Dear Friends of the Santa Cruz SPCA —
 
I hope this note finds you and your loved ones safe and healthy. Like you, we have been watching with profound grief, distress, and shock as the rapidly evolving COVID-19 situation alters every aspect of our lives.  
 
In this time of crisis, I wanted to take a moment to update you on the steps we are taking to ensure the health and well-being of our Santa Cruz SPCA community, both the two-legged and the four-legged.  

Most importantly, I want you to know that the Santa Cruz SPCA continues to be a Safe Harbor for animals in need. As always, the animals are at the heart of everything we do and every decision that we make. Although we’ve made some modifications to our normal operations — like everyone else — our commitment to the animals remains unchanged.  
 
The animals are counting on us! And we won’t let them down…….
CURRENT OPERATIONAL CHANGES AT THE SPCA
With the statewide shelter-in-place order, we have temporarily closed our physical shelter to the public, as well as our Capitola Mall Adoption Center. We have also temporarily suspended our Humane Education programs. 
 
We have concurrently enacted new protocols for all employees to ensure their safety. Many employees are currently working from home, but a skeleton crew will continue working at the shelter.  
 
But our core, essential functions including animal care, foster, adoption, and our Pet Food Pantry continue!
THE ANIMALS ARE SAFE AND IN FOSTER!
We are excited to announce that virtually all of our cats and dogs are now in loving temporary foster homes. Thanks to the wonderfully big-hearted people of our community, we were able to find a huge number of fosters and nearly emptied our entire shelter in just three short days!  
 
We took this extraordinary step of clearing the shelter to ensure the safety of our staff and volunteers who must work in very close quarters, where safe social distancing cannot be maintained.
 
So….even in these challenging times, we have things to celebrate! 
 
WE WILL BE DOING ADOPTIONS BY APPOINTMENT SOON
Adoptions are temporarily suspended at both our main shelter location on Chanticleer Avenue as well as at our Mall Adoption Center and Retail Store. As soon as it is reasonable, we plan to begin Adoptions-By-Appointment so we may continue to place our homeless animals into adoptive homes. For the health and well-being of adopters and staff, we are working up strict protocols to ensure everyone’s safety. Our team’s ingenuity is truly shining right now as we quickly reinvent how we deliver lifesaving programs. 
 
If you are interested in adopting one of our animals, please begin the process by completing our brand-new online adoption application — complete with new and improved matchmaking questions! You can still view all our adoptable cats and dogs on our website. 
THE PET FOOD PANTRY
The Pet Food Pantry will remain open during this time to ensure that those pet parents in need will still be able to depend on us and have a safety net for their pets. Now more than ever, programs that keep pets with their loving owners are needed. 

See the most up-to-date information on our Pet Food Pantry’s hours and procedures at: https://spcasc.org/covid19
THE ANIMALS NEED US NOW MORE THAN EVER
We are expecting to see many more animals in need during this crisis, as their caregivers struggle with illness or economic challenges. This is an unprecedented situation, and the coming animal welfare needs could be extraordinary.


Despite the anxiety we all share, I hope you find a little bit of comfort knowing that the Santa Cruz SPCA is committed to continuing our essential programs and saving lives. 
As always, we are all profoundly grateful for your kindness and commitment to the animals. We could not do our lifesaving work without you!  
 
We will continue to closely follow the edicts and recommendations of local and state public health officials, as well as stay in contact with other shelters and rescue groups to share information as things quickly evolve. Please watch our Facebook page for up-to-the-minute announcements on any further operational changes.

 
From our Santa Cruz SPCA family to yours, please stay safe and be well — and whether two-legged or four-legged, we will all get through this unprecedented time together! 
 
With hope and gratitude,
Alison “Ali” Talley
Executive Director
 
P.S. Check out just a few of our animals in their foster homes!
The Santa Cruz SPCA provides safe harbor for animals in need and promotes an active humane community through adoption, advocacy, and education.