Training Tails: La Posada Launches Pet Program for Residents in Santa Barbara
Patricia Martellotti
SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – A new partnership is bringing pet-friendly training right here to La Posada in Santa Barbara.
“ You know being unhoused and going to be housed it’s stressful for an owner let alone for the pets who can’t communicate like we can,” said community outreach and volunteer coordinator Priscilla Hernandez of C.A.R.E4PAWS.
The collaboration between Good Samaritan and C.A.R.E.4Paws is designed to make life easier for both residents and their pets.
“So we’re gonna help them kind of transition to be able to feel more comfortable more at ease to help the owners know how to control their dog,” said Hernandez.
“These pets are really important to our clients for a lot of them. It’s been there soul companion for years so having them feel supported it’s really important to us,” said day habilitation coordinator Katie Zentgraf of Good Samaritan La Posada.
Residents say they’re excited about this program, saying the training gives them confidence and helps build a stronger community.
“Pet maintenance … some basic pet technique … so that way they can help their dogs be happier and then they’re also gonna be happier,” said Hernandez.
The program also helps staff by giving them tools to manage safety while supporting residents who want to keep their pets.
Organizers hope the program becomes a model for other housing sites across the county.
The training sessions will continue weekly at La Posada, with plans to expand in the months ahead.
C.A.R.E.4Paws has already provided wellness clinics and pet supplies at La Posada and continues to deliver similar services at shelters across the region. In 2023 alone, the non-profit distributed more than 17,500 spay/neuter procedures and veterinary services through its mobile clinics.
Leaders believe this collaboration strengthens both shelter operations and community resilience by addressing the needs of people and their pets together.
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