SCAR was established to provide rescue for domestic animals. We strive to reduce the overpopulation of animals in South County. Our strategies include increasing access to low-cost spay and neuter services, Trap-Neuter-Return, rescue, compassion-driven canine training, and adoption placement. We strongly believe in the empowerment that comes from increasing community awareness and education about pet health and responsible pet ownership.
Our Spay and Neuter Assistance Program (SNAP) helps expand access to spay and neuter services for South County communities. Our TNR Team works tirelessly to fix feral cats on public and private lands, rescuing friendly cats and kittens who are better suited for homes rather than life on the streets.
We save shelter dogs at risk of euthanasia and partner with the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation to train many of them through the Transforming Animals and Individuals’ Lives (TAILS) canine academy. Audio, a deaf Terrier mix, was taught basic skills by handlers who learned ASL for him. Sophie, a 6-month-old French Bulldog, recovered under our care after losing an eye to a prior injury. Now, Audio enjoys mountain hikes in Utah with his human, while Sophie thrives in her forever home in the Salinas Valley, where we still get to visit her. We strive to save more lives!
Our programs reach even the most remote parts of South Monterey County, covering areas from Chualar to the southern rural communities like Gonzales, Soledad, Greenfield, King City, and the towns of San Lucas, San Ardo, Lockwood, and Bradley. We don’t let city limits hold us back and often respond to rescue calls for abandoned animals in Salinas and other parts of the county.
We value our collaborations with Hitchcock Road Animal Services, SPCA Monterey County, Animal Friends Rescue Project, and many local animal rescues and veterinary clinics.
We take in some of the most challenging animals, often those needing extensive medical care with high veterinary costs. Despite having a small volunteer team, we make sure our fosters are fully equipped to provide the best care possible during the pets’ recovery. Our detailed adoption process ensures a perfect match between adopters and our pets.
Not only did Caleb make a difference in our life, but in my brother's. My brother is a Handler/Trainer for SCAR at CTF North Soledad Correctional Facility. He trained Caleb (a 3-year-old Terrier mix) for four months before my husband and I adopted him. Due to the human-animal bond, my brother gained interpersonal skills and restored his well-being. Of course, Caleb scored too! He came home to his forever loving family.
- Cindy Cary, Southern California
