Adoption & Foster Information

Frequently Asked Questions
Meet Our PetsCome Visit Us
Is it now the law in Santa Paula for my pet to be spayed or neutered?
In 2014, the Ventura County Board of Supervisors approved a mandatory Spay and Neuter Ordinance (4421-3) requiring all dogs and cats four (4) months and older to be spayed or neutered. The purpose of this ordinance is to control the overpopulation of animals in Ventura County, but there are a number of additional benefits to having your pet spayed and neutered.
What does no-kill mean?

No-Kill means that no healthy adoptable animal will be euthanized due to lack of space, treatable medical issues, behavioral challenges, or time spent at the shelter.

How can I help the shelter?

We always need your help! You can adopt or foster a pet from SPARC, volunteer at the shelter, donate items or money, help at events, raise awareness on social media and so much more. Click here

I think my lost pet is at SPARC. What do I need to do to get it out?

You will need to bring a personal photo of the pet plus, proof of current city license and current vet records that show ownership, spay or neuter certificate and a CURRENT RABIES vaccination. Paperwork will need to be completed, and fees will be assessed.

Do you accept animals from other cities?

Unfortunately not at this time. SPARC is able to help the animals in the city of Santa Paula, CA but doesn’t yet have the resources to help pets from other areas. Any pet found outside of the city limits should be taken to the Ventura County Animal Services in Camarillo, CA.

Do you know if this dog or cat is good with other dogs and cats or with kids?

Please check each pet’s individual bio to find out more about them. If you cannot find this informatin on the bios, please give us a call at 805-525-8609 and we can cat test our dogs if needed.

Can I adopt this animal today and pick it up in a few days?

While we try to accommodate each individual circumstance, as a No-Kill shelter, our kennel space is limited, so we do expect that animals will be adopted and sent home the same day, subject to home checks, as required.

I found a stray animal who do I call?

If you found the animal within Santa Paula city limits and are able to safely catch the animal, please call 805-525-8609 and bring the animal into SPARC. If you cannot safely catch the animal, please call the Santa Paula Police Department at (805) 933-4231 for an Animal Control Officer to pick it up.

My children want to help the animals at SPARC - how can they do that?

That’s great! We are always in need of help! Unfortunately due to insurance restrictions, children under 18 years of age are not allowed to interact directly with the animals, but we have many ways that they can make a difference, such as reading to the animals. A parent must be present at all times while the underage volunteer helps at SPARC. Please contact us!

Can you help me find a home to rent which allows pets?

Yes, Ventura County Animal Services has compiled a great resource page at http://vcaspitcrew.com/resources/ to help people find a pet-friendly landlord.

Is it a good idea to let my dog or cat have a litter of babies before I get it spayed or neutered?

No, definitely not! Not only is it healthier for your pet to be spayed/neutered, but pets are being killed in shelters every day due to overcrowding. Please help save lives and don’t allow your pet to reproduce. Please also remember that it is now against the law in Santa Paula to have an animal that has not been spayed/neutered (with very few exceptions).

In 2014, the Ventura County Board of Supervisors approved a mandatory Spay and Neuter Ordinance (4421-3) requiring all dogs and cats four (4) months and older to be spayed or neutered. The purpose of this ordinance is to control the overpopulation of animals in Ventura County, but there are a number of additional benefits to having your pet spayed and neutered.

Can I bring my pet to SPARC to be spayed/neutered?

Unfortunately we don’t have a veterinarian on staff to perform spay or neuter surgeries, but there are some low cost, non-profit options in the area such as Mercy Crusade in Oxnard, CA or Simi Valley Spay & Neuter Clinic in Simi Valley, CA. The Simi Valley Spay & Neuter Clinic comes to SPARC in their mobile Spay & Neuter RV once a month and is by appointment only, please call them to set up your appointment, 805-584-3823!

Are there any resources out there to help with veterinary bills?

Yes, click here to learn more.

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