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FOWAS in the News

Posted: 03/29/2019

The Pajaronian:
Spay and neuter clinic serves South County pets

WATSONVILLE — FOWAS was featured in the Pajaronian on March 29th, 2019.

 See the article in the Pajaronian.



Picture at right ©Johanna Miller/Register-Pajaronian		 rabbit
Posted: 02/07/2018

FOWAS pays for medical treatment for a wonderful dog

Bridget came to the shelter in early November.  She needed a lot of help including grooming, confidence building and dental work.  In addition, her ear canals required ablation surgery. This was completed by a surgeon at Santa Cruz Veterinary Hospital.  After the surgery she went into foster for recovery with one of the shelter volunteers.

Bridget is thriving in foster pending veterinary clearance before going up for adoption.

Donations from the community and from FOWAS Second Chance Funds, paid for the required care.		 rabbit
Posted: 01/18/2018

FOWAS pays for medical treatment for adoptable bunnies

All of these rabbits were all adoptable but had minor health issues and required medical attention.

FOWAS, using Second Chance Funds, paid for the required care.

After treatment all of these bunnies were given a clean bill of health and are now either ready to be adopted or already in their new homes. 		rabbit

Help FOWAS continue to help our community!
Here is what we did in 2017:

  • 510 dogs and 707 cats have been spayed or neutered at the FOWAS-provided low-cost clinic. (November, 2016 - November, 2017).
  • The Second Chance Fund paid for the treatment of 6 adoptable animals at the shelter which otherwise the Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter could not afford.
  • FOWAS also provides supplies (such as blankets, toys, etc.) to ensure that animals at the Shelter are as comfortable as possible and works to educate the public about animal care and spay/neuter.
  • The number of animals surrendered at the shelter has been decreasing since the spay & neuter clinic opened 4 years ago. We believe this is due to the services that FOWAS facilitates, especially spay and neuter.


Posted: 10/10/2017

Nelly gets help from FOWAS

Nelly was surrendered at the Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter when her former owner suffered a neck injury and could no longer care for her. After her foster home noticed some problems with her gate, the FOWAS Second Chance Fund stepped in to cover costs for X-rays that showed Nelly has laxity and possibly some early-onset arthritis. 

She went into foster with a staff member and was just adopted last month.In fact, we are sure she is kicking up her heels with gusto in her new home. Go Nelly!		 rabbit
Posted: 10/10/2017

FOWAS helps Deena

Deena came in to the shelter as a stray. Her previous adopter was contacted and they stated that they had not seen her for 3 years and presumed that she had died. Unfortunately that adopter could not come and pick her up because they were no longer in a situation where they could have pets.

Deena needed dental surgery to help eliminate pain in her mouth. FOWAS helped pay for those services. Deena is recovering and looks forward to finding her new home. As of this posting, she is up for adaption.		 rabbit
Posted: 06/29/2017

Eleanor gets help from FOWAS

Eleanor (her new name) came in as a stray from Watsonville in the middle of March. Her mouth seemed to be bothering her and her gums were inflamed. Also noted were concerns about her hip/pelvis. The FOWAS Second Chance Fund covered the dental surgery involving the removal of 4 large teeth and some bone. FOWAS also funded x-rays identified hip/pelvis issues that could be from an old injury or possibly arthritis, but required no futher action. Following the surgery, Eleanor was eating well almost immediately and was adopted on April 15. 		rabbit
Posted: 05/22/2017

FOWAS helps Hannah

Hannah needed an the absess on her foot x-rayed and treated. Following FOWAS's funding of this treatment, Hannah has recovered and is hopping around in her adoptive home. 		rabbit

Help FOWAS continue to help our community!
Here is what we did in 2016:

  • 570 dogs, 646 cats and 65 rabbits have been spayed or neutered at the FOWAS-provided low-cost clinic. (October, 2015 - October, 2016).
  • The Second Chance Fund paid for the treatment of 11 adoptable animals at the shelter which otherwise the Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter could not afford.
  • FOWAS also provides supplies (such as blankets, toys, etc.) to ensure that animals at the Shelter are as comfortable as possible and works to educate the public about animal care and spay/neuter.
  • The number of animals surrendered at the shelter has been decreasing since the spay & neuter clinic opened 3 years ago. We believe this is due to the services that FOWAS facilitates, especially spay and neuter.


