The Santa Monica Animal Shelter Foundation is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization formed by the City of Santa Monica in association with the Santa Monica Police Department, and operated by a Volunteer Board of Directors. Our mission is to raise funds and support the Santa Monica Animal Shelter.
Please help us support the Santa Monica Animal Shelter by donating today.
In November of 2020 the City of Santa Monica reformed the Board of Directors.
Chair-Elizabeth Noble
Elizabeth is a professional Fine Art Photographer, Santa Monica native, longtime Shelter Volunteer and Shelter Photographer. Elizabeth joined the Board in November 2020 and was elected as Board Chair in September 2021, she previously served as Vice Chair from November 2020-September 2021.
Vice Chair and Secretary-Hoa Tran
Hoa is a Senior Analyst and Shelter Volunteer. Hoa joined the Board in October 2021, and was elected as Vice Chair in December 2021.
Treasurer-Jamie Crute
Jamie is an accountant and longtime Shelter Volunteer. Jamie joined the Board in November 2020 and was elected as Treasurer in March 2021, she previously served as Secretary from November 2020-March 2021.
Board Member- Dr.Karen Heard
Dr.Heard is a Veterinarian, has been practicing veterinary medicine in the Los Angeles area for over thirty years, and is also a longtime Shelter Volunteer Veterinarian. Dr.Karen Heard joined the Board in April 2021.
Board Member-Susan Hojer
Susan is the Membership Director for the Santa Monica Chamber of Commerce, a Shelter Volunteer, longtime Santa Monica resident and proud cat Mama to two rescue cats. Susan joined the Board in April 2021, she previously served as Secretary from April 2021-June 2022.
Board Liaison-Lieutenant Robert Silverstein
Lieutenant Robert Silverstein is the Santa Monica Animal Shelter Administrator and the Santa Monica Animal Shelter Foundation Board Liaison.
Santa Monica Daily Press has been a huge supporter of us and has run several articles about us and our work to help the Animal Shelter. We appreciate all of their support! Check out some of the recent articles:
April 3rd, 2024 about kitten season and how you can help.
January 16th, 2024 about the shelter being at full capacity with dogs.
November 23rd 2023 about giving back during the holiday season.
July 30th 2023 about keeping pets safe on 4th of July
June 7th 2023 about our Fundraiser on June 3rd
May 30th 2023 about our Fundraiser
May 12th 2023 about ‘Kitten Season’
April 1th 2023 on National Pet Day
Kacey Montoya with KTLA Weekend Morning News has showcased many of the available animals and shared the news about our Open House Fundraiser and is always ready to support us. Megan Telles with KTLA Weekend Morning News visited the Shelter on July 31st 2022 and filmed two segments live on air featuring available animals.
The Argonaut- We are so happy to have been selected for the cover story of the June 16th 2022 issue of the Argonaut. View the issue here.
Juliet Lemar with the Santa Monica Mirror, Yo Venice, Westside Today, and more, has created awesome video’s to showcase available animals and share our mission.
June 1st 2022 featuring our Board Chair Elizabeth Noble speaking about our 2022 Open House Fundraiser: https://vimeo.com/715878094
August 10th 2022 about August updates and featuring our Board Chair Elizabeth Noble sharing ways that you can help the Santa Monica Animal Shelter: https://vimeo.com/738175279
Watch the IG Live series, Spill the Beans, with Gnarwhal Coffee Co. Founder Nick Monica speaking with our Chair Elizabeth Noble. We partnered with Gnarwhal Coffee Co. in August of 2022 and are very grateful for their support, for helping us to raise funds for the Shelter and for sharing about us and the Shelter.
Seascape June 2022 Issue-View the issue here. Photos and article by Board Chair Elizabeth Noble.
The Argonaut June 16 2022 cover, photo by Elizabeth Noble
Juliet Lemar at the Santa Monica Animal Shelter with SMASF Board Chair Elizabeth Noble 8.10.22
To assist us with administrative tasks, help at fundraising events and support our mission please send us a message on the contact page.
If you are interested in applying to join our Board of Directors please review the qualifications for Board Membership:
Expertise in fundraising, non-profit operations and management, government and community relations, finance/investments, legal services, entrepreneurship, or other relevant expertise or unique qualifications that would benefit the Board.
Commitment to attend our monthly Board meetings, we meet the third Tuesday of the month, at 5pm, at the Santa Monica Animal Shelter.
Actively engage in fundraising efforts and commit the necessary time to perform your duties if appointed to the Santa Monica Animal Shelter Foundation Board of Directors, including our monthly board meeting, fundraising, and outreach efforts this is estimated to be 6-10 hours total commitment per month.
Must be a Santa Monica Resident, or work in veterinarian-care related field in the City of Santa Monica.
If you meet the qualifications and are interested in applying email: apply@smasf.org
In the subject line write: “SMASF Board Member Application”
Attach a Current Resume.
Attach a Cover Letter stating why you are interested in serving on the Santa Monica Animal Shelter Foundation Board of Directors and how your expertise/qualifications will serve the Board.
Please note that this is a volunteer position.
Read our past newsletters: