scar.pet BIG IDEA: South County Animal Rescue works to remove barriers to fulfilling pet ownership through several initiatives. SCAR rescues and rehabilitates shelter pets at risk of euthanasia and places them in forever homes. Its Spay and Neuter Assistance Program serves stray and feral cats across South County. SCAR also partners with the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation on Transforming Animals and Individuals’ Lives (TAILS), a canine academy where handlers train shelter pets to prepare them for adoption. “The medical care Bandit received while in the care of SCAR wasn’t only necessary, but lifesaving. Bandit goes nearly everywhere with us, receiving compliments always for how good of a dog he is. He has warmed the hearts of non-dog lovers. We see that he receives quality food, exercise and routine care for his collapsed trachea. What we learned through this process is that rescuing a senior dog is rewarding, and the support from SCAR is incredible.” -Cindy Morris SNIP BUS Year Founded: 2018 Paid Staff and Volunteers: 12 paid, 30 volunteers Budget: $880,500 (925) 895-8531 snipbus.org BIG IDEA: SNIP Bus’s specialized spay and neuter mobile clinics roll into town, bridging the gap to veterinary care for people and pets in need throughout Monterey County. Alongside spay and neuter services, the clinics offer vaccinations and microchipping to promote long-term care and safety. Without this Big Idea, 4,177 pets would have gone without vital medical care in 2025. With grant funding sharply reduced in 2026, community support matters more than ever. Spay and neuter services help keep 22 Monterey County GIVES! 2026 mcgives.com ANIMALS DONATE ONLINE MCGIVES.COM SPCA MONTEREY COUNTY Year Founded: 1905 Paid Staff and Volunteers: 100 paid, 500 volunteers Budget: $14,029,048 (831) 373-2631 spcamc.org BIG IDEA: As living costs rise, so does the price of pet food. In 2025, SPCA of Monterey County distributed more than 152,000 pounds of pet food, supporting more than 800 local pets every week. Its Big Idea helps families already facing financial challenges keep feeding their animals, reaching people at food banks and delivering free supplies to those displaced by fires and floods. Donations support this critical safety net for dogs, cats, birds, rabbits, horses and more. “We didn’t have any money for dog food. Even when it’s tight, we’ll still manage a way to buy them food, but we’re just on the brink of running out of money. The pet food bank is important because people need the help. I found out that the SPCA did this and feel super-blessed and relieved. It is awesome that the SPCA does this—you guys are amazing. Thank you for everything that you do. It really hits the heart. We can’t thank you enough.” -James, Monterey SPOTLIGHT GOLDEN OLDIES CAT RESCUE Year Founded: 2016 Paid Staff and Volunteers: 3 paid, 95 volunteers Budget: $248,000 (831) 200-9232 gocatrescue.org BIG IDEA: Golden Oldies Cat Rescue has saved nearly 250 older cats during the past decade. Aged 6 and over, these cats are typically surrendered by families, often after an owner has died. Golden Oldies’ Big Idea eases the transition by paying all living expenses while each cat receives care in a loving foster home. The Healing Paws Fund also covers necessary veterinary care for these senior cats, totaling more than $16,000 by June 2026. “I’d heard about Golden Oldies from seeing ads in the Monterey County Weekly, and when I saw the website, my heart melted at the thought of finding a new friend [after my cats died]. I found Gino, a big old boy who is active, curious, loving and definitely the king of our castle. Huge thanks to Golden Oldies for making this dream come true for both of us!” -Helen Rudnick SPOTLIGHT “I’ve been in and out of a lot of programs, but this is the program that has truly changed my life.” -Paul Rodriguez, Wonder Wood Ranch
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