Santa Cruz SPCA ready to leave makeshift facility

Kennels are stacked from floor to ceiling at the Santa Cruz SPCA. Dozens of cats and dogs are scattered throughout the building. President, Moira Gagen, said they’re practically busting at the seems. “It’s an endless juggling of resources in order to make room for every dog and cat that needs to be re-homed,” said Gagen.

Gagen and her staff have to fit 40 to 50 animals in a 1,200 square foot space. They have made due for the past 11 years, but the animals are being affected. Gagen said when they get sick, isolation is nearly impossible.

Change is soon to come. The shelter is building a new facility and they just broke ground, this week. “Everything will work in terms of what’s best for animal welfare, not in terms of how we can adapt. Right now, we’re operating out of 1,200 square feet, so it’s much much bigger psychically. It’s facilities are state of the art,” said Gagen.

The $7 million dollar facility will include proper space for animals, infection control, and a lot of room to play. However, the group is still short 1/3 of the needed funds. “Truthfully, the only reason I played the lotto is so I can win enough money so they completely finish their thing. I just think they’re the most awesome organization,” said animal lover, Kelly Luker.

Many of the animals have spent many years in other shelters struggling to get adopted. The SPCA said they take them in anyway. They said the new shelter will give them the right tools to do so. “We want to see them progress, grow bigger, and stronger and help more animals,” said animal lover, Deby Amrhein.