Posted: 10/14/2016

FOWAS helps rescued dogs

Both dogs needed medical care that was beyond the scope of the Animal Services Authority's budget. FOWAS helped by funding hip xrays (L) and mass removal surgery and biopsies (R). The two dogs got a second chance - thanks to the people who support FOWAS. 		Napoleon
Posted: 08/12/2016

FOWAS helps a rabbit in need

Patrick was found as a stray along the side of the road in Santa Cruz and he was brought into the shelter on August 3. He was skinny and had a many bites which required medical attention. Initially, he was examined by the Shelter's Vet and found to be not a candidate for adoption due to his injuries. However, Rabbit Haven rescued him and FOWAS funds were provided for an exam, x-rays and treatment. The exam indicated that Patrick will heal with medical attention. He was put on antibiotics and the woman who found him indicated she wanted to foster him for Rabbit Haven. As of August 11th, he was released to her and should eventually be adopted. This is a happy ending thanks to FOWAS funds and Rabbit Haven.

READ ABOUT OTHER "SECOND CHANCE" ANIMALS 		Napoleon

Help FOWAS continue to help our community!
Here is what we did in 2015:

  • 409 dogs and 667 cats have been spayed or neutered at the FOWAS-provided low-cost clinic. (January - October, 2015).
  • Over 200 dogs were vaccinated during our annual Healthy Dog Vaccine Clinic.
  • The Second Chance Fund paid for the treatment of several adoptable animals at the shelter which otherwise the Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter could not afford.
  • FOWAS also provides supplies (such as blankets, toys, etc.) to ensure that animals at the Shelter are as comfortable as possible and works to educate the public about animal care and spay/neuter.
  • The number of animals surrendered at the shelter has been decreasing since the spay & neuter clinic opened 2 years ago. We believe this is due to the services that FOWAS facilitates, especially spay and neuter.


Posted: 09/09/2015

FOWAS provides dentist for rescued dogs

Kanai (photo at top-right) was surrendered at the Watsonville Animal Shelter July 20, 2015. His owners could not keep him because they were moving into a new rental house that did not allow pets. He was a little timid when he first arrived but as time went on his warm personality came out. At his exam by the shelter Veterinarian she noticed he had a mouth full of bad teeth so she asked if FOWAS could help out. He got scheduled for a dental and ended up having many teeth extracted. Once he was healed he felt much better and he found his forever home with a wonderful family in the Sierra foothills.

This cute little yorkie (photo at bottom-right) was found as a stray in Watsonville in July 2015. He is approximately 10 yrs old. He won the hearts of the shelter being so confident and sweet so they named him Napoleon. He was a need of some medical care so they asked FOWAS to help. He had to be scheduled for a dentistry and mass removals. All went well but many of his teeth needed to be removed. The good news is his masses were all benign. Napoleon went into a foster home for recovery and they liked him so much they decided to keep him and now his name is Tator Tot and is doing quite well and is a happy healthy little guy.		 Kai
Napoleon
Photos by scanimalshelter.org.
Thank you to all who made our Healthy Dog Vaccine Clinic a Success!

Our Clinic was Saturday June 6, 2015 at 10 am to 1pm
at the FOWAS Low cost Spay and Neuter Clinic
150A Pennsylvania Drive, Watsonville.
  • Dogs received FREE rabies shots, FREE distemper/parvovirus shots, FREE microchips (includes registration) and information on low-cost spay or neuter options.
  • Friends of Watsonville Animal Shelter (FOWAS) and the Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter will host the Healthy Dogs Shots Fair for pets of Santa Cruz County residents (including all cities)!

