The mission of the Animal Shelter Assistance Program (ASAP) is to eliminate the killing of adoptable cats impounded at the Santa Barbara County Animal Shelter by providing daily care, medical rehabilitation and adoptive homes.

Description:
In addition to the primary goal stated above, ASAP also seeks to:
a. improve the public perception of the Animal Shelter and increase adoption activity,
b. reduce the population of stray and homeless cats through spay/neuter, redemption, foster care, and other educational programs,
c. promote the benefits of companion animals,
d. counsel and educate the public in providing a healthy and safe environment for cats, and
e. form working relationships with other Santa Barbara County animal welfare groups.

History:
ASAP History

1989

Santa Barbara County Animal Shelter adoption rate is 10%.

35 cages are available at the Shelter to house both tame and feral cats.

ASAP is established by mandate of the County Board of Supervisors.



1990

Isolation area is established for sick cats and kittens.

ASAP volunteers take full responsibility for daily cleaning, feeding and medicating of all tame cats 365 days a year, 7 days a week.

ASAP becomes first program in U.S. within a municipal shelter to stop killing of adoptable cats for purpose of population control.

ASAP adoption rate for adoptable cats is 100% by end of year.



1991

First veterinarian in Shelter's history is hired.

ASAP becomes a CA non-profit corporation that is exempt from taxation under 501 (c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Service Code.



1992

ASAP purchases a triple-wide modular building to house more Shelter cats.



1993

In cooperation with other groups, modular building is outfitted to become the new cat shelter.

110 cages are made available to house adoptable cats.



1994

ASAP celebrates its 5th anniversary with appearance on Good Morning America.



1995

ASAP, with the cooperation of the Shelter, embarks on mandatory and early spay/neuter program. All cats & kittens are altered before adoption.



1997

ASAP begins FeLV and FIV testing for all cats over the age of 6 months.

ASAP initiates the Lester Fund, providing funds for extraordinary medical procedures.



1998

ASAP begins Post Adoption Care program for cats who become ill within two weeks of adoption.

ASAP is invited to make presentation at "No Kills in the 90's" Conference in Concord, CA.



1999

ASAP celebrates its 10th anniversary.

ASAP Building plans finalized and approved by Santa Barbara County

Building funds in place



2000

ASAP gets its own website

ASAP sells items on ebay.com to benefit the shelter

ASAP steps into the new millennium with extensive shelter remodel plans, complete with a medical procedures room and special areas for small groups of cats and kittens to play together.



2001

ASAP remodel begins!

ASAP launches a Sponsor-A-Cat Program

KEYT Channel 3 News spot "Santa Barbara Treasures" features ASAP as a local volunteer organization that is making a difference in the community.

Grand Opening of new and improved Remodeled Shelter on October 20th!



2002

ASAP attends the national CHAMP (Conference on Homeless Animal Management & Policy) conference in Reno, Nevada, and presents two workshops.



2003

ASAP is one of the beneficiaries of the Annual Santa Barbara News-Press Holiday Fund. Several articles about ASAP, its volunteers and cats help boost December adoptions.

Contact person: Lisa Lane, Volunteer Coordinator, (phone), (email)

Address:

5473 Overpass Road Goleta, CA 93111 (See a map)

Directions:

ASAP is located at the Santa Barbara County Animal Shelter 5473 Overpass Road Santa Barbara, CA 93111 (beyond the Humane Society)