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Poor PR for the Pooches
updated: Jan 13, 2013, 9:02 PM

By Edhat Subscriber

Question: Have others had poor experiences in trying to adopt a pet from SB Humane Society?

Last week my wife, daughter and I went there to consider dogs up for adoption. One of our beloved pooches, an elderly rescue/stray, passed away 9 months ago, and we were hoping to adopt a new pooch into our family. After looking at all of those available, we were smitten by a small, forlorn, but cute little terrier. The staff there that day allowed us to have a visit with him in the play yard, and it went very well. We felt we had found the one. We exressed this to the staff, and then filled out all the necessary forms, supplying information as to our home, yard, other pets, etc.

They suggested we bring our existing dog by to make sure the two would get along. We indicated we agreed with this. They said they would call us to set up an appointment for our dog to visit the little terrier, but declined to set up the appointment while we were there in the office, for some reason.

The call never came. A week later, on Saturday afternoon, we dropped by the Humane Society and brought our own dog with us. When we arrived, the same two staff greeted us in the office. No one else was there, and they appeared unoccupied.

We reminded them of our visit the week before and our strong interest in the dog we had seen, and asked if we could have our dog and potential adoptee dog have their meet-and-greet. Doubtfully, they said "Well, we're not sure. John would have to help you, and he's busy." When "John" came to the office, he grumbled that he could not help us because he was "too busy." The other two staff were still unoccupied.

This was a Saturday afternoon at 2:00. The most they were willing to do was schedule the visit for a week later. It stuck us as very strange that they has so little interest in facilitating an adoption, and almost seemed to be discouraging it!

We understand they need to exercise discretion in allowing an adoption to occur, but we are nice, normal, animal-lovers trying to do the right thing and adopt one of the many homeless pets in shelters rather than going through for-profit breeders. And, they had had all our information to review for a week. There is nothing about us or our home situation that would disqualify us for adoption. Their demeanor and lack of helpfulness is surprising. What gives?

Comments in order of when they were received | (reverse order)

ANIMALLISTNER	2013-01-13 09:12 PM
We are sorry to hear about your experience. We have a few great terrier puppies for adoption. One is a 2 month old female, micro Chipped, all shots, part terrier. Her name is Tinker, we pulled from the euthansia list from VCAS. Please call Animal Rescue Team, Inc. for a photo or more info. 805 896-1859
COMMENT 363151P	2013-01-13 09:56 PM
really sad for the lil guys that have to sit in those cold cages...
COMMENT 363154P	2013-01-13 10:06 PM
Sorry to say that the SB Humane Society is not the great organization they used to be, and this is another example of their poor attitude. There are other good places to adopt a dog. You might check out DAWG just down the street. We adopted our beloved labrador there and the people who helped us couldn't be nicer to work with.
COMMENT 363158P	2013-01-13 10:41 PM
So sorry to hear this. But please don't let it stop anyone from rescuing a pet! Though Humane Society takes only animals turned in by owners, while County Shelter takes anything that walks or is carried through their doors. And yes, I know of at least one dog who actually walked into the parking lot. Humane Society is picky, County Shelter is under mandate to take any and every animal. And the poster should let the director know about their experience.
COMMENT 363159P	2013-01-13 10:43 PM
Also look into Cold Noses Warm Heart, a local (Goleta) non-profit, run by Annabelle of Little Dog House. http://coldnoses.org/
DOGRUNNER	2013-01-13 10:59 PM
Please check the County shelter next door to the Humane Society, they have small terrier type dogs available and the volunteers are more than happy to show them to potential adopters.
MESARATS	2013-01-13 11:33 PM
Sorry to hear that. Perhaps it may be a staffing issue. I have adopted dogs there over many years and although the process is not streamlined I have found the people to be kind and compassionate. If you found a dog there that seems right for you and your family continue to pursue.
COMMENT 363163P	2013-01-14 12:54 AM
I think that you should talk straight to the Direct of the Humane Society. I believe that this is a problem with John and not with the rest of the staff.
YPYETR	2013-01-14 02:02 AM
I had a very similar and very distasteful experience there. Very power lording set public servants.
COMMENT 363166P	2013-01-14 02:15 AM
I have so much to say as I have recently adopted a puppy through the Animal Shelter after many months of searching and visiting the Animal Shelters and other agencies up and down the coast. The Humane Society was the WORST. I liked DAWG, but they were so expensive and unavailable. I went online for Shelter Services and was able to search for dogs here, and in Santa Maria and Lompoc. I did get my terrier pup from Lompoc two days before Christmas. Please try to do an online search at least once, and please don't give up on them. All of the animals out there need us!
COMMENT 363168P	2013-01-14 04:23 AM
I wish your experience was unique but it is not. I had a very similar experience at another local franchise of a nationwide company over the weekend. The staff there was just as disinterested in providing me proper service just as the staff appeared to be at the humane society. The staff was made up of mostly teens and early 20's kids and appeared to me to be improperly trained and for the most part unsupervised. Very disappointing.
COMMENT 363169P	2013-01-14 04:29 AM
How sad for the little terrier that you picked out. What is going on with the Humane Society that they would mistreat you like that? I urge you to get the director's email and succinctly and calmly outline the sub-par experience you had with staff. This kind of problem is deplorable and guess who is short-changed by this bad attitude and inept service: The dogs, cats and bunny rabbits, all in need of good homes. Too too shameful.
COMMENT 363178	2013-01-14 06:44 AM
@YPYETR "Public Servants" is a term that is applied to government employees only, and the Humane Society is not part of the government. They're a private, free market institution, which is why they're able to have the attitude of "Don't like it? Pound sand!" The County Shelter is a government institution run by government workers, and as such, offers fantastic customer service.
COMMENT 363181P	2013-01-14 06:54 AM
You can access the Humane Society's 2011 annual report at http://sbhumanesociety.org/about/annualreports/SBHS_annu al_report_2011.pdf I can't determine how you reach the director directly. Please keep trying to adopt this little dog.
ROGER DODGER	2013-01-14 06:56 AM
The animals are the ones that really suffer it's too bad there are many people out of work that would not show up grumpy.
COMMENT 363183P	2013-01-14 07:03 AM
OP, Maybe the answer is a simple one: Maybe "John" was in fact simply BUSY. No one likes people trying to force an appointment by showing up, when the policy is to schedule it. Perhaps the rudeness you perceived was based on that. Just because it is a service organization doesn't mean that they don't deserve respect and consideration. And perhaps they didn't call you back quickly due to a simple oversight, or staffing issues due to budget cuts. Just because one is adopting a dog doesn't mean they are entitled to be treated like royalty. Maybe "John" was in fact busy and someone else accidentally delayed the return call. Not a scenario in my mind where he should be publicly chastised.
COMMENT 363184	2013-01-14 07:06 AM
Since you have found the little doggie you would like in your lives, please don't give up! Let us know when you have adopted him. The Santa Barbara Humane Society relies on contributions from the public, and those of us who contribute need to know if they are doing their job! I trust they will bend over backwards to facilitate your adoption ASAP now that you have involved the public at large!
COMMENT 363185	2013-01-14 07:17 AM
Over the years I have adopted two dogs from the Humane Society. Both times, great dogs and good experience, with friendly staff. Last time, May 2011, John went out of his way and convinced office staff to be flexible enough that I could make the adoption work. (it was a timing issue of when I could physically take the dog). County shelter staff stonewalled me because my mailing address is out of county, wouldn't let me adopt. 35 year local resident. My 12 year old was....disappointed to say the least.
COMMENT 363186	2013-01-14 07:17 AM
Unfortunately, I have heard this story over and over. My friend tried to adopt a dog from The Humane Society and they made it nearly impossible. The family gave up and ended up adopted a great pooch from DAWG. I feel so sorry for the dogs at The Humane Society. They desperately need good homes, but the staff seems unwilling to facilitate adoptions.
FLICKA	2013-01-14 07:28 AM
Horrible, with no excuses. How busy could "John" be? Their main objective is to find homes for the dogs. Making that little terrier stay 2 weeks after you picked him because they couldn't do their job properly is abuse to the dog. I'm assuming the poor little animal is still there, when he could instead be happy in a home. Follow up with the director and keep us informed.
PROGRESS	2013-01-14 07:31 AM
So sorry you had a bad experience. Don't let your perception of the organization interfere with your desire to rescue one sweet pooch. I just adopted a K9 companion from DAWG, and the process was smooth, from first walks with my future companion to filling out the paperwork. Let us know how it goes!
COMMENT 363196P	2013-01-14 07:38 AM
83, are you serious? Time is of the essence when a dog is sitting homeless in a shelter. A week to not get back to the OP is unforgivable. A dog can get kennel stress, kennel cough, or otherwise run down. Plus, the space is available to another homeless animal when an adoption succeeds! The Humane Society here is a travesty. I have had contact with their management and director. The organization is bloated by an overpaid director with no real experience in animal sheltering, a Board that is woefully unmotivated and out of touch, and abysmal adoption statistics. They truly seemed like they could care less. It is very sad, but unless there is a wholesale replacement of staff and Board, the Humane Society will remain unwelcoming, irrelevant and the place of last resort to adopt.
DOGSNSAND	2013-01-14 07:39 AM
I too had two different, horrible experiences with the humane society. I encountered the haughty, power-lording staff, and was turned off by the experience. Something has happened in the rescue camps - they seem more interested in policing and lording it over would-be excellent prospects for adoption, while I still see dogs off-leash, poorly kept pets, etc. all over our community. I was a SB Humane Society member, and used to go there for vaccinations - no more. I adopted a rescue pup from DAWG last May when our last rescue passed away at 13 - wonderful experience!
COMMENT 363205	2013-01-14 08:12 AM
We tried and left with frustration...Who knows what the dogs fate was. Did we have a house? Yes. Did we own the house? Yes. Do we have children in the house? No. Have you owned a dog before? Yes. These were just a few of the questions asked. It was the most ridiculous experience we have EVER gone through! We ended up buying a puppy from a private party via CL. I felt bad that the adult dog was left at the pound for a day longer than it should have been. They are WACKED with regard to dog adoption in Santa Barbara. Go to Lompoc, Santa Maria or Ventura to adopt.
S.B.RON	2013-01-14 08:15 AM
There is great confusion re Humane Society vs County Animal Services. SBHS is not part of Humane Society of US - I understand it is a local not-for-profit. It's mandate is to accept "owner turn ins". It has rules/regulations that result in not accepting some owner turn-ins. SBHS does other community service, including reasonable spay/neuter and education. County Animal Services is right next door to HS. County AS has to accept any pet that comes through the door, although it's mandate officially is for strays. County AS also takes many owner turn-ins. Our local Santa Barbara Animal Services is a "no kill" shelter for adoptable pets. Please don't confuse HS with AS...Animal Services always puts the animals first, and no one is ever too busy to adopt an animal to the right home.
COMMENT 363211	2013-01-14 08:47 AM
Dog adoption people are always very black and white thinkers. In my experience with DAWG, it's easier to just buy a child from overseas than gain approval to adopt a dog if your home doesn't meet their unrealistic expectations. Couple that with the poor service of a guaranteed government job, and you have a recipe for disaster.
COMMENT 363212	2013-01-14 08:48 AM
A little off topic but when my cat died I took her there and was so upset I had forgotten my wallet after brining the cat and about 50 $ worth of food and supplies into the office the girl said it was ok as I could return in about 15 minutes. as I was pulling out of the driveway in tears another woman ran out and practacilly through the plastic bag she was tied in onto the front seat. Icant write anny more.
COMMENT 363220P	2013-01-14 09:01 AM
We've boarded our pets at the Humane Society - cats and dogs - with no problems at all and unfortunately had to turn in a dog a while back when the family member had surgery and could no longer care for it. The lady there (who's since moved out of the area) who helped us on that occasion was almost in tears with us - she was wonderful and we've have mostly good experiences with the rest of the staff.They've always appeared really busy whenever we've walked in. I know that about the time we turned our dog in, one of the guys who was handling the animals was really ill and was only working a few hours a week, so maybe that's still the case. A couple of the folks do seem a bit determined to follow the rules no matter what, but I suspect they see a lot of pets turned in by people who should never have had them in the first place. Sorry you had a bad experience; I think, like all employees everywhere, there are those who are eager to help and those who aren't.... I hope they apologized for letting your request slip through the cracks.