Shots fair
Posted: 03/22/2015

FOWAS provides dentist for rescued dog

Clementine (photo at right), was found in Watsonville. The Shelter Veterinarian examined her and got her spayed. Clementine had not had regular dental care for some time and her teeth were in very bad condition. As a result, the Shelter Vet took out as many teeth as they could but she needed more extractions that needed special tools. So we paid for her to see the Veterinary dentist and she is all smiles now....and she just got adopted to her "forever" home.		 Little Bit
Posted: 03/22/2015

FOWAS provides ophthalmology help for cats

These kitties were found in Watsonville (the names are below) they came in with bad eye infections. When they weren't getting better We paid for them to go to the ophthalmologist. Their eyes could not be saved. But now that the eyes are removed they will have long and heathy life.

The kittens are (photo at right): Bean (left) lost one eye ; Bonita (right) was able to keep both eyes; and, Bonzai (middle) had both eyes removed and has been adopted. 		Little Bit
Posted: 01/12/2015

FOWAS provides surgery for rescued dog

Little Bit (photo at right), has become a shelter favorite. Little Bit is in a foster home recovering from dental surgery and broken jaw. Once recovered, Little Bit will be up for adoption. The shelter staff said Little Bit was brought to the shelter after being shuffled from house to house with no medical care. Little Bit is about 9 years old and has just been jolly even before his surgery. 		Little Bit

Extending hours in 2015!

As of January 6th, 2015 our clinic will be open an extra day - Tuesdays
The following was quoted from the Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter Website. Link to article

Healthy Dogs Shots Fair in Watsonville

Saturday, June 21, 2014 • 10 a.m.-1 p.m. at PlannedPethood South Clinic
150A Pennsylvania Ave., Watsonville, CA (one block north of Ramsay Park)

FREE, FREE, FREE

The Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter and the Friends of Watsonville Animal Shelter (FOWAS) will host the Healthy Dogs Shots Fair for pets of Santa Cruz County residents (including all cities)!

Dogs must be 3 months of age to receive a rabies shot and 2 months of age to receive a distemper/parvovirus shot. All dogs must be on a leash. Services will be provided on a first come, first served basis.

Dog owners will also have the opportunity to learn about responsible pet ownership and dog training tips.

“We hope to offer resources to the community that will improve the health and welfare of our area’s pets,” says Melanie Sobel, general manager, SCCAS. Vaccines significantly reduce the chance of dogs contracting deadly diseases. Microchips are a safe, easy and effective way to quickly reunite lost pets with their owners and also provide proof of ownership if a pet is ever stolen. Collars and tags can fall off or be removed, but microchips are forever and can many times be a fast ticket home if your animal ever ends up in a shelter. Spaying and neutering a pet is healthier for the animal and helps to combat the pet overpopulation problem.





The following was quoted from the Sentinel's Online Local News. Link to article Santa Cruz Sentinel    |    Posted: 03/09/2014 03:46:40 PM PDT

Watsonville clinic offers low-cost spay and neuter services

By Donna Jones

WATSONVILLE -- Nearly 6,000 dogs and cats end up at Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter each year, and close to half come from Watsonville and the surrounding area.

Advocates aim to reduce the numbers of homeless animals with a new low-cost spay and neuter clinic at 150A Pennsylvania Drive. The clinic, where an open house was held Sunday, is a partnership between the county agency's Planned PetHood program and the nonprofit, Friends of Watsonville Animal Shelter.
"Instead of doing triage, we're actually doing prevention," said volunteer clinic manager Shannon Henderson of Friends of Watsonville Animal Shelter.

The idea, Henderson said, is to prevent unwanted litters of puppies and kittens that end up on the streets or in the shelter.

The nonprofit spent $90,000 to establish the clinic in a vacant former veterinary hospital. Shabby offices were renovated, and new equipment installed.
The county Animal Shelter provides veterinarians for the surgeries.

