Santa Barbara Humane

Colleen Ferrell

I had a great experience adopting my pup Watson (formerly Smokey) 2 years ago. Didn’t think he had much time left, but we’re 2 years on and he’s doing so well - he has a new brother too!

Elizabeth Jimenez

This shelter used to be pretty great, unfortunately the upper management (from shelter manager up) are now driving it into the ground. They treat staff terribly, driving away experienced staff, and management does not care about the animals. They pretend to and put up a facade that fools most people unless you've been around them to see their true colors. Hopefully they can leave and the organization recover. 🤞🏻

Arlene and Blaise McGowan

We adopted Bailey, the cutest little pug/daschund mix. The ladies that were working on Super Bowl Sunday were the best at there job! They really know how to take care of these dogs! They made sure that Bailey felt comfortable with is before we did any kind of paperwork. They really care! And I wish they could see her now! We all are doing great! She has already learned the doggie door and where to go. Not that we do not walk her everyday, which I love that my husband gets a couple walks in everyday. I walk with on my days off, she is really learning the leash well! She loves to play with her toys, she keeps us busy! The fun thing is watching her root under the covers for her spot in bed. We love her so much and thank you ladies for doing what you do so well!

Dani Bailey

Santa Barbara Humane far exceeded my expectations. I had just lost my cat of 16 years, Nia Grace, and finally mustered up the courage to adopt a new feline friend. I don’t care what anyone says, but adopting an animal is a big deal, it takes commitment and care, patience, and time. I was quite discouraged with other adoption facilities due to the fast nature of them urging the hastiness of a life-changing decision. I was also discouraged at the lack of humane element when adopting – everything is through websites and pictures and asynchronous communication. What ever happened to the joy in visiting a shelter/facility and “shopping” for your perfect feline friend? Or having time to bond and get a feel for personality? Or even a simple phone call to discuss the animal in question? It was incredibly discouraging that adopting has morphed into the same competitiveness of the housing market. However, upon emailing SB Humane, I immediately received a phone call from the Santa Maria Campus. The staff was happy to discuss the kittens in questions and valued my requests in wanting some additional pictures and videos of the kittens before scheduling a meet and greet. They respectfully honored the first come first serve protocol in holding the kitten until my scheduled meet and greet that day. Upon arriving to the facility, I was escorting into a kitten den and was given time to bond, play, and hold the kittens. I was instantly enamored and so appreciative that I could allow myself to adopt without any pressure from the facility. Needless to say, I adopted 2 kittens instead of 1. The staff including Matt Chan, so graciously answered all my questions, gave me product recommendations for kitten care, and shared some valuable tips in kitten training. I was even able to meet the employee that rescued my kittens, which made the experience so much more rewarding. The facility also has a pet center to purchase necessities, if need be, so you are not leaving “unprepared”. Upon check-out, I was given all necessary documents on both kittens, helpful flyers, suggested Vets in the area, 2 bags of kitten food, all within a nice SB Humane canvas bag – further reassurance that this was one of the best decisions I could have made. This facility was family – I can’t say enough good things. So I leave it at this, if you are looking to adopt – go through SB Humane. The Santa Maria Campus holds a special place in my heart as I sit here and play with my newest family members – Neytiri and Nala. I am forever indebt to everyone that helped me make what seemed like a very difficult and stressed decision, an easy one. Thank you.