COMMENT 363221	2013-01-14 09:03 AM
Rodger said it all. What a shame that the employees do not care for their jobs or the animals. It is the animals that suffer and will be put to death when very caring families want to give them a warm, loving home.
HIGHRIDER	2013-01-14 09:12 AM
I worked for the Humane Society many years ago as an educator and was treated in a very demeaning way, even though I had excellent referrals and had worked in the field for the past 6 years and really enjoyed the experience. After writing to the Board of Directors about the negative experiences I had there, nothing changed and I decided to quit. The donations they get there go for high salaries, etc. and the welfare of the animals is second. They have an excellent facility including a cemetery that brings in a lot of money, but I have always advised people to go someplace else to donate money or adopt. It is a very sad story that has been going on for many years!
COMMENT 363227P	2013-01-14 09:16 AM
The SB Humane Society has deteriorated to the point that their main function now is to raise money to pay their own salaries and benefits.
COMMENT 363242	2013-01-14 09:47 AM
If these people have found the one, the right dog to fit in to their family, then telling them to shop elsewhere is obtuse. They don't want another dog; they want THAT dog. That dog isn't at DAWG or anywhere else so why would you tell them to go elsewhere as if they were just shopping for a pair of shoes?
COMMENT 363253	2013-01-14 10:06 AM
After reading much of this thread and being convinced that there was indeed some sort of ongoing problem, I called the Humane Society and let them know about this thread. They were already aware of it and "are reviewing the situation." So let's hope our added community involvement has some positive results. Sometimes it's all too easy for people to get lost in politics and bureaucracy, forgetting the real purpose behind the work they are doing--I know, I've been in a similar situation, as have many of us.
COMMENT 363262	2013-01-14 10:16 AM
It is sad to hear this story, but not surprising. Some of the staff could care less about the public. They are not welcoming at all. Try going to the administration.
COMMENT 363264P	2013-01-14 10:16 AM
Hate to say it but the Buellton SYV Humane society had the same problems a few years ago. Hope they are better now.
ROGER DODGER	2013-01-14 10:27 AM
@212 I'm so sorry for your loss and you had that experience was this recent I'm curious..
COMMENT 363271	2013-01-14 10:29 AM
When the HS failed to call to make an appointment, you could have picked up the phone and made one rather than assuming they could and would drop everything upon your appearance. We adopted 2 rescues from the HS, and all went well. John is a man of few words, but he knows dogs and they respond amazingly fast to him. He has his hands full there. There are some great volunteers there too, not just the over-paid and over-zealous. Our rescued Busdogs survived thanks to the emotional support and exercise they received from Sandee, the volunteer who walked them every day for over a year. Please do not condemn the whole institution because of some snooty, arrogant employees. The dogs at the Humane Society did not choose to be there and need homes too. Sorry that persistence is required; it should not be that hard to adopt.
LUCKY 777	2013-01-14 10:31 AM
Years ago I was involved with a "breed rescue trust" that would call from time to time when there was a rumor that an Irish Wolfhound had ended up in one of the local shelters. My job was to go out and make a visual inspection, and if the dog was in fact an Irish Wolfhound the Trust would pay the fees to bail it out, and it would be taken to vets in Los Angeles where it would be medically stabilized, evaluated, and then placed with a pre-approved home. Then the local shelters decided they will only adopt "to a forever home' and stopped working with rescue organizations. That was that, a pipeline that saved many purebred dogs was cut off.
COMMENT 363278P	2013-01-14 10:36 AM
In reading this, I'd like to offer a further hope. Perhaps all the various adoption agencies could cooperate a bit more too? If the point is to help the animals, then work collaboratively or at least cooperatively towards that goal. The amount of animosity between the various animal rescue organizations in this town is troubling.
COMMENT 363279	2013-01-14 10:36 AM
I can agree and disagree with many thing said in these comments. Many people are unhappy and happy with all three of those facilities on Overpass Rd, as well as confused about which does what. But let's stick to the point for the sake of this one little dog these folks picked out and want to adopt. Call the the S.B.H.S. and ask to be connected with their Director. If they don't connect you with her, then walk into her office in the yellow house at the entrance of the H.S. and ask to speak with her about your interest in adopting THIS DOG, and the problems you have encountered. There is a disconnect somewhere, and it would be a real shame for this little dog not to be adopted to these folks for some stupid reason of miscommunications.
COMMENT 363281P	2013-01-14 10:42 AM
It's not a new situation. I went there a year and a half ago, thinking about having a dog, but was so put off by the attitude of the staff in the front towards the "customers" that I never got beyond that. I left, feeling sorry for the dogs trapped there. ...A friend told me about all the dogs needing homes in the LA area shelters, I went there and found my sweet little dog. Despite the huge pressures, the staff in the Baldwin Park shelter was helpful. The shelter even has its own Facebook page, established by volunteers. (I respect DAWG but I did not like the invasive quality of their questions.)
COMMENT 363288	2013-01-14 10:51 AM
If it is a nonprofit, there are laws about salaries, mission statements, etc. Maybe someone should contact the IRS and other appropriate authorities who monitor nonprofits and ensure they are complying with the laws.
COMMENT 363297	2013-01-14 11:00 AM
If I found the dog I wanted to adopt I would move heaven and earth to make sure it came home with me regardless of what facility it was in. Instead of waiting for someone to call me back, I would have called every day until an appt. was scheduled. Once there for the meet up with my dog, I would have waited until John was free. I hope you were eventually able to adopt this little dog and you aren't the one who said you bought a dog thru CL.
COMMENT 363300P	2013-01-14 11:04 AM
Sorry about your experience. On one occasion I thought they behaved very unprofessionally when I took my dog in to get him fixed. They didn't think I could hear them or I had stepped out of the main office area and they started making fund of my dogs name and saying how stupid it is. My dog is a Basenji and has an African name - I guess it is unusual, but I didn't think that was appropriate or professional to make fun of it.
COMMENT 363319P	2013-01-14 11:47 AM
A thank you to all who have posted, and I hope all three shelters on Overpass Road share this with their boards, employees and volunteers.
PEGGY LANGLE	2013-01-14 12:36 PM
My name is Peggy Langle. I am the Executive Director at the Santa Barbara Humane Society. First, I must say that I truly apologize to the potential adopters of Felipe for the confusion caused by our staff not setting up a follow-up visitation. For that, I am truly sorry. It is sad to see so many individuals express negative comments about the Santa Barbara Humane Society. I am not defensive, but have read them and take them to heart. I will not ignore your comments, as this is a community forum for input, and it is clear that there are issues we will address. We worked hard to adopt out 234 dogs and cats in 2012, while euthanizing only 39 animals for temperament and health issues. It is always a challenge to find the right match for an animal that had a family and is now homeless. We work hard at what we do in caring for the animals and finding the right fit. If you wish to share any of your personal thoughts, please email me at peggy@sbhumanesociety.org. Thank you all for bring this situation to our attention. We take this seriously.
COMMENT 363376	2013-01-14 01:26 PM
SO sorry to hear about this and sad to say that I had a similar experience trying to adopt a cat (and so did our kids & grandkids). There is one woman in particular that works there that I now avoid completely. She wastes your time having you fill out forms and then never follows up. I hope one of the other staff members can help you. Good luck to you and the little terrier.
COMMENT 363377P	2013-01-14 01:27 PM
@288: The IRS does not supervise the operation of tax-exempt, nonprofit organizations such as the SB Humane Society. In theory, that is the responsibility of the Charitable Trust Division of the State Attorney General's office based in L.A. In reality, the AG does virtually no oversight of nonprofits as to issues of mismanagement, inefficiency, etc. Their priority is to pursue cases involving embezzlement or theft of nonprofit funds, and they are understaffed to even do that job very effectively. So there is essentially no accountability of nonprofit administrators for mismanagement except to their boards. If the boards don't care and do nothing the organization often just goes downhill and sometimes collapses. There are many, many such organizations in SB that the public rarely hears about. Board members and staff all have a reason to keep such things quiet, and only when a "whistle blower" speaks out do we learn how bad things really are.