The clinic, which operates on Wednesdays, opened in the fall, and demand has been high, Henderson said. Appointments are booked out a month, and advocates are working to add more days to the schedule.

The cost for spaying or neutering a dog is $100, though the price drops to $50 for pit bulls and Chihuahuas due to their prevalence in shelters.

Cats can be spayed or neutered, micro-chipped and vaccinated for $5 thanks to an $86,000 grant from PetSmart Charities.

The county also provides spay and neuter services at its Santa Cruz shelter, but its Watsonville facility on Airport Boulevard was too small for a clinic and funding wasn't available to create one elsewhere in South County, said shelter manager Ben Winkleblack. But the need was there.

"Somebody just had to build it," Winkleblack said.

The nonprofit was able to take on the project due to bequests from Beverly Pini and Ruth Neilson. The two women left a total of about $600,000 to the animal advocacy group with the condition that the principal couldn't be touched for 10 years, a provision that recently expired, according to treasurer Kim Austin, a retired Watsonville deputy police chief.
For Immediate Release
Melanie Sobel, 831-454-7203
January 29, 2014
Planned Pethood South

New Spay/Neuter Clinic in Watsonville

Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter Receives $86,000 Grant to Provide
FREE Spay/Neuter Surgeries for Watsonville Cats

Note: As of August, 2015, this program is now closed. Cats are no longer free, but cost $50, which is FOWAS' normal low-cost fee.

February is National Spay/Neuter Month and the Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter (SCCAS) is celebrating by announcing the opening of a brand new spay/neuter clinic at 150A Pennsylvania Drive, Watsonville, CA. This new clinic will expand services for SCCAS’ current high quality, low-cost spay/neuter, rabies vaccination and microchip program, Planned Pethood. The clinic is a collaborative effort between SCCAS and Friends of Watsonville Animal Shelter (FOWAS).

The goals of the new clinic are to help provide affordable spay/neuter veterinary services to the residents of South County to help reduce the County’s homeless animal population (SCCAS takes in nearly 6,000 animals per year) and to help residents comply with current animal ownership laws.

Additionally, SCCAS secured a grant from PetSmart Charities for $86,000 to go towards FREE spay/neuter for cats that reside in zip code 95076. To receive the FREE spay/neuter surgery, cat owners are required to purchase: a microchip (includes registration), rabies and FVRCP vaccinations, all for a total of $5! Registration and scheduling can be completed at both SCCAS shelter locations: 2200 7th Ave. in Santa Cruz and 580 Airport Blvd. in Watsonville. Cat owners should not bring their animals to register and must bring proof of residence in zip code 95076.

All spay/neuter surgeries are performed by a licensed veterinarian with a professional focus on spay/neuter procedures. Surgeries include a preoperative exam by a veterinarian, pain medication and dissolvable sutures. Dogs over 7 years of age and cats over 10 years of age require a blood panel test done by SCCAS for $55 for the safety of the animal.

Feral cats residing in the City of Watsonville will receive an ear tip. Feral cats residing in all other areas as part of a colony (group of two or more feral cats) will receive an ear tip and must be registered with SCCAS. Feral cat colony registration is free but feral cats must be tested for feline leukemia and feline immune deficiency virus at the time of surgery for a fee of $14.

“SCCAS receives a high percentage of animals and field service requests from zip code 95076, says Melanie Sobel, SCCAS general manager. “This targeted spay/neuter, microchip and vaccination initiative will help end unwanted births, increase the number of animals returned to their owners, and save taxpayers' money at the same time."

For more information, please visit www.scanimalshelter.org or call 831-454-7200.

