Clearlake hears animal shelter update; officials report near‑100% live‑release rate

Clearlake — The council received an update on animal shelter operations, adoption activity and shelter census from shelter staff and a police lieutenant overseeing intake matters.

Bennett introduced an adoptable dog, Mila, and described her age, temperament and training. Council members asked why some dogs appeared to be 'in limbo' on the adoptable‑dog website. Bennett explained that posting to the adoptable listings can be delayed for medical or behavioral reasons and that a separate staffer handles web uploads; he also noted transfers to partner shelters as part of intake management.

Lieutenant Peterson provided intake and disposition figures for Jan. 1–March 16: 108 dogs taken in; 56 dogs left the shelter by various dispositions (27 rescued, 23 returned to owners, 5 adopted), 0 were euthanized and 1 died in shelter care (he said he would follow up to clarify the circumstances). He reported the live‑release rate at about 99.9 percent and said the current census is 52 dogs; he credited transfers to other shelters and volunteer support in reducing prior higher counts.

Council members asked staff to follow up with specific timelines for moving dogs from intake to adoptable status; Lieutenant Peterson said he would seek details from North Bay (the intake/placement partner) and return with answers at a future meeting.

Next steps: staff will follow up on the single death in care to confirm circumstances and will provide more detail on average timeframes to move dogs from intake to adoptable status.