Saving the Lives of Our County‘s Most Vulnerable Shelter Animals 

Events

2025 Camp HOPE Camper Applications

June 23-27 and July 21-25

The ONLY Educational Animal Camp of its kind in the area

Camp HOPE Weeklong Summer Day Camp:

The CAMP H.O.P.E. Program is a one-week summer day camp held Monday through Friday at the Santa Maria Animal Center. Youth aged 9-12 are invited to attend; the cost is $300 per camper. Hours are 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily, and Camp HOPE enjoys 72 campers annually.

This summer camp introduces campers to a variety of hands-on learning modes to allow youth to explore career and volunteer opportunities, basic pet responsibility, important life skills, and local animal issues. The camp has a variety of sessions, guest speakers, crafts, activities, time spent daily with shelter animals, as well as ways youth can make a difference in the lives of animals within their community. Children are taught what to do if they lose or find an animal, how to protect themselves from being bitten by a dog, why animals are surrendered, or strays, how our community shelters work, and how our community's Animal Control Officers act as First-responders for companion animals. They are also taught disaster preparedness, the challenges of unaltered animals in our community, and the benefits of spay and neutering, vaccinating, and the responsibility of training and health care for our pets.

This all-volunteer program is directed and funded by the Santa Barbara County Animal Care Foundation.

More info on Camp H.O.P.E./Youth Programs page

Camps fill quickly, submit an application today!

Fundraiser Event

Don't miss your chance to Make a Difference!

Fundraiser March 1st – March 9th, 2025

Art for Animals

March 1st – March 9th, 2025

Whether giving a new look to a wall or redecorating a room, give your home a fresh, artistic touch while making a PAWsitive impact.

From March 1st – March 9th, 2025, Local artist, Kimberly LeClaire Art is partnering with Santa Barbara County Animal Care Foundation—and you can help!

A percentage of all sales during this time will go directly toward helping vulnerable animals in need. Shop Kimberly’s breathtaking collection of original paintings, handcrafted 3D cutting boards, exquisite woodworking pieces, fine art prints, Giclées, and hand-painted journaling papers. With a variety of genres, sizes, and price points, there’s something for everyone—including custom orders for a truly unique piece!

FREE U.S. shipping – Your artwork arrives right at your door!
✨ Shop local. Give back. Transform your space.

KimberlyLeClaireArt.Etsy.com

Coming Soon

Spa Day Raffle

Potting Bench Raffle

Good News

Microchip Scanning Stations come to Santa Maria!

TBA- 2025

DIY Microchip Scanning Stations

SBC Animal Care Foundation received a generous grant from the Santa Barbara Foundation to create 20 microchip scanning stations in the Santa Maria area.

The SBC Animal Care Foundation is thrilled to share a groundbreaking step forward in our mission to improve animal welfare. Thanks to our strong partnership with Santa Barbara County Animal Services and the incredible support of the Santa Barbara Foundation, we’re bringing news of an innovative program to our community this holiday season—one that will make a real difference for both animals and their families.

This new initiative involves installing 20 microchip scanning stations throughout the Santa Maria area. These stations empower everyday heroes—like you!—to play a vital role in reuniting lost pets with their owners. If you find a stray animal, visit one of these stations, scan for a microchip, and follow the easy instructions to help the pet find its way home in real-time.

This i more than just a convenience—it's a game-changer for animal safety and community involvement. We’re excited to see how this program transforms the way we care for animals in Santa Barbara County. Together, with your support and the generosity of the Santa Barbara Foundation, we are creating solutions that save lives and strengthen the bond between people and their pets.

Stay tuned for updates as these stations are rolled out, and thank you for being part of this life-changing journey!

See sample directions.

Mission

Commitment

To promote animal welfare and to better the quality of life for animals in Santa Barbara County through education, outreach, collaboration, and promotion of the humane ethic and responsible treatment of all animals.

The Santa Barbara County Animal Care Foundation, a dedicated all-volunteer "501.c3" nonprofit founded in 2002, is on a mission to transform Santa Barbara County into a haven where every adoptable and treatable animal gets a second chance at finding a loving home. In close collaboration with Santa Barbara County Animal Services, the foundation plays a pivotal role in providing life-changing assistance to the most at-risk animals within the county shelter system. Our unwavering efforts have a direct and profound impact on animals residing in the county's three shelters, ensuring that these vulnerable beings are given the best chance for a brighter future and finding forever homes. Through our commitment and partnerships, we are working tirelessly to create a more compassionate and caring community for animals in need.

How It Works

Santa Barbara County Animal Care is a non-profit partner of Santa Barbara County Animal Services. Each month, Animal Services brings to our attention animals in need of emergency and diagnostic Animal Medical funding. Many of these animals have suffered abuse or neglect or have been injured. Our funding has helped support everything from treatment for heartworm to emergency surgery to save the lives of pets hit by vehicles, to amputations, and more. We also provide funding for equipment and supplies.

Meet The Board of Directors

  • Linda Greco

    Co-President

    Linda Greco is a founding member of SBC Animal Care Foundation. She is a registered nurse, local small business owner, and animal advocate. Her favorite quote is “Be the change you want to see in the world.” -Gandhi.

  • Tracy Sires

    Co- President

    Tracy and her children are animal lovers and advocates. They started fostering animals in Santa Maria in 2009. Tracy joined the board of SBCACF shortly after that. Helping animals in need is a family love affair.

  • Kari Coady

    Secretary

    Kari Coady is ED for Breakthroughs International, a nonprofit focused on empowering others to thrive amidst life’s challenges using kinesiology-based techniques. She also enjoys time with her husband and their beloved furbabies. Kari joined SBCACF out of her love for and desire to help all animals

  • Angelina Parente-McDonald

    Treasurer

    Angelina grew up in rescue, advocates for pitbull-type dogs, and has been part of SBCACF for over 10 years. If you see her, you will always see a dog with her with a big old pittie smile!

  • Aries

    A526034

    Located At: Santa Barbara County Animal Services - Santa Maria

    Description: My name is Aries.

    I am a spayed female, white and black Pit Bull Terrier mix.

    Age: The shelter staff think I am about 2 years and 5 months old.

    Weight: I weigh approximately 53.00 lbs.

    More Info: I have been at the shelter since Dec 29, 2023.

    I am waiting to meet you at 548 W. Foster Rd, Santa Maria. Come visit me between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday.