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Lake County interim animal-control director reports better live outcomes, vaccine clinics returning
Summary
Interim Animal Control Director Steven Carver said adoptions rose and euthanasia rates fell in 2025 after a UC Davis grant funded about 500 spay/neuter surgeries; monthly vaccine clinics are restarting now that an RVT is on staff.
Interim Animal Control Director Steven Carver updated the Board on shelter outcomes and operational priorities for 2026. He reported that a UC Davis grant funded about 500 spay and neuter surgeries in 2025 and said that "we're having a lot better live outcomes" with adoptions up to 308 and returns-to-owner at 179, while euthanasia declined compared with the prior report.
Carver said staffing is improving: the department reported a 21% vacancy by one accounting (3 vacancies out of 14 positions), but with imminent hires he expected a 7% vacancy rate by February once the permanent animal-control director and an animal-control officer start, leaving only a deputy vacancy. He also said that vaccine clinics are restarting now that an RVT is on staff and that the department plans at least one vaccine clinic monthly and potentially ramping up to twice weekly as capacity grows. The shelter will hold a free-adoption day on Feb. 14, 2026.
Board members asked for livestock statistics and other clarifications; Carver said he would attempt to add livestock and horse stats to next year’s figures. Supervisors thanked Carver for the report.
Next steps: Carver will provide updated metrics at the next reporting cycle and distribute a flyer for the free‑adoption day.
