Santa Barbara County Public Health Department announces new animal services director

The Santa Barbara County Public Health Department announced a new Animal Services Director for the County of Santa Barbara on Thursday.

Tara Diller has been hired as the new director. Diller has 17 years of experience in animal welfare, according to the county health department.

Diller served as the Director of Ventura County Animal Services (VCAS), operating two animal shelters that housed nearly 450 animals at any given time.

Diller led the VCAS team in creating processes that increased the animal save rate in shelters from 79% to 93.3% with sustained results for five years.

During her time as the Director of VCAS, Diller was able to successfully reduce the number of days animals spent in shelters with the length of stay from 21 days on average to 14 days.

“We are thrilled to welcome Tara to our department. She brings animal welfare expertise that will not only support County Animal Services, but will allow for innovative approaches to be developed internally and with our many partners,” shared Van Do-Reynoso, Director of the Public Health
Department.

Diller says she is excited to start her new role.

“I am incredibly honored and humbled to be chosen as the next Director of Animal Services. I am excited to work alongside a passionate and dedicated team of staff, volunteers, community partners, stakeholders, and the community who maintain a strong commitment to elevating the human-animal bond while continuing to ensure Santa Barbara County is a leader in the animal welfare movement,” said Diller.

Diller is expected to begin her new position on April 8.