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The Best Santa Maria, CA Dog Rescues & Shelters in 2024

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David Adams

June 25, 2024

Dog Rescues & Shelters

This list showcases the top dog rescues & shelters in Santa Maria, CA. These remarkable organizations have been recognized for their unwavering dedication to the well-being of countless dogs. We've compiled this list by gathering heartfelt testimonials from both the Sniffspot community and the wider public, ensuring a comprehensive perspective on these exceptional shelters.

    A Purposeful Rescue
    https://data.sniffspot.com/full-fit-in/768x512/Photos/SeoDogRescue/115/47697170621e-apr_logo_white.png
    santa mariaCaliforniaUS
    The shelters and the animals in them are facing such a horrible time right now. I'm a financial supporter to this rescue b/c I see and greatly appreciate the work they are doing in my area. I'm consistently seeing them go to the local shelters to save whomever they can, whether they are seniors / have a health diagnosis / etc... I appreciate the work that I see them doing and wish that I could do more.
  • A Purposeful Rescue Logo

    A Purposeful Rescue

    #99 in United States, #25 in California, #1 in Santa Maria

    Santa Maria

    A PURPOSEFUL RESCUE IS A 501c3 NON-PROFIT THAT SAVES DOGS FROM HIGH-KILL LOS ANGELES AREA SHELTERS. THERE ARE MANY AMAZING DOGS WHO GET OVERLOOKED, OR NEED A LITTLE EXTRA WORK AND CARE, AND WE AIM TO GIVE THOSE DOGS A SECOND CHANCE.

    "The shelters and the animals in them are facing such a horrible time right now. I'm a financial supporter to..."

    esther m.

    Supporter


  • Volunteers for Inter-Valley Animals
    https://data.sniffspot.com/full-fit-in/768x512/Photos/SeoDogRescue/1722/e1ad71_2fb878eaff584c65a211033f82792619_mv2.jpg
    133 North "D" Street Lompoc, CA 93436
    santa mariaCaliforniaUS
  • Volunteers for Inter-Valley Animals Logo

    Volunteers for Inter-Valley Animals

    #100 in United States, #26 in California, #2 in Santa Maria

    Santa Maria

    VIVA operates a no-kill, cage free cat shelter in Lompoc that houses between 100 - 150 cats and kittens in open rooms and patios furnished with climbing trees, cuddly beds and cubbies in a warm and loving environment. To offset the expense, the cats can be sponsored for $40 per month. VIVA also operates Sylvester House, a retirement facility for older cats whose owners have either passed away or who can no longer care for their cats. There is a one time donation of $10,000 to place a cat at Sylvester House where the cat will live out its life with full care. VIVA also maintains a Feral Cat Sanctuary in the hills outside of Lompoc. When feral cats have been trapped and neutered, if there is no appropriate feral colony for them to return to, they may be placed at the sanctuary. It is a six-acre secure enclosure that is shaded with oak trees and features many feeding stations. At this time, Intake has been suspended. VIVA runs an outreach dog adoption program with the help of foster homes that house the dogs until they find a permanent home.


  • San Luis Obispo County - Animal Services Division
    https://data.sniffspot.com/full-fit-in/768x512/Photos/SeoDogRescue/1696/images.jpg
    865 Oklahoma Avenue San Luis Obispo, CA 93405
    santa mariaCaliforniaUS
  • San Luis Obispo County - Animal Services Division Logo

    San Luis Obispo County - Animal Services Division

    #100 in United States, #26 in California, #2 in Santa Maria

    Santa Maria

    The Animal Services Division is responsible for providing animal care and control services throughout the County of San Luis Obispo and within each of the seven incorporated communities. Animal Services staff serve the community by helping to identify solutions to animal related problems, enforcing local ordinances and state laws relating to animals, providing humane education programs, and performing rabies control and surveillance. The Division also operates the only open-intake animal shelter in the county.


