wellness Clinic opening up in Oceano.

Central Coast’s C.A.R.E.4Paws Wellness Clinic provides free low-cost, mobile wellness services and other resources for pets and their families in need. This multi-year program provides free veterinary care to Oceano residents.

“We selected Oceano on the basis of it being relatively low income, not having access to veterinary care, locally, and having a high number of pets,” Chris Harris, C.A.R.E.4Paws President said. As community members expressed their gratitude. On Sunday Silva and family brought puppies to get their first vaccines done. She says at first she did not know what to do when her dog came home with a belly full of puppies. “It is a lot when you have a lot of puppies, especially unexpected,” Silva said.

The clinic offers services such as free spays, neuters, and health exams. “There’s vaccines happening today, there’s surgeries happening today, there’s a lot of conversation happening around the community and what the community needs to help build some of that trust is keeping families from seeking services,” Sarah Ocampo, PetSmart Charities Senior Community Grants Manager, said. Not only are they providing veterinary services for Oceano residents but they partnered with PetSmart charities as part of their funding and to help do surveys.

“We didn’t have to go much out of our way. It was a very big help because we didn’t have financial needs for all of them,” Jessica Silva, Oceano resident, said. “We conduct and complete surveys with community members and are gathering information on what veterinary access looks like in their community, in real life,” Ocampo said. She says there has already been a lot of information shared with them. Ocampo says expressive pet bills and travel are the main concerns. “They’ve had this opportunity to give their point of view and express their opinion because they’re the experts on their community,” Ocampo continues.

If you were not able to make it to the event on Sunday, C.A.R.E.4Paws will have more information on where their next clinic will be on their online calendar care4paws.org.

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C.A.R.E.4Paws begins offering pet wellness clinics to Oceano in August

By: Camillia Lanham | New Times San Luis Obispo

Published August 3, 2023 | San Luis Obispo, California

Three mobile clinics are rolling into Oceano on Aug. 6, aiming to treat animals in the community at no cost to town residents in need.

Although C.A.R.E.4Paws charges for its services on a sliding scale and does comp services for those who can’t afford to pay anything, the nonprofit is able to help the seaside berg’s pet population for free thanks to a $120,000 grant from PetSmart Charities.

“Only 10 nonprofits in the United States have received this grant, so it’s an incredible honor and a wonderful opportunity to be a part of this innovative initiative,” C.A.R.E.4Paws Executive Director Isabelle Gullö said. “This grant is part of PetSmart Charities visionary new $100 million grant program focusing on underserved communities.

Pet family at C.A.R.E.4Paws mobile veterinary clinic

C.A.R.E.4Paws had the opportunity to pick one community to serve when it applied for the Access to Care project grant. Gullö said Oceano is a fairly remote area where pet families have zero access to veterinary care or even affordable pet food, about 42 percent of the community members are Hispanic, and the per-capita income is less than $34,000 per year.

As part of the first Pet Wellness Clinic event at the Oceano Parks and Recreation facility on Aug. 6, the nonprofit will provide free spay/neuters and medical care inside its mobile units by prior appointment, as well as a walk-in clinic with free vaccines, microchipping, flea treatment, deworming medication, and nail trimming. Gullö said C.A.R.E.4Paws will be back in Oceano on Aug. 11 and 18 and then either weekly or biweekly, depending on the turnout to the first couple of events.

“It’s a bit hard to say how huge the need is going to be, but we are definitely planning on having a regular presence there going forward,” she said.

Gullö cofounded the nonprofit in 2009 with fellow Santa Barbara County Animal Services shelter volunteer Carlos Abitia, C.A.R.E.4Paws’ mobile clinic manager. She said they realized that the main contributor to shelter overpopulation is a lack of access to affordable pet care, so they launched the nonprofit that would work directly with communities, providing low- and no-cost care to pet families in need. In 2022, C.A.R.E.4Paws expanded its mobile community outreach and spay/neuter outreach program into SLO County with plans to do more in the future, including serving communities in North County.

On Aug. 6, the nonprofit will be rolling out its new 37-foot mobile clinic in Oceano, which C.A.R.E.4Paws raised money for over the last three years.

“The new clinic is larger and better equipped than our existing 26-foot units, with capacity for two surgery teams and increased kennels space, which allows us to house more large dogs during clinic days,” Gullö said. “This means we will use it the most going forward, but we plan to double up or use all three units as often as resources allow. The need for help keeps growing in both Santa Barbara and SLO counties, and we want to do all we can to meet that demand.”

To make an appointment, visit care4paws.org/clinicservices and care4paws.org/oceano. To learn more about C.A.R.E.4Paws and find out how to contribute to the organization, visit care4paws.org/how-to-help.

Central Coast’s C.A.R.E.4Paws rolls out new mobile clinic in Oceano

Source: Julia Black-Devre, C.A.R.E.4Paws | Noozhawk

Published July 27, 2023 | 8:40 am |

Having access to veterinary care improves the lives of pets and their people. Yet, for many families, gaining that access is difficult, unless pet wellness services are brought directly to a family’s neighborhood, which is what C.A.R.E.4Paws does in Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo (SLO) counties through its Mobile Community Medicine & Spay/Neuter Outreach program.

