During October, the Santa Maria Valley Humane Society is holding its first ever Campaign to Save Lives, a month-long effort to raise funds that will support its no-kill adoption program for cats and dogs.
The organization’s goal is to raise $100,000 that would help it prepare for a new kennel wing, which should be completed in 2015 and will more than double the Santa Maria Humane Society’s dog capacity. According to a press release from the Humane Society, the organization wants to raise funds in advance, so it can jump in with both feet once the new building is complete.
The additional 26 kennels will enable the organization to increase the number of animals it can transfer in from Santa Barbara County Animal Services. Jill Tucker, the Santa Maria nonprofit’s executive director, said in a press release that the county shelter takes in thousands of strays every year.
“We visit their facility on Foster Road as often as possible to transfer animals to our adoption program, which helps relieve overcrowding and reduce euthanasia,” Tucker said in the release. “Once our new kennel wing is complete … we will be able to dramatically increase the number of dogs we can save.”
She added that with the Humane Society’s current setup, it can typically transfer up to 10 dogs at a time from the shelter.
“Sadly, this often still leaves them with 100 or more,” she said.
Funds raised during October will help cover costs for veterinary care, supplies, food, adoption services, and staffing. Donations can be made online at smvhs.org, over the phone by calling 349-3435, or in person at 1687 W. Stowell Road, Santa Maria.
Managing Editor Camillia Lanham compiled this week’s Community Corner. Send comments or ideas to the Sun via email at clanham@santamariasun.com.
This article appears in Oct 9-16, 2014.
