Saving the Lives of Santa Barbara County’s Most Vulnerable Shelter Animals
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.
Mission
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.
Commitment
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.
How It Works
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.
Camps fill quickly, submit an application today!
More Information:
Camp H.O.P.E./Youth Programs page
Fundraising Events
Good News
Coming Soon in 2025
Microchip Scanning Stations come to Santa Maria!
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.
Meet the Board of Directors
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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.
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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.
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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
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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!