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Every Pet Deserves a Loving Home

Over 20,000 unwanted dogs, cats, rabbits, and even chickens land in Animal Care and Regulation each year. That’s over 384 animals a week, many of whom are dropped off at night boxes.

Newly appointed director, Pat Claerbout says, “Our goal would be to have every animal that comes in here to be adopted by a loving family.” Unfortunately, that’s not always possible. Each dog received is put through behavioral evaluation to assess adoptability potential. Many of the dogs that do not pass have-nots been socialized as young dogs. Currently, the department does not have the resources to socialize the dogs to make them adoptable. Claerbout says the key to preventing so many un-socialized, unwanted animals is to promote spaying and neutering.

The County is also responsible for keeping the public safe from injured or dangerous animals in the unincorporated areas. The Animal Control Officers receive training much like that of police officers. These officers face dangerous situations daily and are responsible for capturing the animals and transporting them to the Animal Care facility. At times these animals end up being evidence in criminal proceedings and the County is responsible for sheltering them until the trial is concluded.

Helping with the demands of the facility are two long established groups of committed volunteers, shelter volunteers and members of TEAM, Teaching Everyone that Animals Matter. Shelter volunteers help the public adopt animals and locate missing pets. TEAM members raise money for operations for injured animals, run adoption fairs, and do public outreach. Many volunteers come in daily to exercise the dogs, play with the kittens, and generally distribute the love and attention that each pet deserves. The facility can always use more volunteers to do a variety of jobs, including working directly with the animals, washing blankets, or rolling newspapers for the cats. Call 916-875-5848 or visit www.saccountyshelter.net to learn more about volunteering.
-May 2004