Santa Ynez Valley Humane Society & DAWG

Overview

The Santa Ynez Valley Humane Society & DAWG is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to providing humane, compassionate, and conscientious care of companion animals in the Santa Ynez Valley. Founded in 1979, it is the oldest animal welfare organization in northern Santa Barbara County.

Mission

The mission of the Santa Ynez Valley Humane Society & DAWG is to serve the community by promoting humane care for companion animals, preventing overpopulation, and enforcing animal cruelty prevention laws in California. The organization aims to provide resources for raising healthy and socialized companion animals and to improve the lives of feral and domestic animals.

Vision

The vision of the organization is to be the leading companion animal resource in the Santa Ynez Valley. This is achieved by:

• Providing informational and material resources to the community for raising well-adjusted pets.
• Offering support for managing feral and domestic animal populations.
• Ensuring a brighter future for companion animals.

Operations

The organization operates under a Board of Directors composed of community volunteers dedicated to animal welfare. It relies on donations and fundraising to support its operations, as operational income is insufficient to cover all expenses.

History

Initially, the organization began as an informal group of animal advocates in the early 1970s. They rescued and rehomed animals, eventually establishing a formal non-profit entity in 1979. Over time, the group developed programs to address pet overpopulation, including spay and neuter services. They expanded their facilities in subsequent years, adding kennels, cat enclosures, and veterinary facilities.

Programs and Services

The organization offers adoption services, aiming to match pets with suitable homes. They use a case-by-case approach to ensure the compatibility of animals with adoptive families. In addition to adoption, they provide resources for controlling animal populations and improving animal welfare within the community.

Governance

The organization is governed by a Board of Directors, which includes several community leaders. They oversee financial management and strategic planning. The board ensures that the organization maintains transparency and ethical governance practices.

EIN

The organization's Employer Identification Number (EIN) is 95-3389449.