The Santa Monica Animal Shelter will host its fourth annual Open House Fundraiser this Saturday, inviting the community to enjoy a lively afternoon of food, music, raffles and animal adoptions in support of local pets in need.
The event runs from 12 to 3pm at the shelter, located at 1640 9th Street and will feature reduced adoption fees, silent auction items, raffle prizes, face painting, balloon animals and refreshments. Organizers hope the fundraiser will not only generate donations but also raise awareness about the city-run shelter and the many animals awaiting new homes.
“We are so excited that this Saturday is our Fourth Annual Fundraiser to help the animals at the Santa Monica Animal Shelter,” said Elizabeth Noble, chair of the Santa Monica Animal Shelter Foundation. “We are looking forward to a fabulous day and hoping for a great turnout.”
Visitors will be able to tour the shelter and meet the adoptable animals, including dogs, cats and other pets of various breeds and ages. Former Santa Monica Mayor Gleam Davis will sponsor the adoption fees for the first cat and dog adopted during the event.
“The shelter has so many great dogs and cats of all ages waiting for their forever home,” Noble said. “From dog Drogo who is about a year old, very friendly and loves to play fetch to 2-year-old cat Jack who is the life of the party, loves treats and attention. We encourage anyone thinking of adopting a pet to please visit the shelter and take the time to meet the available animals.”
Raffle tickets will be available for a donation, with prizes including a $300 gift certificate to Sushi Roku or BOA, four Knott’s Berry Farm passes worth nearly $400 and orchestra-level tickets to LA Opera’s closing night performance of Rigoletto. Other prizes include gift cards, fitness memberships and themed gift baskets donated by community partners. Winners will be drawn at 3pm and contacted if not present. All items must be claimed from the shelter by June 28.
The silent auction will feature two exclusive experiences: a half-day learning session with the Santa Monica Police Department’s forensics team and a private ride-along aboard the Monica 1 with the Santa Monica Harbor Patrol. The forensics lab experience includes fingerprint development, forensic chemistry and evidence collection techniques, while the harbor ride offers up to 10 guests a chance to see the Santa Monica coastline from a rescue vessel.
“You'll have the opportunity to bid on two unique experiences in the silent auction,” Noble said. “It’s a great way to support the animals while getting a rare look behind the scenes at how public safety teams operate in Santa Monica.”
The festivities will include balloon creations from Wild About Balloons LA, face painting by The Magical Atelier and burgers grilled by Troop 2 Santa Monica. Starbucks will provide drinks and pastries from its Colorado Avenue location, plus a local DJ will keep the event upbeat with music throughout the day.
Merchandise such as T-shirts and hoodies will be available for purchase, with all proceeds supporting shelter operations. A plush giraffe toy, a favorite of a gray dog named Weezy who is currently up for adoption, is also featured on the shelter’s Chewy wish list.
“Even if you cannot join us this Saturday, you can still help the animals at the shelter by making a donation, or shopping our wish list on chewy.com,” Noble said. “We step in regularly to cover the cost of veterinary care, purchase food and supplies and there is a list of necessary and costly facility upgrades we are looking to help complete.”
Among those projects is the creation of a dedicated isolation room for cats with medical needs, an effort Noble said is essential to improving care and increasing adoption opportunities.
“We are extremely grateful to our community partners who continue to support us year after year,” she said. “Many people do not realize that Santa Monica has an animal shelter and we are hoping that the fundraiser brings attention to the shelter and the animals waiting to be adopted.”
To learn more about the event, view available pets or make a donation, visit www.smasf.org. The fundraiser is open to the public and all ages are welcome.