SCAR Heals South County Animal Rescue is an all-volunteer group with a small budget—and big success. By Dave Faries W ith less than 50 volunteers, South County Animal Rescue has saved thousands of dogs and cats. The nonprofit’s reach is extensive. They foster strays and shelter animals until a permanent home is found. They help families with spay or neuter expenses. They also operate a program to fix feral cats, returning them to their location. And recently they partnered with Soledad Correctional Training Facility to pair rescue dogs with incarcerated individuals, who train the animals—to the benefit of both parties. The volunteers accomplish all of this on an annual budget of just over $150,000. “SCAR is the little engine that could,” says the board’s president, Rosemary Soto. “We try to step up as much as we can.” The problem goes beyond strays in South County. There are people who for financial or health reasons must give up their pets, as well as those without the means to spay or neuter their family friend. All of this leads to overpopulation, in both shelters and areas where feral animals live. Two important programs operated by SCAR are fostering and TNR—or trap, neuter, release. Soto explains that many of the dogs they receive for foster care come from shelters, where they were facing euthanasia. “A lot of times we’re bringing in dogs that are under stress—shelter stress—or with medical needs,” she observes. Many of the cats are TNR cases, young feral cats or kittens that can be domesticated. This year, in addition to continuing the existing programs, SCAR hopes to expand spay and neuter assistance, which helps cover the cost for South County residents. Doing so, Soto points out, will reduce overpopulation. “We want to do our part so people who need help can get it,” she says. “We work with veterinary partners. We still have to pay a lot—vets have to stay in business—but they give us a discount.” The organization relies on volunteer power. “I’m committed to SCAR because of the people involved,” Soto says. “The volunteers are like no other. I love to see the transformation of pets and humans, and, when I hear back from adopters, seeing that community impact.” South County Animal Rescue relies on about 20 volunteers who are very active, and another 20-30 who can get involved in a pinch. COUIRTESY OF SCAR Thanks to support from people like you, The Marine Mammal Center has served Monterey County for more than 30 years. It is a vital hub for our work along the California coast. Of the 27,000+ animals we have rescued, more than 11,000 have been rescued by our Monterey Bay Operations. Your support will help sick and injured seals, sea lions and sea otters so they can be released back to the wild. A seal pup needs you Donate MarineMammalCenter.org This giving season, your Monterey County Gives! gift helps BirchBark provide lifesaving veterinary care for local pets in need. Every pet deserves a chance to stay with the family they love. (831) 471-7255 www.mcgives.com/birchbark www.birchbarkfoundation.org Dallas, 2025 PetAid Recipient 24 Monterey County GIVES! 2025 mcgives.com
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