By the Santa Barbara County Public Health Department
Beginning January 6, 2023, Santa Barbara County Animal Services will be open for community services at their Lompoc shelter location, Fridays through Mondays, helping pet owners with license sales and renewals, lost pet reunification, volunteer opportunities, adoption counseling, and more.
Director Sarah Aguilar states, “It’s hard to believe that nearly three years after COVID began, our community is still reeling from the economic impacts. Now more than ever, they need access to animal services outside traditional hours. We are excited to be open on weekends from 10 am to 7 pm in order to make our resources as convenient as possible.”
Phase one of service expansion will focus on increasing accessibility through technology. “We have created kiosks so pet owners, and those who want to bring pets into their family, can use our computers to access the Animal Services website. Team members will be available to assist with finding a new fur friend, finding lost pets, and learning about foster and volunteer opportunities. We know that not everyone has regular access to the internet, and we don’t want that to be a barrier to bringing a pet into your home.” Aguilar states.
Future plans include resuming housing pets at the shelter and hosting adoption events. “We know that the Lompoc community values pets and wants to help. We are excited to rebuild the volunteer program and expand our foster program.”
To learn more about adoption, fostering, or volunteering, visit https://linktr.ee/sbcanimalservices
Shelters in Santa Maria and Santa Barbara will continue regular operating hours of Monday through Saturday, 11:00 am to 4:30 pm.