Greater Palm Springs Animal Allies reports 2024 success with 97.6% dog adoption rate

During the Palm Springs City Council meeting on March 12, 2025, a significant presentation was delivered by the newly renamed Greater Palm Springs Animal Allies, formerly known as Friends of the Palm Springs Animal Shelter. The presentation highlighted the organization's achievements and challenges in 2024, emphasizing its commitment to animal welfare and community engagement.

The shelter reported a total intake of 2,688 animals in 2024, exceeding its designed capacity of 1,000 animals annually. This included nearly 1,400 strays and 312 animals confiscated by animal control due to neglect or dangerous situations. Despite the high intake numbers, the shelter achieved an impressive live release rate of 91.2% for cats and 97.6% for dogs, indicating successful adoption and return-to-owner efforts.

A key focus of the presentation was the shelter's no-kill philosophy, which allows euthanasia only for severe medical or behavioral issues. The organization has implemented various programs to support pet owners in need, including a community food bank and low-cost vaccination clinics, which served over 6,000 animals last year. The shelter also operates a trap-neuter-return program for community cats, successfully managing 1,464 cats in 2024.

Financially, the shelter's operational costs reached approximately $5.8 million, with the city contributing about $1.2 million, covering roughly 20% of the budget. The increase in costs was attributed to rising personnel expenses, including a wage increase to $20 per hour to stabilize staffing. The shelter also reported over 85,000 volunteer hours, valued at around $2.3 million, underscoring the community's support for its mission.

Challenges discussed included the need for more space to accommodate animals, particularly larger breeds, and the complexities of community policies regarding pet ownership. The shelter's facility, while aesthetically pleasing, poses functional limitations that hinder progressive sheltering practices.

Council members expressed appreciation for the shelter's transparency regarding euthanasia practices and acknowledged the vital role of volunteers in enhancing the community's connection to animal welfare. The meeting concluded with a commitment to continue supporting the shelter's initiatives and addressing the ongoing challenges it faces.