Community invited to free event featuring dog playgroups and fun activities for the whole family
Courtesy photo.
SANTA BARBARA — One year after the Santa Barbara Humane Society introduced socialization play groups for its dogs, the average length of stay has dropped from 2 1/2 years to nine months. The playgroups, which allow the dogs to socialize and help each other become less fearful, more secure and more socially satisfied, will be highlighted at the Santa Barbara Humane Society Open House on Sunday, May 1 from 12 noon to 4 p.m. at 5399 Overpass Road in Santa Barbara.
“We’ve gone through an amazing transformation since adopting the playgroups,” said Peggy Langle, Santa Barbara Humane Society Executive Director. “The dogs’ energy is spent in a very positive way, where they have an outlet for kennel stress and it’s provided social enrichment for a lot of our dogs.”
In March, the Santa Barbara Humane Society welcomed a return visit from the nonprofit Dogs Playing for Life. Playgroups have had a profound positive impact on Santa Barbara Humane Society. They have enriched the lives of adoption dogs by providing time to socialize and play with each other, and they have allowed staff to get to know dogs’ personalities better, which helps them better match dogs with good homes.
“For the first time, Santa Barbara Humane Society is in the positive situation of being able to transfer dogs into our shelter from other overcrowded shelters,” said Langle.
Since adopting playgroups, the Santa Barbara Humane Society has had a lower census than they have in years, vastly reducing their population of long-term dogs. As a result they have been able to help overcrowded local shelters by taking in some of their animals. The biggest benefit has been the reduced length of stay for their adoptable dogs.
Guests of all ages are invited to watch the adoptable dogs in playgroups at the Santa Barbara Humane Society annual Open House on Sunday, May 1. The Santa Barbara Humane Society will also be providing discounted $5 vaccinations for pets at its on-site veterinary clinic, special program demonstrations, face painting, magic show and reading corner for kids, and the chance to meet adoptable dogs.
This event is free and open to the public, with donations encouraged. The Open House will take place on Sunday, May 1 from 12 noon to 4 p.m. at 5399 Overpass Road in Santa Barbara.
For more information about the Open House, please visit sbhumanesociety.org or call (805) 964-4777.
About Santa Barbara Humane Society: The Santa Barbara Humane Society is dedicated to the welfare of animals and strives to provide a safe haven for homeless dogs and cats until we are able to find forever homes for them. Since 1887, the Santa Barbara Humane Society has provided service to the people and animal populations of Santa Barbara County, and is proud to be one of the three oldest agencies in California dedicated to animal welfare. The Santa Barbara Humane Society occupies a five-acre site on Overpass Road, serving the community with a shelter, animal adoption services, a spay and neuter clinic, humane education center, boarding kennels, large animal holding center and corral, and inspection and rescue services. For more information, visit sbhumanesociety.org or call (805) 964-4777. Find Santa Barbara Humane Society on Facebook and Instagram.