Yaps executive director seeks foster homes, staff and donations after intake surge; group helping LA rescues

At the Jan. 13 City Council meeting the new executive director of the Yucaipa Animal Protection Society (YAPS) introduced herself, described recent intake activity and asked the community for foster homes, kennel staff and donations.

Jennifer Hurlbut said she recently joined YAPS after working with the Lang Foundation Rescue and other animal programs. She described a recent intake of seven puppies — which YAPS staff and volunteers are fostering — and said YAPS pulls animals from the euthanasia lists at nearby shelters and accepts owner surrenders for some animals.

Hurlbut said Lang Foundation has a safety‑net program that contracted with the city of San Bernardino and provided $1,000,000 over five years for a staff member and spay/neuter vouchers; Lang Foundation extended voucher access to Yucaipa Animal Hospital. She said YAPS has been sending supplies — kennels, dog runs, beds, blankets and food — to Los Angeles shelters affected by recent animal‑welfare crises and that Best Friends Foundation is offering up to $500 per large animal for rescues that can take animals from LA County.

Hurlbut asked community members to apply to foster animals (applications at yaps.org) and said YAPS provides medical care, vaccinations and spay/neuter for fostered animals. Council members took a photo with YAPS staff and several council members offered to take puppies on the spot.

Ending: YAPS will continue intake and foster recruitment as needed; the organization is coordinating with regional partners to accept donations and supplies for shelters experiencing increased demand.