  • Meade Canine Rescue & Sanctuary
    https://data.sniffspot.com/full-fit-in/768x512/Photos/SeoDogRescue/1688/Old-Logo-150x150.png
    8598 Webster Road Route 229, Creston, CA 93432
    santa mariaCaliforniaUS
  • Meade Canine Rescue & Sanctuary Logo

    Meade Canine Rescue & Sanctuary

    #100 in United States, #26 in California, #2 in Santa Maria

    Santa Maria

    Since the rescue in 2001 of our first amazing dog from a Jersey City dog pound, we began the task of saving the least adoptable dogs from high kill dog pounds where their fates hung in the balance and began to place them in great homes, one by one. By advocating better education, providing medical care and spaying/neutering as many dogs as possible with the resources available we kept matching pound dogs with families and the dream of being able to help dogs and cats became a reality. We tirelessly saved lives, going from pound to pound and taking in animals who would have been completely overlooked and destroyed. The stories we can tell are often unsettling but many are heartwarming and quite a few are almost miraculous. Once we realized the enormity of unwanted pets, no more born became our mantra and our focus remains in our logo – stamp out sadness, spay and neuter and always adopt. With proper food, shelter, medical care, exercise and love, MCR has rehabilitated thousands of dogs. We have three locations in Connecticut for younger and more adoptable as well as senior dogs and in 2012 incorporated a 12-acre California ranch in Creston as a sanctuary almost entirely for seniors and special needs animals with no where to turn. Please see our video for an glimpse of how our seniors lives change at the ranch. http://www.meadecaninerescue.net/about-us/ In 2015 we began work on a barn project to house younger adoptable dogs at the sanctuary and invite visitors for working ranch holidays in the beautiful hills of the Central Coast. We welcome inquiries 365 days a year and invite people to visit by appointment. Adopters and sponsors are welcome and donations greatly appreciated as MCR depends solely on donations for its operations. Visit us on Facebook Meade Canine Rescue and Meade Canine Rescue New England and view adoptable pets on Petfinder, adopt a pet and other adoption sites.


  • Santa Ynez Humane Society/DAWG
    https://data.sniffspot.com/full-fit-in/768x512/Photos/SeoDogRescue/1729/SYV-Humane-Society-Dawg-Logo-resized-horizontal.jpeg
    111 Commerce Drive Buellton, CA 93427
    santa mariaCaliforniaUS
  • Santa Ynez Humane Society/DAWG Logo

    Santa Ynez Humane Society/DAWG

    #100 in United States, #26 in California, #2 in Santa Maria

    Santa Maria

    The Santa Ynez Valley Humane Society in partnership with Dog Adoption and Welfare Group is a 501(c)(3) private, non-profit organization governed by a Board of Directors composed of volunteers from the community who are dedicated to animal welfare. Donations to the Santa Ynez Valley Humane Society in partnership with Dog Adoption and Welfare Group directly benefit the animals living in our community and are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law. As with most charities, the Santa Ynez Valley Humane Society in partnership with Dog Adoption and Welfare Group cannot continue to operate on operational income alone and relies on financial support from fundraising events and donations from the community to keep our doors open. We appreciate your support. History of Santa Ynez Valley Humane Society The Santa Ynez Valley Humane Society was established in the early 1970s as an informal group of dedicated men and women who were concerned about the care and protection of animals in their local community. In the early years they served as independent individuals without an official entity or organization. Their objective was to rescue lost and unwanted animals and to find homes for them. This was largely accomplished with little or no outside financial support and by using their own homes to care for pets while they networked throughout the community to find homes for as many as possible. They served without any thought of personal gain or reward, motivated simply by their shared love of animals and a desire to serve their dependent friends and their community. Recognizing the overpopulation of dogs and cats needed proactive solutions, they began picking up pets from Valley residents once a week and making the 100 mile round trip to the Santa Barbara Humane Society facility to have the animals spayed and neutered. The following day, they repeated the 100 mile drive to pick them up and return them to their homes. Later, they found a local veterinarian, in Los Olivos, to do the surgery, but these dedicated ladies continued to pick the animals up and return them to their owners. By 1979 they had reached the point where they were able to establish a formal organization, and a non-profit corporation was formed in December of that year. They hoped this entity would provide continuity to carry out their mission and enable them to obtain financial support from the community. The Santa Ynez Valley Humane Society was founded in 1979 and is the oldest animal welfare organization in northern Santa Barbara County. Operating as the Santa Ynez Valley Humane Society, Inc., a private, non-profit California corporation, they continued their established method of using their own homes as havens to house and care for local pets and making regular trips to pick up and deliver animals for their spay and neuter program. In 1984, the volunteers mounted a fund raising effort and, with the generosity of two major donors, a parcel of industrial land was purchased in Buellton. The following year they completed construction of a 3,805 square foot building debt-free. This building continues to this day as the home of our small organization that had such humble beginnings in the homes of its directors and their friends. The facility was expanded in 1998 adding an isolation and recovery area, in 1999 with the addition of a mobile caretaker’s residence, and again in 2002 with the addition of 10 dog kennels. The facility has grown to total of 27 dog kennels and 14 cat cages, along with an outside covered area for cats. In addition to the kennels and cat cages, the shelter has a fully equipped veterinarian surgery and isolation rooms.


