Will continue to provide low-cost or free spay/neuter, vaccination services, adoption for animals currently housed at SPARC
SANTA PAULA — In 2012, Santa Paula Animal Rescue Center (SPARC) embarked on an ambitious journey to create a completely no-kill animal shelter to protect and save the lives of stray and abandoned animals in the City of Santa Paula. Driven by the unwavering support of the community, SPARC has continuously achieved its no-kill mission. For thirteen years, we have found loving homes for countless animals, forged lasting friendships, and met incredible creatures who have transformed our lives. Thanks to our strict no-kill policy, robust spay and neuter, and low-cost vaccination programs, we have significantly reduced the number of sick, injured, suffering, and unwanted animals. We have proven that it is possible for an open-admission municipal shelter to give every animal a second chance at life and that there is a perfect home out there for each one, regardless of their age, behavioral or medical challenges.
Courtesy photo.
Due to the City of Santa Paula’s stalled contract negotiations, unfulfilled commitments, and lack of financial support, starting Feb. 1, 2025, SPARC will no longer serve as the City shelter for Santa Paula. The City’s commitment in 2012 to construct a custom animal shelter, funded through a promised bond issue, has not been fulfilled. When SPARC was initiated, the City had agreed to issue a bond for a dedicated shelter; however, this commitment has not appeared on any election ballots for the past 13 years. In addition, the City provides less than 8% of SPARC’s operating expenses; and SPARC has not received a raise in monthly fees since 2018, creating a financially unsustainable situation for the shelter.
Despite several meetings with the City, no forward action has been taken in recent months. As such, the only viable option for SPARC is to discontinue services as the City Shelter for Santa Paula.
SPARC gave notice to the City two months ago and will no longer be taking in owner-surrendered or stray and abandoned animals from 2/1/2025, so ifresidents of Santa Paula have a pet that needs to be surrendered or a stray that needs to be housed, they should call the City of Santa Paula at 805-525-4478 for further information.
Santa Paula Animal Rescue Center, a 501c3, non-profit, will continue to provide low-cost or free spay/neuter and vaccination services and will be open for adoptions of animals currently housed at SPARC, which are still awaiting their forever homes.
Santa Paula Animal Rescue Center is a 501c3, non-profit animal shelter, located at 705 E. Santa Barbara Street, Santa Paula, CA 93060.