Santa Cruz SPCA

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Santa Cruz SPCA Nonprofit animal shelter serving Santa Cruz County since 1934. We rescue & rehome cats and dogs and keep pets & people together.

No government funding — powered entirely by our community 🧡
🐶 Adopt · 🏡 Foster · 🙌 Volunteer · 💛 Support

The Adventures of Buttercup! 🌼If there's one thing we've learned about Buttercup lately, it's that this girl was made fo...
10/28/2026

The Adventures of Buttercup! 🌼

If there's one thing we've learned about Buttercup lately, it's that this girl was made for adventure!

Over the past few weeks, our s***ky 1-year-old Queensland Heeler mix has been getting out and about with some of our wonderful volunteers, enjoying doggy day outs, neighborhood strolls, car rides, and even a few slumber parties!

And the reviews are in... Buttercup is quite the little travel companion! 🚗

Our volunteers report that she's been a great passenger, enjoys exploring new places, and has shown off her sweeter, snuggly side when it's time to wind down. She's also been practicing her walking manners and responding well to treats and redirection. What a good girl!

Oh, and did we mention she likes to swim in the grass? 😂

Of course, Buttercup is still very much a herding dog at heart! She's got energy to spare and some pretty strong herding instincts, so she'll need an active, dog-savvy home that understands her breed and can help channel all that enthusiasm. A home without young children would likely be best, and any potential canine companions would need to be a good match for her play style.

After all these adventures, there's just one thing missing... a home to call her own. ❤️

Come meet Buttercup! Her adoption fee is WAIVED through November 1 as part of our Fall in Love adoption special!

📍 Santa Cruz SPCA | 2601 Chanticleer Ave.
🐾 Tuesday–Sunday | 11 AM–5 PM
💻 spcasc.org

Got a kiddo who LOVES animals? We've got just the thing!November is almost here, and our Humane Education team has a who...
10/28/2026

Got a kiddo who LOVES animals? We've got just the thing!

November is almost here, and our Humane Education team has a whole lot of fun planned for our young animal lovers! From getting their hands dirty (in the best way!) to making new furry friends, there's something for everyone!

🐶 PAWS | Ages 7–10
Ever wonder what happens when an animal arrives at the shelter? Get a behind-the-scenes look at animal care, learn how we help our furry friends, and get crafty for Thanksgiving!

🐱 Junior Animal Care Team | Ages 11+
Ready to roll up your sleeves? Step into the shoes of our animal care team, tackle real shelter tasks, and discover what it takes to keep our four-legged friends happy and healthy!

🦃 Thanksgiving Day Camp | Ages 7–11
Dogs, cats, turkeys... OH MY! Spend the day making furry friends, whipping up festive animal treats, and getting creative with Thanksgiving crafts!

The fun starts NEXT WEEK! PAWS and Junior Animal Care Team are kicking off their next sessions, and we still have spots available! Can't make it in November? We've got more opportunities coming in December, too!

Give your young animal lover something to look forward to this fall! ❤️

🐾 Spots are limited, so grab yours while you can!
https://spcasc.org/humane-education/

Two more love stories have begun! 🍂❤️Last week, Benny and Peanut found their forever homes, and we couldn't be happier f...
10/27/2026

Two more love stories have begun! 🍂❤️

Last week, Benny and Peanut found their forever homes, and we couldn't be happier for these two!

We're wishing them and their new families all the best as they settle into their new lives.

And the good news doesn't have to stop there!

Our Fall in Love adoption special is happening through November 1, with adoption fees WAIVED for all dogs and cats 6 months and older!

There are still plenty of wonderful animals waiting for homes of their own. Could one of them be yours?

🍁 Your next love story starts here!

Visit us Tuesday–Sunday, 11 AM–5 PM!
📍 2601 Chanticleer Ave, Santa Cruz
spcasc.org

Our sweet Bear is back with us, and we're hoping to help him find a home that's just right for him! 🐻You might remember ...
10/27/2026

Our sweet Bear is back with us, and we're hoping to help him find a home that's just right for him! 🐻

You might remember this handsome 3-year-old fellow who was originally found wandering the parking lot of a Black Bear Diner with an injured eye. Since then, Bear has come a long way! After undergoing surgery to remove his eye, he settled into shelter life, made some kitty friends, and eventually found a home of his own.

Bear was recently returned to our care, and while things didn't work out quite as everyone had hoped, his time in a home helped us learn a little more about what makes this guy tick.

As it turns out, Bear is a bit of a free spirit! Having spent part of his life outdoors, he seems to have held on to some of that adventurous spirit. He's curious, playful, independent, and likes to do things on his own terms. He's also shown us that he needs plenty of stimulation and a little extra understanding when it comes to his personal space.

We're hoping to find Bear a patient, cat-savvy adopter who can appreciate his unique personality and help him channel his energy in positive ways. Plenty of enrichment, interactive playtime, and opportunities to safely experience the outdoors, whether through a catio or secure outdoor enclosure, could be wonderful for this curious guy!