  • Shadow's Fund
    https://data.sniffspot.com/full-fit-in/768x512/Photos/SeoDogRescue/1721/SF-Logo-300x43.png
    santa mariaCaliforniaUS
  • Shadow's Fund Logo

    Shadow's Fund

    #100 in United States, #26 in California, #2 in Santa Maria

    Santa Maria

    Shadow’s Fund is a nonprofit organization that is dedicated to helping the most vulnerable shelter dogs. Senior dogs, dogs labelled as “pit bulls” and dogs with a treatable injury or illness are often passed over for adoption. We help these forgotten dogs find hope and 2nd chances. Our 3 core programs tackle the problem from every angle. Bright Beginnings is aimed at early intervention and prevention. The Take Me Home Project provides direct rescue and rehoming for shelter dogs. And, for those dogs that need a little extra help, the Sheltering Oak Sanctuary provides a safety net and safe haven. Whether out in the community, or at the sanctuary, Shadow’s Fund is always working to promote responsible and humane animal stewardship.


  • Shepherd's Paws Animal Rescue, Inc
    https://data.sniffspot.com/full-fit-in/768x512/Photos/SeoDogRescue/1762/Original%2Bon%2BTransparent.png
    santa mariaCaliforniaUS
  • Shepherd's Paws Animal Rescue, Inc Logo

    Shepherd's Paws Animal Rescue, Inc

    #100 in United States, #26 in California, #2 in Santa Maria

    Santa Maria

    Shepherd's Paws Animal Rescue was established in 2015 as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization with the specific purpose of operating an all breed animal rescue. We are dedicated to providing rescue to abandoned, abused, neglected and homeless animals. We rescue dogs in the United States from imminent death at animal shelters, humane societies, pounds, and from owners who no longer keep their dogs, and place them into new and permanent adoptive homes. All of our dogs receive vet care, are up to date on their vaccinations, micro-chipped and spayed or neutered.


  • Atlas Animal Rescue
    https://data.sniffspot.com/full-fit-in/768x512/Photos/SeoDogRescue/1677/Screen_Shot_2020-07-23_at_11.01.49_PM_1595570610.png
    santa mariaCaliforniaUS
  • Atlas Animal Rescue Logo

    Atlas Animal Rescue

    #100 in United States, #26 in California, #2 in Santa Maria

    Santa Maria

    Atlas Animal Rescue is a Paso Robles, California based 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Atlas was founded by Emily Everett-Nelson, who began her rescue journey by volunteering for various animal rescue groups in Southern California. She always wanted to start her own rescue one day and after volunteering for a rescue in China called Slaughterhouse Survivors, she solidified that decision after the life changing experience she had there. Her mission now is to rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome abused and neglected dogs both locally in California, and internationally by partnering with Slaughterhouse Survivors in China, and finding them loving homes in the USA.


  • Shiloh's Animal Rescue
    https://data.sniffspot.com/full-fit-in/768x512/Photos/SeoDogRescue/1693/Shy.jpg
    santa mariaCaliforniaUS
  • Shiloh's Animal Rescue Logo

    Shiloh's Animal Rescue

    #100 in United States, #26 in California, #2 in Santa Maria

    Santa Maria

    Shiloh’s Animal Rescue Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit certified organization where we strive to do our best to give animals a second chance at life. We work towards rescuing red-listed animals all over the state of California who are about to be euthanized due to overcrowding.