In August, the nonprofit will open its third mobile veterinary clinic, as well as an Access to Care initiative in the city of Oceano, made possible through grant funding from PetSmart Charities.

The Access to Care project starts Sunday, Aug. 6 with a Pet Wellness Clinic for Oceano families in need at Oceano Community Services District, 1655 Front St.

C.A.R.E.4Paws will provide free spays/neuters, health exams and other medical care by appointment in its two 26-foot mobile clinics and the new, 37-foot unit. (Apply through care4paws.org/oceano).

Outside the mobile units, from 10 a.m.-1 p.m., C.A.R.E.4Paws offers free vaccines, flea treatment, deworming medication, microchips and nail trims for dogs and cats on a walk-in, first-come, first-serve basis.

The mobile clinic includes a double surgery suite, added equipment, and ample kennel space to house animals, including more large dogs. The unit allows C.A.R.E.4Paws to increase both the number of pets served annually and the geographical reach of its services.

“Many small, remote communities on the Central Coast, like Oceano, have chronically lacked access to pet wellness services of any kind,” says Isabelle Gullö, C.A.R.E.4Paws’ executive director/cofounder.

Of Oceano’s roughly 7,200 community members, 42 percent are Hispanic and the per-capita income is less than $34,000 per year, she said.

“When people struggle to care for their companion animals, it affects everyone in the family. The PetSmart Charities funding allows us to provide free veterinary services in Oceano on a continued basis, which helps keep pets healthy, out of shelters and with the people who love them,” she said.

“Most people today consider pets family, yet 50 million pets in the U.S. struggle to access even basic preventative care such as spay/neuter procedures, vaccinations and annual exams,” says Kate Atema, director of community grants and initiatives at PetSmart Charities.

“While this issue affects families in nearly every community, those who have been historically excluded from human social services are most in need of pet services, too,” she said. “We’re proud to support this innovative approach that meets the unique needs identified by those living in the communities themselves.”

C.A.R.E.4Paws’ new mobile clinic, the result of a three-year fundraising effort, will play a key role in the organization’s work in Oceano, as well as its work in other SLO and Santa Barbara County communities.

For more about C.A.R.E.4Paws’ Mobile Community Medicine & Spay/Neuter Outreach, its Access to Care project, and to make an appointment, visit care4paws.org/clinicservices and care4paws.org/oceano.

C.A.R.E.4Paws: Kids make a “pawsitive” impact on pets in Santa Barbara

By: Patricia Martellotti | KEYT News Channel 3

Published July 14, 2023 | 9:57 am |

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – C.A.R.4Paws is on a mission to promote safety for animals through its “Paws up for Pets” campaign.

“Our goal with this program is to really help out with animal welfare and help reduce any pet from suffering,” said programs coordinator Wendy Domanski of C.A.R.E4Paws.

As a way to teach kids kindness compassion and empathy, the nonprofit organization launched the program in collaboration with the United Boys and Girls Club of Santa Barbara County.

“They teach the kids how animals are supposed to be handled … instead of a child curiosity to just go after the animals. So they are creating positive experiences for both our kids and the animals they encounter in the future,” said assistant director Azalia Urena of the Goleta Boys and Girls Club.

This week the nonprofit organization known as Buns brought bunnies and guinea pigs to the Goleta Boys and Girls Club.

As a way to teach kids kindness compassion and empathy, the nonprofit organization launched the program in collaboration with the United Boys and Girls Club of Santa Barbara County.

“They teach the kids how animals are supposed to be handled … instead of a child curiosity to just go after the animals. So they are creating positive experiences for both our kids and the animals they encounter in the future,” said assistant director Azalia Urena of the Goleta Boys and Girls Club.

This week the nonprofit organization known as Buns brought bunnies and guinea pigs to the Goleta Boys and Girls Club.

The program is aimed to enhance empathy among friends, family members and the community as a whole.

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Celebrating the Happy Tails!

Event raises record-breaking $170,000 for C.A.R.E.4Paws

By: Santa Barbara New-Press, Annika Bahnsen

Photos by Kenneth Song / News-Press Photos

Published May 23, 2023

C.A.R.E.4Paws — a Santa Barbara County nonprofit that keeps animals out of shelters and improves quality of life for pet families in need — hosted its Happy Tails Celebration and Fundraiser Sunday at the Music Academy of the West.

The Montecito event highlighted the work that the organization has been doing in the community and features personal stories and memories from some of the pet owners they help.

The event featured guitarist Michael Holland, who provided background music for the crowd to enjoy. Additionally, there were lots of food and drink to partake in, including local wine from La Lieff Wines, craft beer by Rincon Brewery, as well as C.A.R.E.4Paws’ featured “meowgaritas.”

Santa Barbara News Press Happy Tails coverage 2

The main fundraising portion of the night was a live auction where attendees could bid for various baskets, experiences and fun animal-related items. Specifically, some items offered were animal portraits, a VIP tour with the National Disaster Search Dog Foundation or a flight on a search mission finding lost dogs. Donations were often tripled, which gave multiple buyers the opportunity to experience something they wanted.