COMMENT 363379P	2013-01-14 01:33 PM
PEGGY LANGLE, Thank you so much for posting. Altough there are clearly some problems, now that they have been brought out in the open I am confident you organization will do the best they can to correct any problems. The Humane Society truly does a great service to the animals.
COMMENT 363380	2013-01-14 01:39 PM
@377P - yes, but if they are not complying with the laws then how can the IRS continue to allow them tax exempt status as a 401c-whatever? (IRS Codes governing non profits). Doesn't the IRS have an interest in making sure if they are allowing certain tax status and benefits that the organization is actually run correctly/legally as a nonprofit?
COMMENT 363387P	2013-01-14 02:01 PM
I, too, appreciate the director, Peggy Langle's, response and intention to make things better. Is that little dog, Felipe, still available, weeks later? Is the OP still interested?
COMMENT 363391	2013-01-14 02:15 PM
Anyone wanting to know more about a non-profit's financial status can look the charity up on Guidestar online. Many charities have annual audits run by unassociated accounting firms to make sure they are doing it right. 501c3's must post their financial information either on line or in print. Likely the Humane Society has an annual report that can be viewed by any interested party.
COMMENT 363394	2013-01-14 02:24 PM
Remember the Government worker's credo: We're not happy until you're not happy.
COMMENT 363396	2013-01-14 02:26 PM
Remember the Troll's credo: I won't stop maligning everyone until I'm happy, even if it's defamatory.
COMMENT 363397	2013-01-14 02:28 PM
I have had the worst experiences at the Humane Society. I like to uphold my value of adopting pet rats (yes they have rats and yes someone adopts them!) over buying them at a pet store, but that is increasingly harder to do when the women behind the counter almost make the adoption process impossible. I don't need someone kissing my feet, but I do appreciate decent customer service. I complained through tears last time I was there that I was made to feel awful for adopting rats (I didnt realize they were awful to people adopting dogs and cats too) and that adopting from there was becoming miserable. A half-hearted apology and being allowed to meet with a fantastic animal tech to adopt my boys at least made me somewhat okay with my experience.
COMMENT 363398	2013-01-14 02:30 PM
396 - That's not really defamatory since it doesn't specify a particular person nor does the language meet the requirement of defamation.
DILLYDALLY	2013-01-14 03:55 PM
I work closely with an animal adoption agency. I might shed some light on why they ask prying questions and dont fawn over people willing to adopt an animal. I am not suggesting there wasn't mistreatment, I know very well that unfavorable things will and have happened. I am just offering some perspective. Even with strict guidelines on adoption, and invasive questions, and even home visits a significant portion of the animals are returned. But even worse, many of them come back in much worse shape physically and emotionally. All of these groups take great care and effort to make these dogs healthy, train them, and get them ready for adoption. These abusive situations are not always easy to spot and looking "normal" is no guarantee of a safe loving home. So, does knowing all of that color your perception of the experiences you have had at the shelters? Why the invasive questions etc... Dont think of it like you walked into a store and want to buy a product, that type of customer service is not appropriate when dealing with living things. These facilities often board and care for a dog for months and years before adoption and in my experience they love these animals as much as you will.
ANIMALLISTNER	2013-01-14 04:02 PM
Happy news: Our pevious post was taken to heart by many Edhat readers. Today our rescue org. located in Solvang received a high volume of calls from animal caring and loving readers. We at ART, Inc. are happy to announce todays adpotion of Tinker, one of our Camarillo low kill shetler rescues. We miss Tinker already and remain VERY confident that her new humans will post a follow up story. Thank you, and bless you to the family who opened their home to this very special terrier mix puppy. Animal Rescue Team, Inc
COMMENT 363454	2013-01-14 05:02 PM
After reading all the posts I came across that of the Executive Direc tor, What a relief to read her letter - there is really hope for a solution. Thank you Peggy. This is one reason I love Edhat.