  • Del Mar Dog Rescue
    https://data.sniffspot.com/full-fit-in/768x512/Photos/SeoDogRescue/141/d715fdb7c51f-Capture.JPG
    santa mariaCaliforniaUS
  • Del Mar Dog Rescue Logo

    Del Mar Dog Rescue

    #100 in United States, #26 in California, #2 in Santa Maria

    Santa Maria

    We rescue abused, neglected, stray dogs in Mexico & find them forever homes. We are a donation based, volunteer powered 501c3 non-profit (EIN: 86-3054060) Fosters/adopters always needed! Do not hesitate to reach out if you'd like to help.


  • Central Coast SPCA
    https://sniffspot.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/placeholder.png
    santa mariaCaliforniaUS
  • Central Coast SPCA Logo

  • Costa Rica Dog Rescue & Adoption
    https://data.sniffspot.com/full-fit-in/768x512/Photos/SeoDogRescue/1856/cr-dog-rescue-logo-cr-dog-recue-logo_1.png
    santa mariaCaliforniaUS
  • Costa Rica Dog Rescue & Adoption Logo

  • Novy's Ark
    https://data.sniffspot.com/full-fit-in/768x512/Photos/SeoDogRescue/1687/Novys_Ark_Logo_RGB_APPROVED_FINAL_png.png
    santa mariaCaliforniaUS
  • Novy's Ark Logo

    Novy's Ark

    #100 in United States, #26 in California, #2 in Santa Maria

    Santa Maria

    A lifelong dream is finally a reality! Novy's Ark is rescuing dogs and rehoming them right here on California's Central Coast. We currently bring in two dogs at a time, thus the organization name, and use social media to reach our potential adopters. Novy's Ark's mission is to rescue dogs from high-risk situations and shelter them in a loving home environment as part of our family until they join yours. In partnership with our community, and alongside other rescue groups, we are dedicated to raising awareness of humane treatment and respect for all animals. Please join us on our mission.


  • Central Coast Herding Dog Rescue
    https://data.sniffspot.com/full-fit-in/768x512/Photos/SeoDogRescue/1676/CCHDR_LOGO_IDEA_2.png
    santa mariaCaliforniaUS
    Australian Shepherd, Border CollieAustralian Shepherd, Border Collie
  • Central Coast Herding Dog Rescue Logo

    Central Coast Herding Dog Rescue

    Australian Shepherd, Border Collie

    Santa Maria

    Founded in 2007, CCHDR is a volunteer-run 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to finding forever homes for herding dogs including, but not limited to, Border Collies, Australian Shepherds, Australian Cattle Dogs/Queensland Heelers and other herding breeds and mixes. We are based in Paso Robles, CA but rescue dogs from overcrowded shelters all over the state of California. Our goal is to raise awareness about the often misunderstood herding dog breeds and educate people about the ever-growing pet overpopulation problem.


  • Animals In Need Fund
    https://data.sniffspot.com/full-fit-in/768x512/Photos/SeoDogRescue/1711/images.jpg
    santa mariaCaliforniaUS
  • Animals In Need Fund Logo

