Hitchcock Road Animal Services unveils first strategic plan focusing on outcomes and volunteer expansion

Salinas — Hitchcock Road Animal Services, the joint powers agency serving the city and county, presented its first strategic plan to the Salinas City Council on Feb. 3, emphasizing animal‑welfare outcomes, data transparency and sustainable funding.

Administrator Cindy Burnham described a year‑long planning process with Ramey & Associates, stakeholder interviews and a SWOT analysis. The plan sets three primary goals: deliver high‑quality intake and animal‑well‑being services (including metrics such as average length of stay and live‑release rate), expand community engagement and partnerships (including expanded volunteer coordination and culturally responsive outreach), and establish sustainable funding to support facility and staffing needs.

Burnham said the shelter has added a second volunteer coordinator and is already tracking intake and surrender data; the agency conducted a recent three‑day spay/neuter clinic that spayed and neutered 189 animals. Staff cited the new Friends of Hitchcock Road Animal Services group as an emerging partner that will pursue grants and fundraising; Burnham also noted a $5,000 art‑contest grant from UC Davis awarded to a local artist and used to produce outreach T‑shirts.

Councilmembers asked about revenue sources (licenses and adoption fees were cited as primary ongoing revenue streams), staffing benchmarks and barriers to public access — the shelter’s rural location on Hitchcock Road requires alternate transportation for some residents. Burnham said the shelter runs off‑site adoption events and plans “cuddle zone” outreach to bring animals into the community.

What’s next: Staff will share the strategic plan publicly, continue community outreach and report back to the council as implementation and funding discussions proceed.