Bear may not be your typical cuddly house cat, but he has plenty of personality to share! He just needs someone who understands that every cat is different, and that's part of what makes them special. ❤️

We know there's a home out there where Bear can truly be himself, and we can't wait to help him find it!

Interested in learning more about Bear? Reach out to our Adoptions team!

📍 2601 Chanticleer Ave., Santa Cruz
🐾 Tuesday–Sunday | 11 AM–5 PM
📞 831-465-5000
🌐 spcasc.org

Meet Rex, a 2-year-old terrier mix with a whole lot of s***k packed into one scruffy little body! He's cute, he's charmi...
10/27/2026

Meet Rex, a 2-year-old terrier mix with a whole lot of s***k packed into one scruffy little body! He's cute, he's charming, and we're pretty sure he knows it.

We don't know much about Rex's life before he arrived from one of our partner shelters, but he's been giving us plenty to smile about since! He's settling in nicely, making friends with our volunteers, and proving to be a great little walking buddy.

With his larger-than-life personality and plenty of pep in his step, we have a feeling Rex will bring a whole lot of fun (and maybe a little mischief) to the right home!

As for potential roommates, we don't have any history of Rex with cats, and any resident dogs would need to meet him first to make sure they're a good match.

Rex is still waiting for his neuter surgery, but we're already accepting interest in this scruffy little character! If he's caught your eye, fill out an Adopter's Profile to be added to his interest list: https://spcasc.org/adopters_profile/

🍂 Bonus! Rex's adoption fee is WAIVED through November 1 as part of our Fall in Love adoption special!

Not your type? No hard feelings! Check out our other adoptable dogs and cats at spcasc.org!

📷: Becky Hall

Some cats make a big entrance. Myrna prefers a tiny meow and a polite introduction. 💖 Meet Myrna! This 6-year-old torbie...
10/25/2026

Some cats make a big entrance. Myrna prefers a tiny meow and a polite introduction. 💖

Meet Myrna! This 6-year-old torbie is sweet, gentle, and just about as easygoing as they come. She loves a little affection and good company but is also perfectly happy doing her own thing. No drama, no big demands. Just Myrna, minding her business.

Myrna came to us from a partner shelter after her previous family could no longer care for her. She can be a little shy at first and would love a quiet, low-key home where she can settle in at her own pace. She's reportedly done well with another cat, would prefer no dogs, and could likely do well with older kids.

She also has a little extra fluff to love! Myrna will need some help getting to a healthier weight, but her sweet personality is already in tip-top shape. 🐾

And here's the best part! Myrna's adoption fee is WAIVED through November 1, thanks to our Fall in Love adoption special and the generosity of Kevin Kowalkowski! All animals over 6 months old have sponsored adoption fees.

Think Myrna might be your kind of gal? Come meet her! We're open Tuesday–Sunday, 11–5.

📍 2601 Chanticleer Ave., Santa Cruz, CA
📞 831-465-5000
🌐 spcasc.org

Kimber is STILL looking for her forever home. She spent last week in our office, making sure everyone remembered who’s t...
10/24/2026

Kimber is STILL looking for her forever home. She spent last week in our office, making sure everyone remembered who’s the prettiest girl around. 🩷

This 8-year-old queen will be heading back to foster soon but she’s still waiting on her forever family.

She’s a wonderful companion: great with people, including kids, but needs a home without cats or other small animals.

Want to meet her? Call our Adoptions Team at 831-465-5000 to learn more & to schedule a meet and greet!

Bonus: her adoption fee is sponsored by Loren Morse | Santa Cruz Realtor!! ✨

Something sweet is on the menu!Meet Pancake, Waffle, and Griddle! 🥞🧇These three adorable tuxedo kittens are just 3 month...
10/22/2026

Something sweet is on the menu!

Meet Pancake, Waffle, and Griddle! 🥞🧇

These three adorable tuxedo kittens are just 3 months old and looking for their forever homes!

Found as strays, these little cuties haven't had the easiest start in life. They're still a bit timid as they figure out the world around them, but underneath those shy exteriors are three sweet little souls just waiting to feel safe and loved. With a little patience, kindness, and plenty of TLC, we think they'll make some pretty wonderful companions.

Having a familiar littermate by their side might help them build confidence, but they could also do well with another friendly cat and a slow introduction!

And here's a little Halloween treat... kittens are BOGO at the Santa Cruz SPCA!

Could you find it in your heart to take home two? Or maybe all three? After all, who doesn't love a full breakfast spread? 😹

Come meet this sweet trio! We're here Tuesday–Sunday, 11–5.

🐾 spcasc.org

Address

2601 Chanticleer Avenue
Santa Cruz, CA
95065

Opening Hours

Wednesday 11am - 6pm
Thursday 11am - 6pm
Friday 11am - 6pm
Saturday 11am - 6pm
Sunday 11am - 6pm

Telephone

+18314655000

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