    Animals In Need Fund

    #100 in United States, #26 in California, #2 in Santa Maria

    Santa Maria

    January 2024, we will be folding into the C.A.R.E.4Paws umbrella of programs and services. A strategic transition to more efficiently care for our community and the animals who need us the most. The origins of AINF... The Animals In Need Fund was founded in 2008 with the commitment to help improve the health and well-being of cats and dogs in our community. It is our mission to reduce animal suffering by: Providing feline spaying & neutering services for just $20 or $40 Rescuing & advocating for homeless cats, kittens & dogs, many of whom need special veterinary care & treatment. Providing food, fostering & adoption services to family-less animals in our program as we search for the perfect home. Provide accessible, affordable veterinary care for families. When we began in 2008, our main mission was to intercept stray cats and dogs brought to us by Good Samaritans and San Luis Obispo County Animal Services. We still provide this service, but have become so much more. We are proud to offer LOW COST ($20-$40) "co-pay" feline spays and neuters to everyone regardless of financial standing. In 2023, AINF increased access to these critical weekly spay/neuter programs by also partnering with VCA South County Veterinary Hospital in Arroyo Grande. Since our inception, we have provided shelter, love and veterinary care to over 3900 homeless animals, many with special medical needs, lifting them up in times of worry and matching them with loving forever homes. We participate in the SLO County Animal Services' Trap/Neuter/Return program, which saves the lives of our unsocial community cats. They are spayed or neutered, vaccinated and then returned safely to the neighborhood they are familiar with while community members provide food and water. In year's past, prior to the TNR initiatives, these cats were euthanized immediately and it has been proven that this method is not successful when it comes to curbing the pet-overpopulation issue we face year in and year out. TNR improves the lives of cats, addresses community concerns, reduces complaints about cats, and stops the breeding cycle. TNR improves the co-existence between outdoor cats and humans in our shared environment.


  • Saving Shibas Inc.
    https://data.sniffspot.com/full-fit-in/768x512/Photos/SeoDogRescue/1712/shibaLogo_rr_stacked.jpeg
    santa mariaCaliforniaUS
  • Saving Shibas Inc. Logo

What's the Sniffspot Santa Maria Top Dog Rescue & Shelter List About?

Welcome to the 2024 Santa Maria, CA Sniffspot Top Dog Rescue & Shelter List, highlighting the top rescues and shelters in Santa Maria, CA chosen by the Sniffspot community and the public.

This list is sponsored by Sniffspot, the largest global network of private dog parks. Sniffspot offers 15 private dog parks in the Santa Maria area, including fenced, water, indoor, and beach parks. As a hub for rescue dogs, our sponsorship underscores our dedication to supporting shelters and rescues. Explore Santa Maria dog parks on Sniffspot's platform.

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See The Best Dog Rescues & Shelters In Other Cities Near Santa Maria


See The Best Dog Rescues & Shelters In Other States

Ordered alphabetically, only included states where there is enough data to compile a list


Sniffspot Santa Maria Dog Rescues & Shelters Frequently Asked Questions

How many dog rescues and shelters operate in Santa Maria?

There are 15 in Santa Maria. Outside of Santa Maria, there are 685 located in California.

What are the most reputable dog rescues and shelters in Santa Maria?

There are many reputable rescues in Santa Maria, the top 3 on our list are: A Purposeful Rescue, Del Mar Dog Rescue, Novy's Ark.

What specialized services do dog rescues and shelters in Santa Maria offer?

The most common specialization for dog rescues and shelters in Santa Maria is Australian Shepherd with 1 focusing on it. The second most common specialization is Border Collie with 1 focusing on it.

How can I adopt a rescue dog in Santa Maria?

Using our list of the top dog rescues and shelters, you can find a reputable shelter in Santa Maria. The adoption policies of each shelter varies and you can find information on the shelter profile page. Here is an example adoption policy:
POLICIES. NO HOLDS CCHDR does not hold dogs. We cannot consider an application until you are actually ready to accommodate the dog you wish to adopt. LANDLORD APPROVAL If you currently rent your home, a Landlord Permission Form must be submitted along with your application. SPAY / NEUTER All dogs and yes! cats currently in the home must have proof of spay/neuter prior to a CCHDR dog being placed. If a CCHDR dog has not been altered prior to adoption, a Spay/Neuter Agreement Form must be signed. MEET & GREET All family members including other dogs must be present for the adoption appointment. Meet and greets will take place wherever the dog is located, often within San Luis Obispo County unless specified otherwise. We cannot transport dogs for adoption appointments.

Are there any breed-specific dog rescues and shelters in Santa Maria?

Yes! Santa Maria has the following types of breed-specific dog rescues and shelters: Australian Shepherd Border Collie

Can you recommend any dog rescues in Santa Maria that specialize in senior dogs?

