Who We Are
Our Mission
The Santa Cruz SPCA provides safe harbor for animals in need and promotes an active humane community through adoption, advocacy, and education.
The Santa Cruz SPCA is a nonprofit animal shelter and welfare organization serving Santa Cruz County since 1934. We rescue and rehome cats and dogs, deliver humane education programs, and run community services that help keep pets and their people together. Everything we do is made possible by the compassion of our community and our devoted volunteers, who collectively give thousands of hours every year.
What We Do
Rescue and Adoption
We welcome dogs and cats in need, including those requiring extra medical or behavioral care, and find them loving new families through our adoption program.
Learn More →Pet Food Pantry
Heather's Pet Food Pantry distributes over 60,000 pounds of free dog and cat food each year to help families in need keep their pets at home.
Learn More →Humane Education
Our youth programs cultivate the next generation of animal guardians through camps, volunteering, Rescue Readers, classroom visits, and shelter tours.
Learn More →Support for Seniors
Dr. Jean's Senior Friends connects seniors with senior pets through waived adoption fees and provides veterinary care assistance for those on a fixed income.
Learn More →
At the Santa Cruz SPCA, we welcome all kinds of needy dogs and cats, especially those that need a bit of extra care and who might be at risk in other shelters. From specialized medical treatments to behavioral training, our modern, purpose-built shelter allows us to prioritize comfort, love, and individualized attention for each animal while we search for their new families.
Our vision for the coming years is to double the number of lives saved and touched through our programs.
Our History
1934
The Santa Cruz SPCA is founded by Dr. Charles Edward Graves, who generously donates land to create a shelter for animals in need.
1955
The organization officially incorporates and begins providing animal control and adoption services for Santa Cruz County.
2002
Santa Cruz County establishes its own animal control agency. The SPCA transitions to a fully independent nonprofit focused on rescue, adoption, and community programs.
2020
The new state-of-the-art shelter opens, featuring modern animal habitats, versatile play areas, community event space, and facilities designed to support staff and volunteers.
Our Values
Courageous Compassion
Compassion guides every interaction with animals and people alike. We approach situations with open-minded optimism and have the courage to explore new solutions when needed.
Continuous Improvement
We are driven to help more animals through ongoing process and personal improvement, basing decisions on research, data, and lessons learned.
Collaborative Spirit
We seek partnerships across our community, emphasize the vital role of volunteers, and build welcoming spaces that support the bond between pets and people.
Responsible Stewardship
We ensure long-term financial viability through integrity and transparency, investing in our team and nurturing the next generation of animal guardians.
Celebrating Differences
We cultivate a team that reflects our broader community and strive to make our organization and services accessible to as many pets and people as possible.
Financial Transparency
As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, we make our financial records publicly available. View our IRS Form 990 filings below to see how your support is put to work for animals in Santa Cruz County.
The Santa Cruz SPCA receives no federal, state, or local government funding, nor any regular assistance from national organizations like the ASPCA or the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS). We are a fully independent, community-supported nonprofit. Achieving our mission is made possible through the generosity of our donors and the dedication of our volunteers.
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