###

About Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter (SCCAS)

The Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter is an open admission shelter which welcomes EVERY animal in need. Our goal is to be a humane resource for the community by providing a safety net and second chance for local animals. There are two locations where owners can find and recover lost pets, adopt new animal companions, or sign up for PLANNED PetHood, our low cost spay/neuter program available for all resident pets. Our success is achieved through a variety of life-saving services and programs which are described in detail on our website, www.scanimalshelter.org. The support of our community is crucial to sustaining and expanding these services.
Saturday, May 18, 2013   |   1 - 4 PM

Healthy Dogs Shots Fair in Watsonville

Ramsay Park, Baseball Field, 1301 Main Street, Watsonville, CA

The Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter and FOWAS will host the Healthy Dogs Shots Fair for pets of Santa Cruz County residents!

  • FREE DOG VACCINATIONS:
    • FREE Rabies Shots
    • FREE Distemper/Parvo Shots
    • Puppies must be a minimum of 4 months old for rabies shot and 2 months old for distemper/parvo shot.
  • LOW-COST MICROCHIP: $5 (includes registration)
  • Information on FREE and low-cost spay or neuter options!
  • Dogs must be brought on a leash!
All services will be provided on a first come, first served basis.    Dog owners will also have the opportunity to learn about responsible pet ownership and to receive dog training tips.

See pictures from last year's event!
Posted: 05/10/2013

FOWAS rescues 2 dogs in need

Andy (top photo) came to us as a stray that was found at Rolling Hills School in Watsonville. He had sores all over his body, as well and extremely irritated skin on his feet. He was immediately transfered over to the Santa Cruz Shelter to be examined by our Vet. Even though he was very scared and not sure what was going on, he allowed our Vet to thouroughly examine him, without complaint. After being on antibiotics and pain meds for a little over a week, his skin has improved some, and his spirits alot. We are still waiting on results from his lab work, but we have high hopes for Andy.

Sophie was surrendered to us after the owner was called on due to complaints about her condition. She was so horribly matted that clumps of fur were dragging on the ground, and neighbors noticed that she was kept outside with no food or water, and constantly barking. Once brought to the shelter, one of our lovely volunteers groomed her and got her looking and feeling pretty cute! The day after she came in we noticed she was straining to urinate, and had some blood in her urine. We had our doctor examine her and she felt a stone in her bladder!!! We put her on pain meds and an antibiotics and it seemed to help her some. She is currently waiting to get spayed and have that stone taken out. We are sure Sophie will feel alot better after!

Sophie
Posted: 09/24/2012

FOWAS assists Rabbit Haven with rescue in Watsonville

FOWAS helped Rabbit Haven provide supplies, care and the spaying/neutering of 27 rabbits which were confiscated by Santa Cruz County Animal Control on September 16th.

All rabbits appear to be healthy. One large female was nursing a litter of 12. The litter appears to be 3 and 4 weeks of age and varies in shape and breed. It appears that multiple litters were placed with one nursing female. The mother was spayed and the kits now require hand feeding. In addition, most adult females are likely pregnant as they were housed with males - all will be spayed/neutered.

Read the whole story at  The Rabbit Haven.    See also story in the  Santa Cruz Sentinel.
[Photos below: The Rabbit Haven]
rabbits rabbit rabbits
Posted: 09/23/2012

FOWAS rescues a dog in need

This dog was found in Watsonville by a humane officer. He was bleeding and we think think he had gotten into Rat Poison (Decon).

The shelter called FOWAS to see if we could help ($). He was given plasma and Vit K to clot his blood. Hours after this treatment, he was bright and alert.

He will go back to the shelter and then into foster care until he can be adopted. He will need vitamin K daily for 2-4 weeks, followed-up with blood work, but things are looking good for this pup.
dog in need
Posted: 08/06/2012

FOWAS rescue of feral moms and kittens

We've all seen 'em...feral cats that is. There are many in Santa Cruz County, often doing things we like, such as catching gophers, mice and rats. There are problems, however: no one is looking after their health, and left unchecked, these cats have lots of kittens.

