CARE4Paws Inc

Since its founding in 2009, C.A.R.E.4Paws has stayed committed to reducing pet overpopulation and improving pet family welfare on California's Central Coast. The organization supports low-income, senior, disabled and unhoused pet families in underserved communities of Santa Barbara County and, as of 2022, in San Luis Obispo (SLO) County. In 2023, more than 25,000 pet families received services. C.A.R.E.4Paws' Mobile Community Medicine & Spay/Neuter Outreach program represents 80% of our total operational expenditures. This program provides a range of free and low-cost services, including spays/neuters, medical exams, dental care, mass removals, blood work CONTINUED ON SCHEDULE Oand treatment of wounds and skin, ear and eye infections. We also provide vaccines, flea treatment, deworming medication, nail trims and microchipping. Our clinics operate five days per week, often utilizing both our mobile units. In 2024, out clinic program assisted 19,200 dogs and cats with critical wellness services.Every year, C.A.R.E.4Paws assists more than 30 pet families exposed to domestic violence through Safe Haven. Through this program, we provide temporary foster care and boarding for pets so that families can escape an abusive environment without worrying about their companion animals. To increase our capacity to house Safe Haven dogs, we are fundraising to establish an anonymous Pet Refuge. The Pet Refuge is slated to open in fall 2025 and will provide a safe, free and confidential space for the pets of Santa Barbara County and San Luis Obispo County individuals and families navigating crises such as escape from domestic violence, deportation, hospitalization and displacement due to fires or other disasters. Located at a confidential location to protect both animals and their families, the refuge will feature a prefabricated structure with 10 large indoor/outdoor dog kennels and a 40,000- square-foot exercise yard. C.A.R.E.4Paws' ability to respond quickly to these needs is essential, which is made possible with 24/7 access to the Pet Refuge.C.A.R.E.4Paws' humane education program is called Paws Up For Pets. This unique initiative works with youth enrolled in afterschool-care programs in Santa Barbara County to promote compassion for animals and toward members of their own communities. In a series of classroom activities, children are hands-on with different animals. They learn how to care for pets and how to treat them with respect and kindness. The goal is for this new understanding of compassionate care to carry over into other parts of the children's lives, so that they learn to be kind to all living beings. Each year, we usually work with between 300-500 young students, and in 2026, our goal is to increase this number significantly.