On a spring day in California a small, scrawny dog named Clementine was found with no owner.

Her body showed signs of neglect and abandonment. But thanks to the team at Santa Barbara Humane, Clementine’s story took a hopeful turn. 

Santa Barbara (SB) Humane is a non-profit organization and one of the first animal welfare agencies in the country. It has provided many services for pets including vaccines, veterinary care, spaying and neutering surgeries, pet adoption, dog training and animal rehoming services. 

Sbhumane.org has information on where to find resources for pet owners and local events. The “lost or found pet” resource page enables individuals to file a lost or found report with Santa Barbara County Animal Services. On Oct. 3, the SB Humane held an event called “Blessing of the Animals” that was promoted through the website.

At SB Humane about 40% of animals are transferred in from overcrowded shelters throughout California. The dogs are primarily from the Central Valley while the cats are from Los Angeles. Approximately 50% had been given to SB Humane directly by owners who can no longer keep their pets; the remaining animals are strays. Earlier this year the team launched a mobile veterinary clinic to reach animals that live in underserved areas of Santa Barbara County. 

“This has allowed us to reach hundreds of other animals who might not otherwise have received care and has given families a piece of mind,” Public Relations Specialist for SB Humane, Marissa Miller said.  

As for adoption SB Humane has a conversational approach for the adoption process. Instead of using rigid requirements they sit down with adopters to discuss home lifestyles, allowing for thoughtful matches between people and animals.  

When future owners decide to look for pets they can do so digitally by visiting the available animals page. Three badges are displayed to help guests, visitors and adopters better understand the animal. 

Some available pets have badges located on the bottom right of their headshot. The Lonely Hearts Club badge means that the animal has been at the shelter longer than most. A Sponsored Adoption badge means that the animal’s adoption fee has already been covered. Lastly, look for the VIP Super Badge when an animal has a higher adoption price because they may need medical care. There are three categories under adoption guides for cats, kittens, dogs and puppies. Adoption fees vary for the age of each pet and all U.S. service members receive discounted options. 

Miller remembered the story of one homeless dog that found a home. In April, staff spotted a small dog huddled against the fence line near the Santa Maria Humane area. She was missing most of her fur and looked like she had been abandoned. The team slowly approached the skittish dog and carried her to the clinic where she was named Clementine. She was treated with antibiotics, medicated baths, parasite control and a nutrient-filled diet. 

“Bit by bit her skin improved, her eyes grew brighter and she began to trust again,” Miller said.

Clementine began to warm up to others and started to play with other animals. One evening, a man from the Bay Area saw Clementine’s photo on the website and caught his attention immediately. That very next morning he drove three hours to meet her. 

“It was clear they belonged together,” Miller said.

Clementine went home with him that day. Her adopter now shares on social media that she’s thriving in her new home. 

Clementine’s story is just one of the many animals that found a caring home. 

SB Humane announced a new project under the Humane Campaign, a multi-phase effort to transform the Santa Barbara campus into a modern resource. The new development is in phase one of construction and will have improved spaces for adoptions, medical care and community programs. 

“It’s rewarding to know this work strengthens the bond between pets and people while benefiting the community as a whole,” Miller said.

SB Humane’s campus has a 10 day average stay when a pet arrives and gets adopted. The animals waiting for their match are given spaces to play and run in a safe environment. 

Development Officer J.V. Vallejos has been a part of the team for five months, with a record of fundraising, donor engagement and customer service.

As of Sept. 26 SB Humane has welcomed 2,013 animals into loving homes. 

“Our CEO, Kerri Burns, will often say campus will be put from the paws up!” Vallejos said.