This Spring, helpers from FOWAS caught and cared for several cats and kittens. The cats and kittens were spayed or neutered, given their shots and provided with necessary medical care (paid for by FOWAS). A volunteer provided the kittens with bottle feeding and special care for several weeks. Some of them also had upper respiratory infections. Once all were healthy, they were released to their new homes. Some went to local cemetaries where they will be looked after and fed by caretakers and will help keep down the rodent population.
[Shannon Henderson, FOWAS,
with rescued kittens]
kittens
kittens
Saturday, May 19, 2012

Another successful Healthy Dogs Shots Fair

This year's Healthy Dog Vaccination Fair was at Ramsey Park in Watsonville on May 19th.

347 vaccines were provided and FOWAS donated $700 toward the purchase of the vaccines. Dogs received FREE rabies shots, FREE distemper/parvovirus shots, $10 microchips (includes registration) and information on low-cost ($20) spay or neuter options.

Thank you to all who helped make this a success. Stay tuned for news about next year's fair.

See pictures for this event on facebook: 2012 and 2011.
May 21, 2011

Praise for the Healthy Dogs Shots Fair

The following article was in the Praiseworthy column of the Santa Cruz Sentinel
"A big "Thank you!" to Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter (www.scanimalshelter.org) employees and volunteers for putting on the Healthy Dogs Shots Fair at Ramsay park in Watsonville on Saturday May 21. Hundreds of people with their dogs lined up around the baseball field to take advantage of free distemper/parvo vaccinations, rabies vaccinations, and microchips for their dogs, along with training tips, and more than 40 purchased very low-cost spay/neuter vouchers. Veterinarians Dr. Evelyn Sharp, Dr. Marc Van Every, and Dr. Christine Gustin all volunteered their services. Two local non-profits, Friends of Watsonville Animal Shelter (FOWAS, www.fowas.org) and Friends of Santa Cruz County Animals (FOSCCA, www.foscca.org) donated the vaccinations and microchips and lowered the co-pay for the spay/neuter vouchers. Watsonville Police Cadets helped with everything from parking to crowd control, bilingual translation, and loading syringes with vaccines. So many people volunteered at the event, and all were needed. It was an amazing experience to see so many people and their dogs receive services in one afternoon. I applaud everyone who contributed to this event, and thank the City of Watsonville for all of their support as well."

More information about this event:
  • About 350 dogs got vaccines!
  • Dr. Sharp donated the free rabies vaccines,
  • FOWAS paid for the DHLPP shots,
  • FOSCCA donated 175 free microchips,
  • FOWAS and FOSCCA subsidized 42- $20 spay/neuter vouchers which were purchased
  • The police cadets that helped a lot w/spanish translations, parking, crowd control, loading vaccines.
  • City of Watsonville Environmental Programs and Nature Center had a booth, distributed bilingual coloring books, and gave out information about picking up pet waste.
  • There were donated collars and leashes and dog training info by SCCAS volunteers.
  • Christine Allen of Bad Rap helped us with info and also volunteered on the day.
  • City of Watsonville published info in the city newsletter that went out with the water bill, and also Environmental Programs published the spanish flyer for us in La Ganga for a few weeks.

Many thanks to the many people who helped make this event a success!
Posted: 07/05/2010

