Pet Care and Training
The Santa Cruz SPCA offers pet care and training resources for dog and cat owners across Santa Cruz County. Whether you're looking for a qualified dog trainer, need help with a pet behavior problem, or want to schedule an affordable spay/neuter or vaccination appointment, you'll find what you need below. Our goal is to help you and your pet live happily together and to make responsible pet care accessible to everyone in our community.
Dog Trainers
Find qualified dog trainers in Santa Cruz County recommended by the SPCA, offering group classes, private lessons, puppy training, and behavior modification.
View Trainers →
Pet Behavior Resources
Free downloadable guides on common dog and cat behavior issues including barking, litter box problems, destructive chewing, fearfulness, and more.
Browse Resources →
Spay/Neuter Clinics
Access low cost spay and neuter services for dogs, cats, and rabbits through partner programs serving Santa Cruz County and beyond.
Find a Clinic →
Vaccination Clinics
Keep your pet up to date on essential vaccinations with affordable clinic options available to Santa Cruz County pet owners.
View Clinics →Dog Trainers in Santa Cruz County
A well-trained dog starts with a knowledgeable owner. The Santa Cruz SPCA recommends the following dog trainers who provide group classes, private lessons, puppy programs, and behavior modification services in the Santa Cruz area.
Bed and Biscuits Groomingdales
Day School, Board & Train, Puppy Headstart Program, Home Training
831-475-1580
Bingo Dog Training – Cynthia Edgerly
Group Classes, Private Lessons, Behavior Modification, Board & Train, Phone Consults
831-768-9308
Good Dog Santa Cruz – Mardi Richmond
Puppy Head Start, Puppy Classes, Group Classes, Private Lessons, Behavior Consults
831-431-0161
Karma Dog Training
Puppy Classes, Canine Good Citizen, Private/Group Training, Board & Train
831-227-5427
Living With Dogs
Basic Manners, Problem Solving, Socialization, Canine Good Citizen, Puppy Kindergarten, Agility, Private and Group Lessons
831-601-2458
Clear Mind Canine – Heather Ross
Behavior Solutions, Group Classes from Puppy to Competition Level
831-222-0211
Pet Behavior Resources
Dealing with a pet behavior problem? The Santa Cruz SPCA provides free downloadable guides on common dog and cat issues. Click any topic below to view or download a PDF. If you don't find what you're looking for, call us at 831-465-5000 or email info@santacruzspca.org.
Cat Behavior and Care
Getting Started with Your Cat
Cat Health and General Care
Cat Training and Behavior
Dog Behavior and Care
Getting Started with Your Dog
Dog Health and General Care
Dog Training and Behavior
Low Cost Spay and Neuter Clinics in Santa Cruz County
Spaying or neutering your pet is one of the most important things you can do as a responsible pet owner. It helps reduce pet overpopulation, can prevent certain health issues, and often improves behavior. The following programs offer low cost spay and neuter services to Santa Cruz County residents.
Santa Cruz Animal Shelter's PLANNED Pethood Program
High quality, low cost spay/neuter services for dogs, cats, and rabbits. Available to all Santa Cruz County residents regardless of income.
FOWAS Low Cost Spay/Neuter Program
Friends of the Watsonville Animal Shelter offers this program to low-income residents from any county. Certificates are used at participating local veterinarians. Proof of income required.
SNIP Mobile Spay and Neuter
A traveling program that visits many cities offering low cost spay/neuter. Follow their social media for the latest clinic dates and locations.
Pet Vaccination Clinics
Keeping your pet current on vaccinations protects them from serious and potentially fatal diseases. The Santa Cruz SPCA connects pet owners with affordable vaccination clinics in Santa Cruz County. View current vaccination clinic schedules and details.
Need Help With Your Pet?
If you have questions about pet behavior, training, or any of our pet care resources, we're here to help. Call us at 831-465-5000 or email info@santacruzspca.org.
2601 Chanticleer Ave.
Santa Cruz, CA 95065
(P) 831-465-5000 (F) 831-479-8530
Monday - CLOSED
Animal Browsing Tuesday to Sunday 11am - 5pm
PET FOOD PANTRY - Sundays 1:00pm - 3:00pm
The Santa Cruz SPCA is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to the welfare of animals. We receive no government funding, and depend solely on financial support from our friends. Our organization is not affiliated with any other SPCA or Humane Society.
Tax ID: 94-6171565
© 2026 Santa Cruz SPCA
