CSA History

Citizens for Sheltered Animals, Inc, is a Grass Roots, non-profit, organization founded in 1987 by California, Santa Clarita resident, Rick Kerr.

In 1986, Rick’s beloved dog Zeb, a 12 year-old Irish Setter, was diagnosed with kidney disease. Although Zeb could not be saved, he began the inspiration for Citizens for Sheltered Animals.

As Rick went to the local animal shelter to find a new friend, he was surprised to see so many beautiful animals locked away in cages. This surprise soon turned into horror when he was informed that 90% of these beautiful creatures would be killed if they were not adopted. Rick soon after, picked up his first stray.

Citizens for Sheltered Animals began in Rick’s backyard, where he and some volunteers would keep strays safe and off the streets, and keep lost pets safe until their owners located them. Although Rick was about to take on a huge task, he realized that this was his new found passion, rescuing animals.

It’s been over 20 years now and Citizens for Sheltered Animals continues to save lives, unlike animal shelters. Although they keep records, vaccines, and neutering programs, animal shelters aren’t meant to house thousands of animals that have hopelessly been dumped by irresponsible owners. Animal shelters have received kittens, puppies, and all sorts of animals who are now facing death, increasing the killings to millions.

Citizens for Sheltered Animals is striving to keep animals out of shelters, and inform the community about other programs and services so that the need to place a healthy and lovable animal in a shelter will be eliminated. By working alongside volunteers, shelters, and local communities, we hope to help people make an easy decision to save a life, rather than an ignorant decision to sacrifice one. It is our dream that not one more animal will be lost due to negligence, irresponsibility, or ignorance. Together we can make a difference!