Santa Barbara County Supervisor urges community to support pet fostering as animal services needs rise

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – Little Buddy has had a tough few days. 

“Buddy is in a really unique situation, but his mom is in the hospital … and so instead of him going through the experience of the loss of his mom and being in a new environment and all of that stress, we have an opportunity to have him in a home," said director Sarah Aguilar of the Santa Barbara County Animal Services.

Meanwhile Santa Barbara county supervisor Laura Capps will be taking care of Buddy. 

“It was really important to me to do … but now it’s part of my county job. I feel like it’s just spread the word. Hey, you know, you can help out a dog and animal in need and be doing something good for your community," said Capps.

The organization placed over 2,100 pets in foster in 2023, and over 1,500 in just the first five months of this year.

“The number is overwhelming and you know the county really is that safety net for not just people but for our animals and that’s really what the services provide," said Capps.

“We’re facing an increase number of animals in need … as families are experiencing a financial struggle and housing challenges. Animals are kind of suffering for that so we’re seeing tons of animals coming in far more than we’ve seen in five years," said Aguilar.

The animal services team hopes the community will learn more about the different options for fostering a pet.

“Always looking for more ways to expand and we’re looking at potentially developing a jail program right now to get a dogs into facilities where they get just 24 hour hands-on and training," said Aguilar.

Right now, animal services is seeking fosters for kittens, pets recovering from medical procdures and weekend breaks from the shelter.

“My hope is these Beautiful features get the care that they deserve.”

For more information on how you can help support Santa Barbara County Animal Services, visit: https://www.countyofsb.org/415/Animal-Services.

S