The number of dogs coming into Santa Barbara County shelters in last 4 years is down 28%, while budget has gone up by 25%. 

​

The increase in costs has made the Cities look twice at contracting with the County for their animals. The City of Lompoc is actively looking for alternative sheltering arrangements. The City of Santa Maria is also questioning the increasing costs while their dog numbers are down by 50% over the last 4 years.

​

The last time the City census populations and contract costs were compiled in 2011 the small City of Guadalupe had the highest cost per person of any City in the County.

​

The City of Santa Barbara had delivered about 180 dogs to the County shelter from July 2015 to May, 2016. Based on a historc stray retrieval rate of about 60%, it is estimated that the County converted about 70 strays into adoptable dogs. For this the City paid $300,000, more than $4000 per dog.

​

Dog licenses listed for the Santa Barbara shelter have decreased from 8,000 to about 7,000 in the last 4 years. For the Santa Maria Shelter they have increased from 9,000 to about 12,000. This is due partially from door to door canvassing for Project Petsafe focusing on the Santa Maria area.

​

​