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Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter (Santa Cruz)

Hours: Open to the public seven days a week, 11 am - 6 pm; 1st and 3rd Wednesdays 1 pm - 6 pm. Adoptions end at 5 pm. Ring the doorbell for urgent situations or stray drop-off 7 am - 11 am.

What it is
Shelters and rescues
Where
Santa Cruz County
Status
Open
Checked
on the official website, November 5, 2026

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County animal shelter and animal control for Santa Cruz County, with dogs, cats and other animals for adoption (many in foster homes), stray intake, a foster program, a barn cat program, a safekeep program, behavior help and end-of-life euthanasia and cremation services.

Checked on the official website · November 5, 2026 What this means
An independently researched listing, not a statement of partnership or endorsement.

How to reach them

Where: 1001 Rodriguez St., Santa Cruz, CA 95062

Hours: Open to the public seven days a week, 11 am - 6 pm; 1st and 3rd Wednesdays 1 pm - 6 pm. Adoptions end at 5 pm. Ring the doorbell for urgent situations or stray drop-off 7 am - 11 am.

Good to know

  • How to get started: Visit the shelter to submit an adoption application and name the animals you want to meet; animals in foster homes are met by appointment. Main line 831-454-7200; animal control 831-454-7224; after-hours emergency 831-471-1182.

Emergency? Call your veterinarian or the nearest 24-hour emergency hospital now, and tell them if cost is a barrier. Emergency signs and poison hotlines

If cost is the barrier: Paying for Care compares grants, payment plans and fundraising, and a free funding plan puts them together for your pet.

Also from this organization

More keeping your pet, end-of-life care and pet loss near Santa Cruz

Other help near Santa Cruz

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Sources

Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter (Santa Cruz) official page, checked November 5, 2026.

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