Santa Barbara Pets & Animals, 2023 Edition
From wildlife rescue to dog training
to birth control for rats.
By Tyler Hayden, Matt Kettmann, and Callie Fausey | March 16, 2023
![](https://www.independent.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/pets.jpg?resize=1200%2C800)
We’ll be the first to admit that this installment of our Pets & Animals issue is pretty dog centric. It wasn’t intentional. Anytime we compile a grab bag of stories like this, we always strive for variety. But first and foremost, we look for what’s interesting, and frankly, the doggos won out this time. That’s the way the biscuit crumbles.
Still, there’s plenty here about other creatures, including a profile on Central California’s biggest and best wildlife hospital located in our backyard, plus a new pest management tool — rat birth control.
And there’s always next year. To pitch an idea, email tips@independent.com. We’ll keep your messages on file. Especially if any are about a search-and-rescue cat. —Tyler Hayden
Can Birth Control Fix Your Rat Problem?
ContraPest’s “Safe Sex for Rats” Technology
Gains Traction in Santa Barbara
By Matt Kettmann
![](https://www.independent.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/rats-wood-surface.jpeg?w=1024&resize=1200%2C800)
Carpinteria Search and Rescue Pair Deployed to Turkey
Bob George and Shadow Searched
Two Weeks for Survivors
By Callie Fausey
Finally, Santa Barbara Is Getting an Urgent Care for Pets
New Clinic Will Fill Long-Standing Need for
Quick, Non-Emergency Services
By Tyler Hayden
![](https://www.independent.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/IMG_2625-1.jpg?w=1024&resize=1200%2C800)
Santa Barbara’s New Wild Animal Hospital
Is a Home of ‘Hopeful Work’
Wildlife Care Network Spreads Its Wings
With State-of-the-Art Facility
By Tyler Hayden
![](https://www.independent.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Baby-Season-Birds-in-hand-crocheted-nest-2.jpg?w=1024&resize=1200%2C800)
Santa Barbara Veterinarian Part of Worldwide Effort
to End Rabies Deaths
Dr. Beverly Jones Spent Three Hot Weeks in Tanzania
Vaccinating Thousands of Dogs
By Tyler Hayden
![](https://www.independent.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/076a75cc-4ade-443c-97d2-61058d5734ff-1.jpg?w=1024&resize=1200%2C800)
Your Dog Isn’t Your Baby:
K-Nine Solutions Owner
Gets Real and Gets Results
This Santa Barbara dog training business has a
10-year record of popularity and success.
By Tyler Hayden | Photos by Ingrid Bostrom
![](https://www.independent.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/AV3A5679-2.jpg?resize=1200%2C800)
| Credit: Ingrid Bostrom
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