C.A.R.E.4Paws Expands Foster Program Across the Central Coast
SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) - When life takes an unexpected turn, no one should have to lose a beloved pet.
Santa Barbara-based C.A.R.E.4Paws is expanding its foster program and looking for more families willing to provide temporary homes for pets while their owners face a crisis.
For pet owner Sam Macmurdo, the bond is part of everyday life.
“One hundred percent… you wake up in the morning and you go to bed at night and there she is,” Macmurdo said.
The nonprofit helps people escaping domestic violence, being hospitalized, transitioning into housing or facing another unexpected hardship.
“They need us. They don’t have a choice… finding people to care for pets that need help is just as important as finding help for people,” Macmurdo said.
Julia Black, executive assistant for C.A.R.E.4Paws, sees the need firsthand.
“Lots of clients are reaching out to us who are escaping domestic violence, being hospitalized, transitioning into housing, or facing another life crisis,” Black said.
Former foster Dylan Devre knows how much a temporary home can mean.
“There are so many pets in need. Good owners who are going through tough times can keep their pets out of shelters,” Devre said.
The nonprofit’s Pet Refuge also provides emergency boarding when needed.
Most foster placements last one to three months before pets reunite with their owners.
C.A.R.E.4Paws provides food, veterinary care, supplies and ongoing support throughout the process.
“If we’ve committed to them, we have to take care of them,” Macmurdo said.
The organization hopes to welcome at least a dozen new foster families, giving more pets a safe place to stay until they can return home.
Leaders hope more families will step forward to keep pets safe and make reunions possible.
For more information, Visit: https://care4paws.org/.
The Latest Breaking News, Weather Alerts, Sports and More Anytime On Our Mobile Apps. Keep Up With the Latest Articles by Signing Up for the News Channel 3-12 Newsletter.
