
Animal shelters are often overwhelmed with abandoned and neglected animals, leading to overcrowding and a lack of resources.
According to the ASPCA, there are approximately 78 million stray animals in the United States alone.
With so many animals in need, it's essential to have a reliable system in place to provide assistance.
The Animal Shelter Assistance Program (ASAP) is a vital resource for shelters, providing funding, supplies, and expertise to help them care for animals.
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Animal Shelter Assistance Program
ASAP Cats has been helping the cats of Santa Barbara County since 1989, sheltering lost cats, reuniting cats with their owners, and rehoming stray cats in the community.
Every cat, whether a kitten, adult, or senior cat, gets a fighting chance at ASAP Cats, which is a testament to their dedication and compassion.
You can support ASAP Cats by donating, volunteering, or even hiring one of their working cats, which are semi-social and unsocial cats who can get rid of mice and pests for you.
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Mission
The Animal Shelter Assistance Program (ASAP) has a clear mission to save the lives of cats in Santa Barbara County. Their goal is to provide shelter, veterinary care, behavioral support, adoption and foster services, education, and community outreach.
ASAP has been helping cats in the community since 1989, making a significant impact on the lives of felines in need. They offer a variety of services to ensure the well-being of cats, from sheltering lost cats to rehoming stray cats.
Their mission is centered around giving every cat a fighting chance, regardless of age or background. Whether it's a kitten, adult, or senior cat, ASAP provides a safe haven for them to thrive.
ASAP is a non-profit organization, and their EIN for payable organization is 77-0283500. This information is publicly available and can be used for tax purposes or other official matters.
By supporting ASAP, you're contributing to a larger effort to make a difference in the lives of cats in Santa Barbara County.
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Urgently Needed Bunnies

Bunnies in need of a loving home are a heart-wrenching sight. BUNS, an independent nonprofit, works tirelessly to rehome bunnies and guinea pigs.
They have education initiatives on how to care for these adorable creatures.
BUNS' adoption process ensures that you're a good match for a rabbit, and their volunteers will guide you every step of the way.
ASAP Animal Shelter Aid
ASAP Cats has been helping the cats of Santa Barbara County since 1989. They have sheltered lost cats, reunited cats with their owners, and rehomed stray cats in the community.
Every cat gets a fighting chance at ASAP Cats, regardless of age or breed. Whether they're a kitten, adult, or senior cat.
You can support ASAP Cats by donating and volunteering. They also offer a unique opportunity to hire one of their working cats, which are semi-social and unsocial cats who can help get rid of mice and pests for you.
To donate pet food, you can drop it off at Healthy Pet, located at 3018 State Street in Santa Barbara, or at the Santa Ynez Valley Humane Society in Partnership with Dog Adoption Welfare Group (DAWG), located at 111 Commerce Drive in Buellton. They accept only new pet supplies, such as beds, blankets, and pet jackets.
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Cat and Pet Resources
The animal shelter assistance program is a vital resource for pet owners in need. Many shelters offer low-cost or free spay/neuter services to prevent pet overpopulation.
If you're struggling to care for your pet, don't worry, there are resources available to help. According to the article, the ASPCA reports that 78% of animal shelters have a spay/neuter program in place.
Local animal shelters often have a variety of resources available, including food banks and pet supply drives. For example, the Humane Society of the United States has a program that provides pet food to families in need.
Don't hesitate to reach out to your local animal shelter for assistance – they're there to help.
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Cat Therapy
Cat Therapy is a mission-driven organization that saves cats facing euthanasia and homelessness. They partner with Stray Cat Alliance to foster and socialize cats, preparing them for their forever homes.
If you live in California, you can visit Cat Therapy's Cat Café, which is California's first and only cat café. This unique space allows you to hang out with their cat rescues, adopt cats, and buy merchandise.
You can also shop from their website, which features a wide range of merchandise. All purchases go back to funding Cat Therapy's mission.
4. RESQCats
RESQCATS is a non-profit cat sanctuary founded in 1997. It's operated on the philosophy that every life is precious and worth saving, which I think is amazing. RESQCATS is an all-volunteer organization, which means every penny donated goes directly to helping the cats. 100% of donations go to the rescue, which is a testament to the dedication of its founder and president, Jeffyn Telson. Strays are given medical attention, socialized, and rehomed. Those that cannot be rehomed live out their lives in RESQCAT’s 1,500 sq. ft. cat sanctuary plus a large outdoor area.
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Pet Resource Centers
Pet owners in need can access food and supplies at resource centers located throughout Santa Barbara County. These centers also offer mobile clinic services.
Resource centers are operated in partnership with Santa Barbara County Animal Services (SBCAS), CAPA – Non-Profit Organization, and four other agencies: Animal Shelter Assistance Program (ASAP), Bunnies Urgently Needing Shelter (BUNS), K-9 PALS, and Santa Barbara County Animal Care Foundation.
You can find resource centers at SBCAS shelters in Lompoc and Santa Maria, as well as at several locations throughout the county.
Here are some specific resource centers you can visit:
- ASAP (Animal Shelter Assistance Program), 5473 Overpass Road, Santa Barbara
- Animal Medical Clinic, 1037 Casitas Pass Road, Carpinteria
- Dioji K-9 Resort & Athletic Club, 7340 Hollister Avenue, Goleta, and 22 E. Yanonali Street, Santa Barbara
- Monighetti’s Farrier, Feed & Pet, 37 Industrial Way #107, Buellton
- Montecito Pet Shop, 2020 Cliff Drive, Santa Barbara
- Santa Barbara County Animal Services’ shelters in Santa Barbara (5473 Overpass Road), in Lompoc (1501 W. Central Avenue) and Santa Maria (548 W. Foster Road)
Adopting a Pet
If you want to get a new pet, there are lots of shelters you can check out in Santa Barbara. Adopting from a shelter is much cheaper than buying from a store, too.
You can find cats, dogs, and small animals at these shelters that are a great addition to your family.
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