Animal Tidbits
PET LICENSES: Hey pet owners — did you know that it is against the law to not have your dog licensed? If your pup is over four months, then he is required to wear a license tag. To obtain a license, you’ll need a current rabies certificate and written proof that your dog is spayed or neutered. Applications are at City Hall, S.B. County Animal Shelter (5473 Overpass Rd.), Santa Barbara Police Department, and at veterinarians’ offices. You can also apply for a license online by visiting petdata.com. For more information about licensing, contact Santa Barbara County Animal Services Project PetSafe Team at 934-6968.
TWO-FOR-ONE KITTENS: If you’ve been wanting to adopt a kitty, now is the time. Through the end of September, Santa Barbara County Animal Services is offering two wee cats for the price of one. For $65, you can bring home two fur balls that are up-to-date on vaccinations and have been spayed or neutered. In addition to being a hoot to watch, two kitties are inclined to play together and less likely to take their boredom out on the couch or curtains. To find your kittens, visit ASAP (Animal Shelter Assistance Program) Cats at the S.B. County Shelter (5473 Overpass Rd.). Check out the adoptable felines at asapcats.org.
BUNNY ADOPTIONS: Rabbits make great pets. They are cute, can be potty trained, and like to cuddle. You can see for yourself at the 10th Annual Bunny Festival, where loads of long-eared lagomorphs will be available for adoption. If you already have a bunny — or a guinea pig, as they have been included in this year’s fest — bring her along. There will be bunny-friendly contests such as carrot-eating and an obstacle course. There will also be a silent auction, a bunny spa for nail trimming and grooming, and expert rabbit vets, acupuncturists, and an animal communicator. All proceeds from the event go to the nonprofit BUNS (Bunnies Urgently Needing Shelters). The event will be held Sunday, September 26, noon - 4 p.m., at the S.B. County Courthouse Sunken Gardens.
SPIRIT OF THE HORSE: Off Jalama Road is a parcel of land called Return to Freedom that is sanctuary to nearly 200 rescued wild mustangs. Dedicated to conservation and education of these majestic creatures, Return to Freedom is having its annual fundraiser, Spirit of the Horse, at the sanctuary this year. Folks can see the wild herds graze on the hillsides while enjoying local food and wine. In addition to edibles, there will also be equine performances, music and dance, vendors, and a silent auction. Tickets are $60 (adults) and $40 (kids under 12). Private tables of 10 are $1,000. If you carpool with three or more people, you can buy Car Pass tickets for $40 each. The event takes place Saturday, September 25, noon - 5 p.m., at the Return to Freedom American Wild Horse Sanctuary. For more information, call 737-9246 or visit returntofreedom.org.
DOG TRAVELS: Vacationing with your canine usually means staying at campgrounds or kindly friends’ abodes. But what if you want a bit of pampering that includes having your four-legged companion waiting for you in your room? Thanks to Maggie Espinosa’s new book, The Privileged Pooch: Luxury Travel with Your Pet in Southern California, travelers can find posh hotels that also welcome dogs. In Santa Barbara, the list includes San Ysidro Ranch, the Biltmore, and downtown boutique hotel the Canary. Each entry has a concise description of the accommodations for both human and canine. For example, San Ysidro offers “Great Dane-sized beds and SYR-branded bowls” as well as a Beanie Baby, while the Canary gives visiting pooches a “goodie bag filled with treats, a collar tag with the hotel’s yellow birdie logo, and a grooming kit complete with oatmeal shampoo and Fur Breeze spa mist.” The book also includes doggie-friendly hotels as far south as San Diego. The Privileged Pooch is available at area bookstores and online through theprivilegedpooch.com.
