My name is ELMO!

Meet Elmo, the mixed breed! Elmo has some big feelings about the world and is looking for an adopter that will set him up for success. Elmo bonds strongly with his people and becomes the ultimate cuddle bug. Elmo appreciates socializing with people and his canine friends on occasion but finds solace in returning home to a quiet, low key house. Interacting with young children is not at the top of Elmo’s to do list, but teens are typically okay. He bonds strongly to his person and is very responsive to positive reinforcement training. Elmo will need a period of decompression in his adoptive home where he can simply get to know his new person and the routine without big outings or events with new people, animals or environments. Gradual confidence building and bonding will be important before Elmo starts going out on the town to busy, fast paced environments. Elmo has enjoyed play time at the Shelter with other dogs but does prefer not to share his people or items with his canine friends. Friends in the world to meet up for playdates – totally ok. Friends in his house around his stuff – not so much. In his most recent home, Elmo was described to be house trained and non-destructive. He really enjoys a couch and is ready to cozy up with his new person after a walk.

Elmo`s adoption fee has been sponsored by a generous Good Samaritan!

The Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter Foundation is now offering “Pawsitivity Bucks” with every dog adoption. This $200 training voucher is a way for newly adopted canines and their guardians to connect with local positive reinforcement based behavior consultants and get their relationship started off on the right paw!

Please note: Our Santa Cruz location’s Shelter hours are 11-6pm, 7 days a week! Although clients can walk through and see any animals in their kennels during open hours, we end “meet and greets” (aka meeting an animal out of the kennel) at 4:30pm every day. If you’d like to meet an animal out of the kennel, please arrive before 4:00pm to allow for time to discuss individual animals and meet them.