Recently, we had the pleasure of sitting down with Elizabeth Noble, Chair of the Board for the Santa Monica Animal Shelter Foundation (SMASF). This conversation felt especially meaningful to us. The Santa Monica Animal Shelter is right across the street from Palms & Paws Veterinary Center, and that proximity reflects something deeper. For the past three years, we’ve shared a close, collaborative relationship rooted in a shared mission: helping animals heal, thrive, and find their forever homes.
Click to play and enjoy this 18 minute conversation:
In this inspired dialogue with Dr. Kevin McEvilly, Elizabeth shares not only her personal journey with the shelter, but also thoughtful, experience-driven guidance for anyone considering adoption. She also outlines the many ways the community can support the shelter and foundation, whether through time, donations, or simply spreading the word.
Below are some of the most meaningful takeaways from our discussion.
Thinking About Adopting a Dog or Cat? Start Here
Adoption is a beautiful decision, but Elizabeth emphasizes that the most successful adoptions begin with patience, reflection, and honesty.
Visit the shelter in person.
Photos and online bios are wonderful, but nothing replaces spending time in the shelter itself. Walk through, meet the animals, and allow yourself time to connect. The staff and volunteers know these animals well and can help guide you toward a good match
Be honest about your lifestyle.
Before adopting, think carefully about your home environment. Do you have a yard? Kids? Other pets? Time for daily walks? The goal is not just adoption, but a lifelong match that works for both you and the animal
Do not rush the decision.
Elizabeth encourages potential adopters to go home, think it through, and come back if needed. Many people feel pressure to decide immediately, but taking time often leads to greater confidence and better outcomes
Let the animal choose you.
One of Elizabeth’s most heartfelt insights is that the right animal often “calls to you.” Whether it’s a dog who lights up when you enter the yard or a cat who quietly seeks your attention, trust that connection
If you already have a pet, plan a meet and greet.
For dog adoptions especially, the shelter recommends finding the dog you love first, then returning with your current pet to ensure compatibility. This extra step can make all the difference in long-term success
Why Preparation and Patience Matter So Much
Elizabeth speaks candidly about the rare cases where an adoption does not work out. In her experience, it is never due to the animal. It is almost always a matter of timing, expectations, or preparedness.
Adoption is a lifetime commitment, not just a chapter when a puppy or kitten is small and adorable. Taking time to reflect on finances, allergies, schedules, and long-term care needs helps ensure that when an animal goes home, it stays home
This thoughtful approach is one of the reasons the Santa Monica Animal Shelter has such strong adoption outcomes.
How the Santa Monica Animal Shelter Foundation Supports These Animals
As Chair of the Foundation, Elizabeth is deeply proud of how donor funds are used. SMASF is a volunteer-run nonprofit, which means donations go directly to the animals and the shelter.
Funds commonly support:
- Emergency and ongoing veterinary care, including lifesaving treatment
- Prescription diets and specialized nutrition
- Kitten food during an especially busy kitten season
- Beds, toys, treats, supplements, and daily care supplies
- Facility improvements like outdoor turf areas and a new cat isolation and recovery space
Ways You Can Support the Shelter and Foundation
Whether or not adoption is right for you right now, there are many ways to help.
Make a financial donation.
Monetary donations help cover medical care, supplies, and facility upgrades. Donations can be made directly through the Foundation’s website at smasf.org
Donate supplies.
The Foundation maintains a Chewy wishlist with priority items like kitten food, pill pockets, toys, and treats. Supplies can also be dropped off at the shelter during business hours
Volunteer your time.
Volunteers play a vital role in daily shelter life. Those interested can apply through the City of Santa Monica’s volunteer portal and indicate interest in the animal shelter. Shelter staff will guide applicants through the process
A Shared Mission, A Stronger Community
Elizabeth’s story began at the shelter as a junior high student and came full circle years later as Board Chair. That sense of continuity, care, and community is woven into everything SMASF does.
We are deeply grateful to Elizabeth Noble for her leadership, generosity, and time, and to the Santa Monica Animal Shelter Foundation for the tireless work they do on behalf of animals and the people who love them.
If you are considering adoption, take your time, ask questions, and trust the process. And if you are looking for a way to give back, whether here or at your local shelter, your support truly changes lives.
To learn more, visit smasf.org.
Photographs by Elizabeth Noble. You may view more of her photography at elizabethnoblephotos.com.