Pet Community

Goleta Airport Pet Hospital Community Involvement

"Riley" the Arson Dog sponsorship

The newest member of the Santa Barbara County Fire Department is an Accelerant Detection Canine named Riley, a black Labrador Retriever.

Dr. Dave Dawson with Santa Barbara Veterinary Group and San Roque Pet Hospital has offered to provide veterinary service at no cost and with the assistance of some of their vendors, San Roque Pet Hospital is providing 12 months of flea and tick control as well as 12 months of heartworm and parasite prevention.

Riley and his handler Fire Captain / Investigator Howard Orr recently completed a five week canine-accelerant detection school sponsored by State Farm Insurance and certified by the Maine Criminal Justice Academy. Since their arrival on September 6th, 2013 they have responded to many fire scenes throughout Santa Barbara County and beyond. They are also available to respond to fire scenes throughout the Tri-Counties and beyond, upon request.

For more information about the Arson Dog Program visit the Web site at www.arsondog.org.

The ongoing costs of this program are being supported by local community donations:

Private citizens have begun providing donations to cover the costs of the training equipment and supplies necessary for Riley to maintain his skills. “This truly is a public/private partnership supporting this program. We are grateful for the community support,” says Captain Orr.

Additional donations are welcome and can be made to the “Santa Barbara County Fire Department, Arson Dog Program” and sent to 4410 Cathedral Oaks Road, Santa Barbara, CA 93110.

Mutt Mitt sponsorship

Veterinarian David Dawson shakes hands with County Parks Ranger Brian Switzer after placing BioBags in a dispenser at Arroyo Burro Beach County Park (Hendry's Beach).

Santa Barbara Veterinary Group (David P. Dawson, DVM) has generously agreed to help underwrite the cost of BioBags at Butterfly Beach County Park, Hendry's Beach and other beach and park locations from Montecito through Goleta. Even at wholesale prices, biodegradable bags can be costly, so Santa Barbara Veterinary Group's contribution is a big help in maintaining this canine amenity during tough economic times.

 County Parks is actively seeking other sponsors for BioBags and other amenities at our off-leash canine play areas and beach accesses. If you are interested in being a sponsor, please contact HealtheOcean.org

Pets of the Homeless Clinics

Periodically, Santa Barbara Veterinary Group holds free clinics for pets of the homeless.
Check out one of our events on the local news!

Guide Dogs for the Blind

Goleta Airport Pet Hospital has many guide dogs, ”career-change” and retired guide dogs that they care for.   This relationship between a blind person and their guide dog is so important - our staff understands this relationship and why it is so vital to get a sick or injured service dog back to work.  Visit Guide Dogs for the Blind.

4-H Canine program in Santa Barbara

Dr. Evelyn Brand from Goleta Airport Pet Hospital started the Dog Obedience Program at the Goleta 4-H Club

Pet Information

Below are links to other pet websites that you might find helpful and informative. We cannot be responsible for, nor do we necessarily endorse, the content or opinions expressed within these websites belonging to others.

Santa Barbara Area Rescue Groups

Dog Beach Info

Dog Park Info

Local Pet Organizations

Santa Barbara Flyers Dog Sports

Santa Barbara Kennel Club

Other Links

Below are links to other websites that you might find helpful and informative.  We cannot be responsible for, nor do we necessarily endorse, the content or opinions expressed within these websites belonging to others.

Behavior Problems  
Founded by Brian Kilcommons and Sharon Wilson, best-selling authors and recognized experts on animal training and behavior, this site is a terrific resource for advice on a variety of behavioral problems. If you want to learn more about feline house soiling, barking dogs, aggression, or any other behavioral problem, check this one out!

Pet Insurance

Your Cat's Subtle Signs That He/She is Sick

Transporting Your Cat to the Clinic

National Animal Poison Control Center
This is the website of the National Animal Poison Control Center. It includes a library, links to other sites, and phone numbers for the poison control center.

Choosing a New Puppy
This is a nice starter guide of things that you should consider when you are thinking about getting a puppy.

PetsMatter Newsletter
PetsMatter is a bi-monthly newsletter written and designed by  the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA).  Each newsletter contains articles covering preventive care, safety, and the human-animal bond.

American Veterinary Medical Association
This site is a good starting point to learn more about a variety of topics, including feline injection-site sarcomas and the latest subjects in veterinary medicine

Chronic Renal Failure in Cats
For owners whose cats have chronic renal failure, this site explains the disease, treatment options, and even lists feline kidney transplant centers. If your cat has CRF, this will be an invaluable resource for you.

Dog and Cat Anatomy
Have you ever wanted to know what the inside of a dog or a cat looks like? You will find terrific full-color illustrations of dog and cat anatomy here, which can help you to understand a pet's illness or injuries.

Association of Pet Loss and Bereavement
We have all experienced the pain of losing a pet. The Association of Pet Loss and Bereavement has set up this site for support during this most difficult time. You will find inspirational stories, grief counselling resources, hotline number and many other resources.

Pet Grief Support
This Pasadena-based group is designed for those who have experienced, or anticipate experiencing, the loss of their pet.  There is no charge to attend the group.  Web site provides dates and times of meetings in Pasadena, CA.

Pet Loss Support Hotline
The compassionate people who staff the Pet Loss Support Hotlines understand the emotional attachment people can form with animals of any kind.  When a beloved animal dies, is in failing health, is stolen, or must be placed in a new home, the end of a relationship with a special animal can be one of the most difficult times of your life.  The staff at the Pet Loss Support Hotlines are available to listen, to help you sort through the emotions and questions you may have, or to help you find support in your geographical area.

Rainbow Bridge
Anyone who has ever lost a pet should visit this wonderful site. It is a terrific tribute to our lost family members.

Breeds of Dogs
A quick reference guide to many breeds of dogs, including photos and brief descriptions of each breed's characteristics.

AKC - American Kennel Club

The Cat Fanciers' Association (CFA)
The Cat Fanciers' Association website has lots of pictures, as well as information on cat breeds, cat care, upcoming cat shows, and much more.

Veterinary Schools in the US
This is a great link to all of the websites of veterinary schools in the United States

USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
The USDA maintains this website with information on a variety of animal health related topics, including the latest news on such things as Mad Cow Diseases, foot and mouth disease, and many other things.

West Nile Virus
This site is maintained by the Centers for Disease Control in Atlanta, and has the latest information on the spread of West Nile Virus in the US, as well as information on disease transmission, symptoms, etc.

American Association of Feline Practitioners
The AAFP is like the American Medical Association for cat doctors, and has lots of good information regarding feline health

Veterinary Support Personnel Network
This site is for employees of veterinary hospitals and animal care facilities. It has a lot of valuable resources for animal health care workers around the world.

Heartworm Society
Everything you wanted to know about Heartworms can be found on this site.

The information found on goletaairportpethospital.com and its related links is solely for the purposes of general education, and may not be relied upon as a substitute for professional veterinary care.

Any concerns or questions you have about the health of your pet should be discussed with your veterinarian.