The fundraiser raised close to $170,000, a new event record, according to Isabelle Gullö, C.A.R.E.4Paws’ co-founder and executive director. She told the News-Press that $100,000 was raised directly at the event and the rest was raised through sponsorships.

There also was a matching grant from the Sparacio Foundation, and the organization matched $50,000 during the auction event. This helped encourage those at the event to donate and bid.

According to Ms. Gullö, the money will go directly back to the organization, “helping thousands of pet families in need in the Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo areas.”

Recently, C.A.R.E.4Paws expanded to San Luis Obispo with its Mobile Clinic, which allows more families to be assisted on-the-go with whatever pet needs they may have. The money raised will help support this area of the organization.

“Thanks to the wonderful support for C.A.R.E.4Paws’ Happy Tails event, we will be able to help thousands of pet families in need, keeping animals healthy and with the people who love them!” exclaimed Ms. Gullö.

The event also featured multiple people talking about their “Happy Tails,” sharing how the organization has positively impacted their lives. “It is really heartwarming,” said Ms. Gullö.

The event was a success, and Ms. Gullö alongside the entire organization is thankful for the support.

If you would like more information on C.A.R.E.4Paws, visit care4paws.org.

email: abahnsen@newspress.com

PetSmart Charities donates to improve access to veterinary care through C.A.R.E.4Paws

By: KEYT Andrew Gilles

Published May 16, 2023

OCEANO, Calif. – C.A.R.E.4Paws has received a grant from PetSmart Charities for $120,000 to address gaps in veterinary access in Oceano.

“Oceano is a community that has chronically been without access to pet care of any kind,” said Isabelle Gullö, Executive Director and co-founder of C.A.R.E.4Paws, a nonprofit organization that assists pet families lacking resources in Santa Barbara and SLO Counties. “A large percentage of animals entering SLO county shelters come from Oceano and similar communities, and many of these pets are relinquished due to a lack of resources. The PetSmart Charities funding will allow C.A.R.E.4Paws to provide needed veterinary services through our mobile units to improve quality of life for Oceano pet families and keep animals in their homes.”

In 2023, PetSmart Charities announced a $100 million commitment over the next five years towards improving veterinary access for historically excluded communities.

man holding a family pet at the C.A.R.E.4Paws mobile clinic

“Most people today consider pets family, yet 50 million pets in the US struggle to access even basic preventative care such as spay/neuter procedures, vaccinations and annual exams,” said Kate Atema, Director of community grants and initiatives at PetSmart Charities. “While this issue affects families in nearly every community, those who have been historically excluded from human social services are most in need of pet services, too. We’re proud to support this innovative approach that meets the unique needs identified by those living in the communities themselves.”

On Aug. 6, C.A.R.E.4Paws will launch its first free Pet Wellness Clinic at Oceano’s Parks and Recreation Department on 1655 Front Street.

“The bond between pets and humans is an incredible thing,” said Gullö. “C.A.R.E.4Paws’ goal is to keep pets healthy and with their families for life by ensuring that Oceano’s community members have continuous access to veterinary services. We are truly grateful to PetSmart Charities for this opportunity.”

For more information about C.A.R.E.4Paws visit care4paws.org. For clinic questions contact info@care4paws or call 805-968-2273.

Local Pooch Playoffs crowns victor, donates proceeds to area pet clinic

By: Andrew Gillies | KEYT News Channel 3

Published May 6, 2023 | 11:32 am |

SANTA BARBARA COUNTY, Calif. – The Third Annual Pooch Playoffs, a March Madness-themed fundraiser, raised a record $1,564 for local non-profit C.A.R.E. 4Paws and selected a winning “ulti-mutt cutie” canine for Santa Barbara County.

After a week-and-a-half contest with over 2,000 votes cast, your county-wide bracket-beating victor is Otto of the Grimmesey family! The two-year-old Great Dane is featured below in all his glory.

C.A.R.E.4Paws In the News OttoGVictor-pooch-playoff-champion

“We came together in a fun way that everyone could enjoy and support C.A.R.E.4Paws, a great organization that does so much for pets and their families here locally,” says Valerie Villa, owner of Images by Valerie Photography, who organized the Pooch Playoffs contest. “We can create amazing change in our community if we all work together, and this is truly one of those moments I am proud to be a part of.”

This was Villa’s third year organizing the contest , which joins fundraisers of the same name and concept across the United States and Canada. Together, participating photographers raised $50,766 for selected animal-related charities.

“All of us at C.A.R.E.4Paws extend a big, heartfelt thanks to Valerie for her incredible dedication and generosity, and to the many participants of the Pooch Playoffs,” said Wendy Domanski, community programs coordinator for C.A.R.E.4Paws. “We greatly appreciate the generous donation and compassion for our pet families in need. It’s an honor to continue our collaboration with Valerie next year—get your pups geared up for the 2024 Pooch Playoffs!”

High school student, Ava Vasquez, hosts pet food drive for C.A.R.E.4Paws in Santa Barbara