SPCA Stories

SPCA Monterey County Content and Education Manager Dawn Fenton chats with members of the SPCA Monterey County team about who they are, what they do, why they do it, and the hopes for the future in Monterey County’s world of animal welfare and protection. Dawn Fenton has been with SPCA Monterey County since 2008 when she joined the Community Outreach Department, focusing on the growth of the education department and assisting with providing information to the community. She is passionate about the incredibly wide scope of work provided to the community by her organization, and the devotion of its hard-working, enormous-hearted, skilled staff and volunteers. The heartfelt hope and intention of “SPCA Stories” is to bring awareness of the SPCA’s contributions to the Monterey County community and beyond, and to stimulate responsible discussion and growth in the world of animal welfare and protection with compassion, empathy, and kindness. Original Music by Scott Fenton; original artwork by Araceli Hernandez. SPCA Monterey County is a nonprofit, independent, donor-supported humane society serving the animals and people of Monterey County since 1905. Their work is only made possible by compassionate, generous supporters. To learn more about SPCA Monterey County and how you can support their efforts go to www.spcamc.org.

Episodes

2 hours ago

34 min

Meet Kennedy Rivera, one of our amazing Community Educators!  Humane Education is such an important part of what we do here at SPCA Monterey County. Our educators connect with people of all ages in our community, helping them develop and nurture compassion, empathy and respect for animals — and giving them the tools to become thoughtful, responsible members of their communities.  
If you’re a teacher or parent who might be interested in having one of our SPCA educators visit your school, or if you’re looking for information about our animal camps and how to register, you can find all of that on our website at SPCAMC.org!

2 hours ago

34 min

Aug 26, 2026

31 min

Meet Blanca!  She is our amazing South County Educator.  Kind, energetic, incredibly smart, and wonderful with kids, Blanca brings her passion for animals and humane education to communities throughout southern Monterey County.  Blanca makes sure more children and families have the opportunity to learn about compassion, responsible pet care, animal welfare, and the human-animal bond - right in their own communities.
For more information on all of SPCA Monterey County's programs please visit www.spcamc.org!

Aug 26, 2026

31 min

Jul 13, 2026

12 min

BONUS EPISODE!  Our first event in May was incredibly successful, and because of the response from our community, we're doing it again!  SPCA Monterey County is holding another free microchip and affordable vaccination event on Friday, July 17, from 9 am to 2 pm at the SPCA Veterinary Clinic in Salinas. 
We are joined by Blanca Marquez, SPCA Monterey County South County Community Educator, to spend a few minutes talking about why this event matters and tackle some of the biggest myths we hear surrounding microchips and vaccinations.
During the event, the SPCA will also provide essential pet vaccinations for just $25 each, helping pet owners safeguard their companions against common illnesses affordably. No appointments are required.  For more information visit SPCAmc.org/vax
 

Jul 13, 2026

12 min

Jul 8, 2026

25 min

Meet Christina Torres, Store Manager of Pet Food Express in Carmel. We'll talk about what makes Pet Food Express unique, why community partnerships matter, and how working together helps create happier, healthier lives for pets and the families who love them.
Pet Food Express has been a longtime supporter of SPCA Monterey County, helping countless adopted pets get off to a great start while supporting animal welfare in meaningful ways throughout our community. From hosting adoption events and SPCA behavior classes to supporting pet owners every day, they share our commitment to strengthening the bond between people and their animals.  Enjoy!
Support SPCA Monterey County - www.spcamc.org
Visit Pet Food Express - They are located at 300 Crossroads Boulevard in Carmel!

Jul 8, 2026

25 min

Jun 25, 2026

25 min

Meet Peter, Assistant Shelter Manager at SPCA Monterey County. Peter helps oversee the daily care of our pets and works closely with staff, volunteers, and adopters to help create successful outcomes for pets and people alike.  Peter is passionate about animal welfare, helping people find the pet that is just right for them and so much more!
Giveaway time!  Listen until the end of the episode - we have something special to give away to a lucky listener!
For more information about SPCA Monterey County and to help pets in need please visit us at www.spcamc.org.    

Jun 25, 2026

25 min

May 20, 2026

5 min

🚨 BONUS EPISODE ALERT! 🚨
If your pet isn’t microchipped yet or is due for vaccinations, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.
In this special bonus episode of SPCA Stories, Ashley Fessenden, SPCA Monterey County Clinic Practice Manager, joins us with important details about SPCA Monterey County’s upcoming Free Microchip and Low-Cost Vaccination Event happening Saturday, May 30th on the SPCA campus.
Microchips will be completely free, vaccinations are just $25!  Ashley explains why microchips are so important, what vaccines will be available, and what pet owners can expect at the event.
If your dog or cat needs a microchip, vaccinations, or preventative care, now is the perfect time to take advantage of these affordable services.
Events like this — and all the work we do for animals at SPCA Monterey County — are only possible because of the generous support of our donors and community.
Listen now, share with fellow pet lovers, and help us spread the word to keep more pets safe, healthy, and protected.

May 20, 2026

5 min

May 14, 2026

30 min

Meet Pasi Eltit!  She is one of the dedicated Client Care Specialistsat SPCA Monterey County. From scheduling appointments and assisting clients, to supporting wellness services and helping the clinic run smoothly each day, Pasi plays an essential role in creating a welcoming and compassionate experience for both pets and the people who love them.
You can help animals in need.  Learn more about SPCAmc's vital programs and services; support SPCA Monterey County  - we can't do any of this without you!

May 14, 2026

30 min

May 7, 2026

34 min

Greetings!  This episode we’re joined by Bonnie Logue, SPCA Monterey County’s Behavior & Training Manager. Bonnie oversees the behavior side of our TLC Program — that’s Treatment, Learning, & Compassion — helping shelter pets build confidence, learn new skills, and prepare for brighter futures. She also leads our Ruff Start Program and the behavior and training classes we offer to the public.
For more information on our Behavior Training Classes visit our SPCA Monterey County Behavior and Training Resources page.
You can make a difference in the lives of abused, neglected, and homeless animals in Monterey County.  Visit us here.  (Thank you!)

May 7, 2026

34 min

Apr 27, 2026

24 min

Spring has sprung—and here at SPCA Monterey County, that means one thing: puppy and kitten season is here! Every year, as more young animals come into our care, the need for foster families grows in a big way.
In honor of this busy and lifesaving time, we’re re-sharing a special episode all about our foster program. You’ll hear from Abigail Shaw, our Lead Foster and Transfer Coordinator, and Destinee Lopez, Foster and Transfer Coordinator, as they share what fostering really looks like—and the incredible difference it makes for animals who need a little extra care before finding their forever homes.

Apr 27, 2026

24 min

Apr 21, 2026

24 min

In honor of National Volunteer Appreciation Week, we’re revisiting one of our favorite conversations—highlighting the heart, dedication, and impact of our incredible volunteers.
Today, we’re re-sharing our episode featuring Chris Patton, a volunteer with our Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation Center. Chris is one of the many compassionate individuals who give their time and energy to care for wild animals in need, helping them heal and return to the wild where they belong.
As you listen, we hope you’ll be inspired by Chris’s story—and by the powerful difference volunteers make every single day.
For more information on volunteering for SPCA Monterey County and to support our lifesaving programs please visit www.spcamc.org!

Apr 21, 2026

24 min

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