Animal Services fundraiser a success

The following article was in the Praiseworthy column of the Santa Cruz Sentinel.
Animal Services fundraiser a success Thanks and congratulations to FOWAS, Friends of the Watsonville Animal Services, for a great fundraiser breakfast at Applebee's in Watsonville. Also, thanks to Applebee's, all of the Watsonville Animal Services volunteers for their serving skills and showcasing the animals on Saturday, June 26. We thoroughly enjoyed the breakfast, seeing old and new friends and learning more about FOWAS and how Applebee's helps. Also, thanks to all of our friends who couldn't attend but bought tickets as a donation anyway. You know who you are.
July 2009 News: Watsonville Shot Clinic was a huge success!
On June 7th, Bad Rap (Bay Area Dog-lovers Responsible About Pit bulls) came to Ramsey Park in Watsonville to provide free vaccines for dogs, free spay/neuter certificates for pit bulls, free collars and leashes for dog owners who were willing to trade in their dog chain, and free training and behavioral advice for dog owners. FOWAS was proud to donate $200 of free microchips and pamphlets about our low-cost spay/neuter program. FOWAS also helped to distribute the door-hangers that brought so many dog owners to this event. Bad Rap reported that at least 70 dogs were vaccinated, about 50 dogs received a free spay/neuter voucher, and many owners came to the event in order to get a free microchip or free dog collar and leash. California has a new anti-tethering ordinance that makes it illegal to chain dogs, and encourages more humane methods of containment.

This educational event was Bad Rap's first annual shot clinic in this area, and they were very impressed by the number of owners who really love their dogs enough to do what's best for them. They commented that the dogs were much nicer than many pit bulls they meet at events like these. Several owners even signed up for free pit bull classes in Berkeley, and a few skeptical dog owners were invited to tour East Bay shelters to see how many purebred pit bulls end up in shelters with little hope of finding a good home. Everyone who participated in this event went home with new knowledge and goodies, and we are all looking forward to a bigger and better event in 2010!
Christine Allen, Director of Legal Affairs for Bad Rap, was the driving force behind this event. Christine is a staff attorney for the U.S. Court of Appeals in San Francisco. She moved to California in 2005 after completing her graduate degree on the East Coast. She is constantly educating poor, underserved communities about the laws and rights that are relevant to their dogs. Remember the Michael Vick's dog-fighting trial in 2007? Christine helped Bad Rap with that disaster, and in the process, increased public awareness of dog-fighting and abuse. Our own awareness of bully-breeds and local dog violence escalated last year when Santa Cruz County Animal Control Officers confiscated at least 45 aggressive dogs from an illegal and abusive breeder in Boulder Creek. We want to make sure that type of thing doesn't happen again in this area.

(Photo: Mastiff that was confiscated in Santa Cruz County last year)
June 2009 News: Over 2,000 pets have been altered due to our Spay/Neuter Program!

These pets were owned by low-income families who could not afford to have this done. In our current economic climate, it's painful to ask families to choose between vet care for their animals and paying their mortgage or phone bill. We need your help to keep these pets from entering the shelter due to financial difficulties.

Dogs Neutered: 413
Dogs Spayed: 486
Cats Neutered: 517
Cats Spayed: 728
Rabbits Neutered: 32
Rabbits Spayed: 45

Our Spay/Neuter Program has changed, due to limited funding.

Please read about our program and consider donating to keep this program alive! Our data is solid, and this program has helped spay and neuter over 2,000 pets from low-income households. Statistically, these pets are the most likely to get pregnant and their litters frequently end up at the animal shelter. Our Spay/Neuter Program has saved lives and also saved tax money by reducing the number of pregnant and baby pets surrendered to our local shelter.
July 2009 News: Watsonville Shot Clinic was a huge success!

On June 7th, Bad Rap came to Ramsey Park in Watsonville to provide free vaccines for dogs, free spay/neuter certificates for pit bulls, free collars and leashes for dog owners who were willing to trade in their dog chain, and free training and behavioral advice for dog owners. FOWAS was proud to donate $200 of free microchips and pamphlets about our low-cost spay/neuter program. Bad Rap reported that at least 70 dogs were vaccinated, 50 dogs received a free spay/neuter voucher, and many owners came to the event in order to get a free microchip or free dog collar and leash.

This educational event was Bad Rap's first annual shot clinic in this area, and they were very impressed by the number of owners who really love their dogs enough to do what's best for them. They commented that the dogs were much nicer than many pit bulls they meet at events like these. Several owners even signed up for free pit bull classes in Berkeley, and a few people were invited to tour East Bay shelters to see how many purebred pit bulls end up in shelters with little hope of finding a good home. Everyone who participated went home with new knowledge and goodies, and we are all looking forward to a bigger and better event in 2010!

