What do you know about the Dog Adoption and Welfare Group? Not all the information you hear is accurate, so we are here to debunk some of the most common misconceptions about the animals in our care. 

MYTH: The Dog Adoption and Welfare Group is one of many no-kill shelters for dogs in Santa Barbara.

TRUTH: DAWG is the ONLY no-kill shelter on the entire Central Coast. We have dogs that have been in our care for eight years and are still looking for their forever homes! We are dedicated to providing the medical care and training that each dog in our care needs-no matter what.

MYTH: The Dog Adoption and Welfare Group is associated with national and local organizations such as the Humane Society of the United States, Santa Barbara County Animal Services, and the American Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

TRUTH: We are an independent, local organization. We routinely collaborate with other animal welfare groups, including those mentioned above, but we do not rely on their support, nor do we rely on funding from any government entity. We depend on donations from people in our community to carry out the lifesaving work that we do.

MYTH: The Dog Adoption and Welfare Group charges the most for adoption and therefore makes money off their dogs.

TRUTH: DAWG dedicates hundreds of dollars to each dog and provides the highest quality of veterinary care, whether it be during routine procedures such as spays and neuters at our on-site veterinary center, or by sending dogs to UC Davis to receive complicated surgeries such as total-ear oblations. Whether a dog is healthy or sick when they come into our care, they go into their forever home with a clear bill of health. You can find our more about the investment we make in each of our dogs here. 

MYTH: It’s expensive to adopt a dog.

TRUTH: Adopting from DAWG is actually a phenomenal deal! Each of our dogs is spayed or neutered, vaccinated, implanted with a microchip, treated for worms and internal parasites, and on flea protection. More than the financial reward of adopting a dog, adopting rather than purchasing a pet means that you’ll give a second chance to a four-legged friend that needs YOU…and you’ll be making room at our shelter for another homeless animal.