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San Bernardino Animal Services reports intake surge, new clinics and per‑diem vets; public speakers press for more veterinary capacity
Summary
Director Chris Walton told council the shelter saw nearly 9,700 dog and cat intakes in 2024 (a 33% increase over 2023), new isolation wards and expansion plans; community speakers criticized euthanasia practices and urged faster hiring of full‑time veterinarians and spay/neuter access.
Animal Services Director Chris Walton presented a department update to the City Council on March 19, outlining a sharp increase in 2024 intakes, facility upgrades and steps the department is taking to expand veterinary capacity and outreach.
Walton said the shelter received almost 9,700 dogs and cats in 2024, an increase of roughly 33% over 2023, and reported more than 3,500 adoptions and a dog save rate of about 82 percent (the cat save rate was 53 percent). He attributed part of the intake increase to a July partnership with regional organizations and noted improvements in return‑to‑owner rates after the shelter started posting lost and found animals on social media and services such as Petco Love Lost and PawBoost.
On facilities and staffing, Walton told the council the city approved $4 million for shelter facility improvements. He said a new medical isolation ward was nearly complete, a newly purchased customer service center…
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