Adoptions at the Farmer's Market!

Several animals from the Watsonville Animal Shelter are available for adoption at the Farmer's Market at Cabrillo College, once a week on Saturdays at 9:00-11:45AM except on rainy days and holidays when the Watsonville Animal Shelter is closed. See their You Tube video!
May 2009 News: Second Chance Fund Provides Kitten with Life-Saving Medical Care
This kitten came to the shelter with five siblings and no mother. He was one of the friendliest and most outgoing of the bunch, but had an emergency issue with his digestive tract. The Second Chance Fund allowed his foster family to cover medical expenses for a life-saving surgery. His foster family didn't even know they made post-surgical cones in such a small size! They named him "Koni" in honor of how cute he looked in his headgear. Koni - Cat Koni quickly recovered and is happy, healthy and ready for his forever-family. Without the Second Chance Fund, Koni would not be here today: The Second Chance fund was literally the financial net that made the difference between life-and-death. Please consider donating to help cover Koni's medical expenses.
February 2009 News: Our February FREE Spay and Neuter certificates were a big help to the families in our community who cannot afford to have their animals fixed. 51 free certificates were given out in February. The result will be fewer stray or surrendered pets in our community and in our shelter.
November 2008 News: New Garden Will Help Feed Shelter Animals!

The Watsonville Animal Shelter no longer houses livestock now that the new Santa Cruz Shelter is open. To make use of the space, FOWAS volunteers are planting veggies that will be used to feed rabbits, other small animals, and will provide the cats with plenty of catnip! The area has already been prepared for gopher wire, which will be installed soon.

Here are some things we need if anyone one has some leftover stuff in their garage. Donations are tax deductible! Please drop donations off at the Watsonville Animal Shelter.
  • Drip line and accessories
  • 1/2" aviary wire for lining the bottom for gophers (we need lots and lots of this)
  • Potting soil (lots)
  • Small pots or used 6-packs to start seeds
  • 100-foot garden hose and sprayer
  • Organic/safe pesticides (like Bt or insecticidal soap)
  • Sluggo Pet-Safe snail bait
  • Hoe
  • Gift cards for Home Depot or OSH
  • Extra seeds/seedlings for rabbit-guinea pig safe veggies
  • Small garden tools
  • Garden gloves
  • Garden cart
  • Watering can
  • Garden markers so we know what is planted in each location
  • Weedwhacker, Lawnmover
  • Other items will be needed in the spring!

Please note that FOWAS has a new mailing address:
P.O. Box 1438
Freedom, CA 95019
June 2008 News: FIRE VICTIMS NEED HOME: GOAT AND SHEEP!
The Watsonville Animal Shelter has a goat and a sheep that were found stray after the first of three fires in Santa Cruz County. We suspect that the owners just opened their pen in hopes of saving them but no one has come to claim them since they are been here. FOWAS is committed to finding them a home so used Second Chance funds to have them both neutered and had the sheep's tail docked. We had the sheep sheered and he is so much happier. Their adoption fees are $75 each but they are also available to an established rescue group. We have so many other recently confiscated goats (females) that our poor goat and sheep have to be in small pens and we would like to have them adopted or rescued ASAP. Both are social and beggars for treats. They can go together or separately.

Please spread the word about our fire victims that need a home. Contact the Watsonville Shelter at 831-763-8460 or email me at laraadam@msn.com for more info. 		sheep
Goat HELP ANIMAL FIRE VICTIMS!

You Tube Video

The Santa Cruz County Animal Services in Watsonville provided emergency shelter to pets evacuated or displaced by the Santa Cruz fires. During the latest fire on June 11, Santa Cruz County Animal Services received over 100 horses, 50 alpacas, 40 goats, and numerous chickens, ducks, exotic birds, dogs and cats. We desperately need donations to help these animals.