💕 Spread the Love: The Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter is Changing Lives! 💕
Hello everyone, my name is Elsa Tamayo, current intern for Nonprofit Connection and CSUMB student. In this spotlight, I want to share the amazing work the Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter (SCCAS) has done! It’s a vital part of the community, dedicated to animal rescue, rehabilitation, and adoption. As Santa Cruz County’s only full-service, open-admission shelter, SCCAS provides 24/7 rescue services and cares for over 6,000 animals every year!
With two locations, the shelter serves as a safe haven for lost, abandoned, and mistreated animals, offering medical care, rehoming services, and a second chance at life. Founded in 2002, SCCAS has continuously expanded to meet the growing needs of the community, with a state-of-the-art facility completed in 2008 and a major renovation in 2022.
💖 A Heartfelt Mission
Executive Director Nga Trinh-Halperin captures the heart of SCCAS’s mission, saying:
“The work of the Animal Shelter is transformational because each person in this community has the power to change an animal’s life. Whether you adopt, foster, volunteer, or donate, every action leads to helping the County’s most vulnerable animals in impactful ways. Ultimately, we are creating a culture of compassion here in Santa Cruz County by helping animals and their humans!”
Nga’s passion for animal welfare began early, inspired by her mother’s deep love for animals. One of her most cherished memories is of her first shelter dog, Chicken—a timid pup who earned his name due to his initial fear of people but later blossomed in a loving home. Her journey with SCCAS started in 2011 as a volunteer, recognizing how the human-animal bond can create powerful personal, social, and systemic change.
With over 30 years of experience working with nonprofits and public agencies, Nga has held roles as an executive director, coach, consultant, and board member across the Central Coast, Bay Area, and beyond. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Public Relations and a Master’s in Public Administration from San José State University, bringing a wealth of expertise and leadership to SCCAS.
A true community effort, SCCAS thrives thanks to the dedicated volunteers and foster families who contribute thousands of hours to support its mission. Their commitment ensures that every pet, from stray kittens to senior dogs, gets the care and compassion they deserve.
💕 Upcoming Events: Give Your Heart to a Pet in Need! 💕
🐾 🎨 Awkward Pet Portraits – A Love-Filled Fundraiser!
Looking for the purr-fect Valentine’s gift? For a $35 donation, submit your pet’s photo and receive a quirky, one-of-a-kind portrait created by a local student or artist! It’s a fun and heartfelt way to support SCCAS while getting a unique keepsake of your furry friend.
🔗 Donate & Submit Here: givebutter.com/awkward
❤️ 🐶 Adopt Your Valentine! (Feb 1-15) 🐱
This Valentine’s season, find your furry soulmate! From February 1-15, SCCAS is offering a special $50 adoption fee for all cats, dogs, and small animals. This includes vaccinations, spay/neuter, and a microchip—because nothing says love like a forever home! Visit the shelter at 1001 Rodriguez Street, Santa Cruz, CA 95062, or check out adorable adoptables online.
🔗 Find Your Match: scanimalshelter.org
Whether you adopt, donate, volunteer, or foster, every act of kindness helps make the world a little brighter—for animals and the people who love them. This Valentine’s Day, open your heart and make a difference! 💕🐾
🐾 Meet Your Future Valentine! 💕
Looking for unconditional love this Valentine’s season? These adoptable pets at Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter are ready to steal your heart! 😍🏡
🐶 Devoted Dogs – Full of love, tail wags, and endless snuggles!
🐱 Charming Cats – Purring their way into your heart with every head boop!
🐰 Adorable Bunnies – Hopping into your life with sweet cuddles and playful energy!
🐷 Precious Pigs – Smart, loving, and ready to be your perfect Valentine!