The public and media are invited to attend.
The Lompoc Animal Shelter, owned and operated by the County of Santa Barbara, serves more than 4,500 people and shelters more than 1,300 dogs and cats each year. It is the only stray animal facility serving the mid-county region.
The facility began as a single family home. The new facility transformed the reception space to fully accommodate the public and support activities to provide safe care for animals. It now meets requirements of the American with Disabilities Act (ADA). The renovation was guided by architects Carl Schneider and Jean Pierre Ainciart, of CSA Architects. The construction contractor was STC Development, Inc.
The renovation project cost was approximately $450,000. This project was supported by a collaboration of funders including the County of Santa Barbara, City of Lompoc, the Santa Barbara County Animal Care Foundation, the Companion Animal Placement Assistance (CAPA) and private donors. CAPA is a volunteer organization that provides opportunities for community members to assist at the Lompoc Shelter. Community Development Block Grant funding was received from the City of Lompoc and the County of Santa Barbara for the ADA facility upgrades. Grant funding was also received from the Brown Family Foundation
In honor of the major renovation with a whole new look and feel, the staff and volunteers determined it was time for a new name for the facility. Respecting the area and history, the facility is now designated as La Purisima Animal Welfare Services (LaPAWS). LaPAWS represents the community it serves with the expanded vision of the services provided by the staff and volunteers to the cities and unincorporated areas served.
Animal lovers from throughout the region will want to come to this facility to find their lost pets or to find a new pet. Staff who enforce local ordinances, respond to injured animals, impound stray animals, and help with a myriad of animal related matters, will have a space to perform their critical tasks. Volunteers who provide countless hours of unpaid service to care for and promote the adoption of animals will appreciate the environment. The renovated facility serves the entire mid-county region.