Animal shelters in Santa Cruz County, CA

We list 12 animal shelters and rescues in Santa Cruz County, California. Listings come from public map data and may be incomplete, so please call ahead to confirm hours and adoption days.

We list 1 animal control or animal services agency in Santa Cruz County. Animal control is run by the city or county; it takes in strays, handles bite reports and animal cruelty complaints, and is usually the first place to look for a lost pet. For an emergency involving a dangerous animal, call 911.

Yes. We list 4 rescue organizations in Santa Cruz County, based on the source classification or the organization's name. Many rescues are foster-based and have no public shelter building, so they adopt by appointment or at adoption events; check their website before you visit.

Yes. We have identified 1 cat rescue and 1 horse rescue in Santa Cruz County, based on the organization's name or source record. Most general shelters take in both dogs and cats, so they are worth checking even when they are not listed under a specific animal.

Call the shelter before you bring an animal in. Many shelters and most rescues take owner surrenders by appointment only, some charge a surrender fee, and some keep a waiting list. Ask whether they offer a rehoming program or pet food and vet assistance first; many surrenders can be avoided with short-term help. The municipal animal control shelter is usually required to accept animals from residents of its city or county.

Start on the shelter's or rescue's own website: most post their adoptable animals there and on Petfinder or Adopt-a-Pet. Visit or call to meet an animal, then fill in an adoption application. Expect to show a photo ID, and if you rent, proof that your landlord allows pets. The adoption fee usually covers spay or neuter surgery, first vaccinations and a microchip. Fees vary by organization and by animal, so ask the shelter directly.