COMMENT 363482	2013-01-14 06:13 PM
OP here, thanks to eveyone who responded. The good news is that today, Animallister was able to introduce us to our newest family member, Tinker. This evening she is settling in nicely in our home. We would also like to thank the SB Humane Society for trying to reach out to us today. Though our experience there was troubling, we do truly appreciate all that they do in our community. I hope that the tone and tenor of all of the Edhat community's responses to our initial post will provide a basis for the HS reviewing their training and supervision of staff. In our looking, at both the HS and the other nearby shelter, we were struck by the sheer numbers of abandoned pets, and we were deeply saddened. One wants to care for them all, to take them all home! Please consider adoption, and please support all the shelter and animal welfare organizations in our area. Steve, Sharon, and Andie Barnett
COMMENT 363496P	2013-01-14 06:40 PM
Steve, Sharon, and Andie, Thanks for posting your experience and sparking what may turn out to be a useful exchange. Congratulations, too, on your new pup. That is a very nice outcome.
COMMENT 363509	2013-01-14 08:00 PM
Over 20+ animals are turned into the county shelters in Santa Barbara County each day. That's 8000 a year. Why are people bringing in dogs from out of the county? Shouldn't we focus on finding homes for the adoptable pets that live right here? For every animal that is imported, it decreases the chances of "our" animals finding a forever home. Please support you local County Shelters and Humane Societies in your backyard.
CARELL	2013-01-14 08:34 PM
Our local Humane Soc. does not allow fostering, which is one of the best ways to have a dog adopted. many other Humane Societies encourage fostering.
COMMENT 363520	2013-01-14 08:51 PM
Wow, I had no idea. I have been donating to the Humane Society and thought they were the best organization for help adapting animals. I think I will now shift my donation to the other organizations that do a better job.
COMMENT 363521	2013-01-14 08:52 PM
DAWG adopted 413 dogs in 2012... quite a few more
COMMENT 363529P	2013-01-14 09:53 PM
Peggy, 234 dogs and cats adopted out in 2012 means fewer than 7 animals a week got new homes, or, 20 a month. Factoring in how straightforward and simple it is to place kittens in great homes, your overall adoption # is obscenely low! It should be 2034, not 234. Seriously, a humane society that can't send 3, 4, 5 or 6 animals home every day, with no compromise on the caliber of adoptee interviews, background checks, fence and housing verification, etc. necessary, is asleep at the wheel. For a major animal organization with deep pockets, a storied history, vast facilities, and a sizable staff that is a PALTRY tally. Compared to similarly sized humane organizations, it's downright embarrassing. Meanwhile, the volunteer groups nearby are jammed in tight quarters trying to ease the burden on an understaffed municipal shelter. They have tarps, temporary fencing, and dogs doubled up! What are you DOING to partner with other animal adoption advocates? There is no logical reason for the Humane Society to be puttering along in 2013. Animal sheltering is dynamic, exciting, and much needed function for a community, and a Humane Society is supposed to be a leader in the pursuit of this task in a community. Please, update your organization and dive in to the important work animals need you to do! Your Board needs reinvigorating, and it might well be time for a fresh, young, energetic E.D. Sincerely, An interested but depressed observerr
COMMENT 363536P	2013-01-14 10:58 PM
According to the Humane Society's most recent financial statement (2010) posted on Guidestar, their expenses for the year were $1,968,645. If they adopt out 234 dogs and cats in a year, that averages $8,413 for each animal.
COMMENT 363572	2013-01-15 07:46 AM
If you dig up the numbers on the budgets from the various organizations, DAWG spends about $200K/yr to adopt out 300-400 dogs. HS spends about $700K/yr on staff salaries to adopt out their 234 dogs. The rest of their budget is vet care and boarding for owner-owned animals. They do a bunch of spay/neuters for everyone at very low cost so are subsidizing these activities. SB County, the three shelters, spend $4million/yr to adopt out 1,000 dogs. The Lompoc and Santa Maria shelters also spend some of this budget on cats. DAWG is by far the leader in adoptions and cost efficiency. There are plenty of stories about poor care at the County Animal Shelter- the News Press has published some of them.