We do not have any record of senior dog rescues and shelters in Santa Maria, but these are the closest cities with senior dog rescues and shelters: Huntington Beach, Los Angeles, Salinas

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David Adams photo

David Adams

June 25, 2024

Dog Rescues & Shelters

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Dogs breeds

  • Explore the German Shepherd Dog: Genuine Tips from Owners thumbnail

    Explore the German Shepherd Dog: Genuine Tips from Owners

    Discover the German Shepherd Dog, a breed celebrated for its intelligence, loyalty, and versatility. Known for its impressive size and smooth, graceful movements, German Shepherds excel in various roles, including as guide, therapy, bomb detection, and police dogs, while being a devoted family companion.

  • Explore the Labrador Retriever: Real Tips from Owners thumbnail

    Explore the Labrador Retriever: Real Tips from Owners

    Discover the Labrador Retriever, a breed celebrated for its playful nature, affectionate temperament, and trainability. Labradors are known for their friendly demeanor and adaptability, making them perfect family companions and versatile working dogs. As one of the most popular types of retrievers, Labs are ideal companions for various lifestyles and are recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) as an excellent breed for families.

  • Explore the Golden Retriever: Genuine Tips from 9,000+ Owners thumbnail

    Explore the Golden Retriever: Genuine Tips from 9,000+ Owners

    Discover the Golden Retriever, a popular breed celebrated for its affectionate, playful, and trainable nature. Considered a large dog, Golden Retrievers were originally bred in Scotland for hunting and retrieving game beginning in the 1860s. Today, they're recognized by the Kennel Club and the American Kennel Club (AKC) as one of the most beloved companion dog breeds.

  • Explore the American Staffordshire Terrier: Genuine Tips from 9,000+ Owners thumbnail

    Explore the American Staffordshire Terrier: Genuine Tips from 9,000+ Owners

    Discover the American Staffordshire Terrier, a distinct breed celebrated for its playful, friendly, and loyal nature. Often confused with the Staffordshire Bull Terrier, a separate breed of British origin, the American Staffordshire Terrier (AmStaff) is considered a medium-sized dog. While both breeds share some similarities, the AmStaff is generally larger and has been developed as a distinct breed in the United States.

  • Explore the Australian Shepherd: Genuine Tips from 9,000+ Owners thumbnail

    Explore the Australian Shepherd: Genuine Tips from 9,000+ Owners

    Discover the Australian Shepherd, an AKC breed celebrated for its trainable, playful, and affectionate nature. Despite its name, the Australian Shepherd is actually a native breed to the United States, originally developed to breed on farms and ranches. Considered a medium dog, Australian Shepherds were bred for herding beginning in the 1950s. As one of the high-energy breeds, Aussies are known for their boundless energy and need for regular exercise, including aerobic exercise.

Top dog names in the US

  • Top 1,000 Most Popular Dog Names thumbnail

    Top 1,000 Most Popular Dog Names

    Looking for the perfect dog name for your new pup? We have created filterable lists of dog names from our database of hundreds of thousands of Sniffspot users. You can filter by gender, breed and state to find the most cute, unique and creative dog names.
  • Most Popular Male Dog Names thumbnail

    Most Popular Male Dog Names

    Looking for the perfect dog name for your new male pup? We have created filterable lists of male dog names from our database of hundreds of thousands of Sniffspot users. You can filter by gender, breed and state to find the most cute, unique and creative male dog names.
  • Most Popular Female Dog Names thumbnail

    Most Popular Female Dog Names

    Looking for the perfect dog name for your new female pup? We have created filterable lists of female dog names from our database of hundreds of thousands of Sniffspot users. You can filter by gender, breed and state to find the most cute, unique and creative female dog names.
  • Most Popular Golden Retriever Names thumbnail

    Most Popular Golden Retriever Names

    Welcome to our comprehensive list of Golden Retriever dog names, curated from our vast database of Sniffspot users. Filter through hundreds of thousands of options by gender, breed, and state to discover the most adorable, original, and imaginative names for your beloved Golden Retriever.
  • Most Popular Labrador Retriever Names thumbnail

    Most Popular Labrador Retriever Names

    Welcome to our Labrador Retriever dog names page! Here you can browse through filterable lists of names for your beloved furry friend, ranging from cute and classic to unique and creative options. Our database of hundreds of thousands of Sniffspot users ensures you'll find the perfect name for your Labrador Retriever, whether you're seeking a name for a male or female, based on breed or state.

Top dog rescues in the US