Santa Barbara County Animal Services (SBCAS) is calling on the community to help find temporary or forever homes for approximately 50 dogs from August 27 to September 30, 2025 as two shelters undergo major improvements.

Lompoc Animal Shelter Gets a Fresh New Look:

The Lompoc Animal Shelter is getting a long-awaited facelift, with fresh paint to create a brighter, more welcoming space for pets and visitors. During the renovation, the shelter will temporarily limit the capacity to just 20 dogs to ensure safely and reduce stress to the animals.

Santa Barbara Animal Shelter Play Yard Renovations:

Thanks to a generous grant from the ASPCA, in partnership with the Santa Barbara County Animal Care Foundation (SBCACF), the Santa Barbara Animal Shelter’s play yards will be transformed into more functional, enriching spaces for dogs with a more inviting and comfortable place for visitors. The project will expand playgroup opportunities, reduce stress, and help dogs show off their best personalities to potential adopters. To accommodate the construction, the shelter will temporarily limit the capacity to just 30 dogs.

A Call to Action for Dog Lovers

To support these improvements, SBCAS is seeking foster families and adopters who can open their hearts and homes to dogs during this transition, for a month—or a lifetime. Foster care provides a loving, low-stress environment for dogs, while freeing up shelter space for construction and incoming animals in need.

“This is a unique moment where the community can directly help us improve the quality of life for shelter dogs—both now and for years to come,” said Sarah Aguilar, Animal Services Director. “By fostering or adopting this month, you’re not just helping one dog— you’re helping us create better spaces for every dog who comes through our doors.”

How to Help:

• Foster: Provide a safe, temporary home for any of our shelter dogs until October SBCAS provides supplies, medical care, and support.
• Adopt: Make the commitment permanent and give a dog a lifetime of
• Spread the Word: Share our posts and anyone who might be able to

Interested in fostering or adopting? Stop by any of our shelter locations to meet available dogs and get matched up!

• Santa Maria Animal Center: 548 W Foster Road, Santa Maria, CA 93455
• Lompoc Animal Center: 1501 W Central Avenue, Lompoc, CA 93436
• Santa Barbara Animal Center: 5473 Overpass Road, Santa Barbara, CA 93111