We currently include all adoptable dogs in the Santa Barbara County Shelter in Goleta on the K-9 PALS website. We also will have information in the future on adoptable dogs in other shelters and links to many more shelters and dog rescue organizations in Santa Barbara County and surrounding areas. We hope by doing this we will get your interest in making a visit to a shelter, because that is really the way to find your perfect match.

When you go to the shelter, take a tour of the kennels, ask staff or volunteers for assistance, and make note of the dog’s name and kennel number. The shelters do their best to have a posting of photos of dogs in foster and dogs temporarily away from the shelter.

For Santa Barbara County Shelters, you will need to complete an application form with no obligation and have it reviewed by the shelter staff. The application is easy to fill out. If you are a renter, you will need your landlord’s contact telephone number to complete the application.

For a dog in the Santa Barbara County Shelter in Goleta, bring your completed application in to the County Shelter at 5473 Overpass Road, Goleta or fax it in to 805-681-5283.

Once your application is reviewed by the staff, an adoption counselor will talk with you to learn more about what you are looking for in a new dog companion. The adoption counselor will then set up a meet-and-greet between you and your potential new "best friend".

You can meet any number of dogs with your approved application. If you are getting interested in one particular dog, then all other house members and dogs must meet the adoptable dog before adoption. In most cases, the adoption may be done in one day or may take a couple of visits.

Adoption costs vary depending on the shelter, humane society, or animal rescue group. A dog adoption from the County Animal Shelter is $90 and includes a spay/neuter certificate, current vaccinations and health records, and a coupon for 4 free dog behavior training sessions which is funded by donations to K-9 PALS for the promotion of life-long homes for dogs. An additional small fee is charged if micro-chipping is requested. Santa Barbara County Animal Services or City of Santa Barbara dog license fees will also apply.

Once you have decided on your new “best friend” and all the family introductions are complete, the adoption counselor provides you with an Adopter Manual (dogs or puppies) to help you transition your pet to your household. The staff or volunteer will go over a few helpful hints and will send you off usually with a few free samples or goodies for your pooch.

For more information on adopting a dog from a shelter, humane society or rescue organization in Santa Barbara County , call 805-570-0415 or email adoptme@K-9PALS.org.