SQUIRREL FRIEND	2013-01-15 08:15 AM
I thank the OP for this post. It's been said that sunlight is the most effective disinfectant. You did right by the animals in need of homes and for your peers in the community.
COMMENT 363596	2013-01-15 08:36 AM
Ultimately it's about management. If the employees are not trained well or are behaving inappropriately they lack leadership. It's good that the SBHS is aware of these posts. Let's hope they work to improve things so that more of the pets there get adopted.
COMMENT 363600	2013-01-15 08:43 AM
Considering the population and where the dogs come from at the 3 locations on Overpass - HS takes only owner surrenders they want -- choices. DAWG takes dogs from other shelters and rescues - choices. The County shelter takes every stray and many owner turn-ins, plus all the protective custody and bite quarantines, along with the Animal Control officer work in the field - none of which the other 2 organizations do. At the Goleta shelter the volunteers and staff get about 30 dogs out each month and do all they can to feed, clean, walk and comfort the dogs - and get them adopted.
COMMENT 363630	2013-01-15 09:26 AM
Unfortunately, that isn't a fair way to compare the shelters since they are dissimilar in mission, resources and programs. DAWG is a private, volunteer run facility, SBCo Animal Services is a government agency and Santa Barbara Humane is a private, professionally run organization. Each has different resources, problems and additional programs. It is destructive to all the shelters to offer such off the cuff, limited comparisons. They are all doing their best to help the animals. I understand that the competition for donation dollars is fierce, but in my opinion, knocking organizations isn't the way to go. It confuses the already confused public and leads to division among the people who are trying to help.
PEGGY LANGLE	2013-01-15 10:40 AM
Poster 363529, you are so right! 234 dogs and cats adopted is a low number; and yes, we only take owner relinquished animals; and yes, other shelters are overflowing with strays and abandoned animals! We do take in pets from other animal welfare organizations located in our County, but only if we have room. Our current population of dogs hovers around 100 and 30 cats and we celebrate each and every adoption as we know that we have treated their medical conditions, trained them to behave well, and our volunteers have kept them socialized. But, we are more than just an animal shelter! We cannot be compared to another animal shelter if they do just one thing (and do it well)…such as only dog adoptions. The Santa Barbara Humane Society provides animal rescue services, affordable (and, sometimes free) spay/neuter surgeries, a low fee vaccination clinic, private individual cremations, visit elementary school children to educate them about proper pet care, conduct humane investigations, provide dog training classes, and we assisted County Animal Services with impounding, transporting, and caring for hundreds of animals rescued over the last year. Yes, it is so true that we need to work on our adoption process and customer service! I hear that loud and clear… If any of you wish to be informed and educated about what your Santa Barbara Humane Society does, please go to www.sbhumanesociety.org and click on our 2011 annual report under the “About Us” section.
COMMENT 363688	2013-01-15 10:58 AM
Cold Noses Warm Hearts is the best! Go by The Little Dog House on Hollister in Goleta Old Town to meet and greet adoptable dogs.
COMMENT 363691	2013-01-15 11:03 AM
We are members of the Humane Society. They are our "place of choice" for short-stays for our pet dog. We use them several times a year. We have ALWAYS been treated with respect and courtesy there, and look forward to returning. We usually add a few bucks to the very reasonable boarding bill as a "thank you" contribution. I cannot speak to the adoption services, as we have not used them; however, my bet is that they are equally courteous and helpful there.
COMMENT 363715	2013-01-15 12:03 PM
Thank you to all organizations who work tirelessly to find good homes for homeless pets. We know it can sometimes seem like a thankless job but you do really important work for those who have no voice.
COMMENT 363887P	2013-01-15 06:56 PM
Here's an example of what County Animal Services does, and indeed, the Humane Society shelters livestock for the County: http://www.keyt.com/news/local/Growing-Number-of-Neglected-Horses--186904281.html Thank you for your reply and public involvement, Peggy. Adopt a Horse!

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