Over the past several months, animal shelters in San Bernardino County have faced closures due to a lack of space and financial difficulties, leading to an increased need for rescue efforts in the Tri-Community.
The Victor Valley Animal Protection League in Apple Valley closed several months ago and remains closed. Route 66 Animal Shelter, the only no-kill shelter in the High Desert located in Barstow, has announced it will soon close.
In an effort to reduce overcrowding, open shelters like those in Big Bear and Devore offered free adoptions throughout July. In August, San Bernardino Animal Control partnered with The PAW Mission to provide free spaying and neutering services to help control pet overpopulation.
These efforts will continue into September with additional free spaying and neutering services for dog and cat owners in unincorporated San Bernardino County. The first event, targeting both community cats and owned pets, will take place on September 8 at the Victor Valley Museum in Apple Valley. The second event, focused solely on community cats, is scheduled for September 9 at the Hesperia Health Clinic. Pet owners can register for these services at thepawmission.org.
Local nonprofit rescues in Phelan and Wrightwood are also struggling. These organizations are at full capacity with dogs and need additional resources, including foster homes, food, financial donations for spay and neuter costs, and permanent homes for the animals.
Tanya’s Adoption Network 4Young Animals, a nonprofit rescue in Phelan, emphasized the importance of having a local animal hospital provide discounted rates for spay and neuter surgeries to make these services more affordable and increase the number of pets ready for adoption. However, the rising costs of veterinary services due to inflation have made this increasingly difficult.
On the legislative front, Scott Wilk, R-Calif., is working on a bill to address animal overcrowding. The bill aims to expand access to low- and no-cost spay/neuter services and has progressed to the Assembly floor after moving through the Assembly Appropriations Committee. “Our shelters, especially in the High Desert, are overwhelmed,” Wilk said. “A significant factor is the shortage of veterinarians available to perform timely and efficient spay and neuter services.” The bill would establish the first-in-the-nation certification for high-quality, high-volume spay/neuter procedures, available through California’s accredited veterinary schools at UC Davis and Western University of Health Sciences.
Community involvement is crucial in addressing the overcrowding of shelters in San Bernardino County. Residents can support local rescue efforts by adopting, fostering, volunteering, or donating to organizations in the Tri-Community. For more information, contact Tanya’s Adoption Network 4Young Animals at [email protected] (Phelan) or Rover Ranger Rescue at [email protected] (Wrightwood).
