Friends of Santa Cruz County Animals (FOSCCA) is a nonprofit that does important work supporting Santa Cruz County Animal Services, and they’re worth knowing about whether you’re local or just visiting the area. Their main focus over the past several years has been running the John S. Strauss Spay/Neuter program, which provides low-cost spay and neuter services to qualifying low-income residents throughout Santa Cruz County. It’s a straightforward but meaningful program that helps reduce the number of homeless animals in the community while making responsible pet ownership more accessible.

If you’re traveling through Santa Cruz County with your dog, understanding what FOSCCA does gives you a clearer picture of how the community approaches animal welfare. The organization actively advocates for dog health and safety across the region and works to make Santa Cruz County more dog-friendly overall. Their work extends beyond just spay and neuter services—they’re connected to broader animal welfare initiatives and resources that benefit dogs and other animals in the county.

The nonprofit’s partnership with County Animal Services means they’re plugged into local animal control and shelter operations, so they understand firsthand what dogs in the area need. This isn’t a training facility or a place you’d visit for services while traveling, but rather an organization that shapes how the community cares for dogs. If you’re interested in supporting animal welfare during your time in Santa Cruz County, or if you live here and want to contribute to reducing the homeless animal population, FOSCCA is the group doing that work. You can find detailed information about their programs and ways to help on their website.