Safekeep Program

Our animal rescue services are performed in close association with municipal law enforcement agencies and local health departments.  Animals sometimes enter the Shelter in emergency situations such as a house fire or the death, hospitalization or arrest of the owner. Our Safekeep program ensures that animals from such circumstances are held for longer periods of time to allow the most optimal outcome for the pet and owner.

For those fleeing the devastating fires around California and lucky enough to able to evacuate their animals, many find themselves needing to secure housing not only for themselves, but for everything from family pets to horses and other large animals. When one has lost nearly everything, knowing one’s companion animals are safe can offer at least a small respite in the midst of tragedy.

The Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter (SCCAS) has a longstanding commitment to assisting Californians devastated by natural disasters and is prepared to support shelters within evacuation zones and individual fire victims by opening our shelter to animals in need of safe, compassionate housing and care. For animals which are also needing refuge from the Camp, Hill and Woolsey fires, SCCAS’ Safekeep Program provides temporary, no-cost boarding for those who can not keep their animals with them. SCCAS has already taken in several animals whose guardians are staying with family or friends in Santa Cruz County.