SBC Animal Shelter Summit

Yesterday, there was a meeting with local rescues and the staff of the county's local shelters. This meeting was held to discuss future events, shelter expansion, and to talk about feedback that were both positive and negative, so we can help improve interactions and expectations between the shelters and our fellow rescues. The County also hopes to have these Summit's quarterly, so we can review previous items and hopefully meet those milestones, before the next meeting. In doing so, this will hold all parties accountable on working together, so we can have a more positive impact in the community.

Another great thing that some of you may not know, is that the county of San Bernardino received a grant of $30K to help cover pet adoption fees through 6/30/2027 - while funds last! Also with this current program, each adoption includes spay/neutering, microchip, and vaccinations. Additionally, any animals adopted through San Bernardino County Animal Shelters, qualify for MetLife Pet Insurance!

As for their new facility being built in Bloomington... this facility will feature state of the art tech, on-site veterinary services, dedicated animal enrichment areas, along with spacious and modernized kennels that will create a more comfortable environment for animals awaiting adoption. Also, this future location is expected to finish construction by Spring '27!

With regards to input for our local shelter by us and fellow rescues, we all shared ideas and concerns on how to improve our interactions with them, so we all could do better. This is something that will not change overnight, but as time goes on and we continue to work together in a positive manner, this will all make a huge impact on the rescue community and most importantly, the animals we are fighting for! This endeavor is not perfect, and people will make mistakes up and down the chain. In order to do better and continue to grow as a TEAM, we have to acknowledge and learn from those mistakes!

Our Mission and end goal here, is to save the animals we're advocating for. Remember, it's nobody's fault at the shelters that animals don't find homes or end up there in the first place; the blame lies solely on the people who initially took responsibility for them. These shelters simply exist, because of irresponsible pet owners. We have to check our emotions, and use that rage in a positive way and help get these animals out, with the limited time they do have. Arguing with the staff, making idle threats, and being petty online accomplishes nothing positive for these animals, and it makes you look just as incompetent, as the irresponsible pet owners who landed them there in the first place!

Each minute you waste antagonizing someone online, or harassing someone because you don't like the way they do something with THEIR RESCUE, could be what costs that animal it's life! We each have a role in this fight, and the best outcomes happen when we all work together, especially for some of you networkers!

To recap the message above -

1) Work together as a TEAM!

2) If we fail the mission, EVERYONE FAILS!

3) The enemy is outside the fight, NOT WITHIN!

Rescue Partner Tags/Pulls

One of the things that came up, was the importance of our rescue teams showing up on time, committing to a pull they put in, and being prepared for pickup(s) with the dogs. Any time a rescue partner puts in a request to pull a dog, they must do and provide the following -

1) Email the rescue coordinator at sbac.rescue@dph.sbcounty.gov

• Provide the Animal ID and Name in the subject line!

2) Name of person w/matching photo ID

3) ETA

All pickups must be done at least 30 minutes before closing time. If your transporter can't meet the pickup time or they're running behind, the shelter staff needs to know immediately, so they can accommodate the pickup. This may also lead to being moved to the following day, depending on the ETA of your driver... With that said, depending on where your driver is coming from, please plan accordingly and leave room for traffic!

Also, don't assume that just because you emailed the shelter for a pull request, that the dog is "safe". It is a good idea to also call the shelter to ensure that they've seen your request, before making arrangements with your driver. Things can be hectic during euthanasia days, and the rescue team may not see a tag in time, especially if it's last minute.

Pet Transport Policy

Transporters must bring leashes for dogs that are not labeled as "Rescue Only".

Dogs that are labeled "Rescue Only", must leave in a hard shell crate, with solid siding. There are no exceptions, and the pull cannot be completed without them. When your driver arrives and checks in with the rescue coordinator, shelter staff will be called out to you in the parking lot, and they will load the dog in the crate that they ( the driver ) has provided. If a dog is labeled "Rescue Only", please make sure that your driver brings the appropriate size crate for the dog that they are picking up.

If you are utilizing a transport service, please make sure that they are fully aware of the dog they are picking up, and whether or not they are being treated for an illness. It is not fair to them and other dogs in transport, if you’re not truthful about a dogs behavior or if they’re sick. If you try and pull a fast one, some transport services may not follow through with the pickup, leaving you and the dog back at square one!

Lastly, if you are taking freedom videos, please be respectful to the staff that may be on video. Again, they are our allies, NOT the enemy!

Shelter Information & Hours

Devore Shelter Hours

Monday-Tuesday-Thursday & Friday: 10AM-6:30PM

Wednesday: 10AM-7PM

Saturday & Sunday: 10AM-5PM

(909) 386-9820 - Option 2 for Rescue Coordinator

19777 Shelter Way - San Bernardino, CA 92407

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Big Bear Shelter Hours

Monday-Tuesday-Thursday-Friday & Saturday: 10AM-5PM

• Closed Daily - 1PM-2PM

Wednesday: 12PM-7PM

• Closed 2PM-3PM

Sunday: Closed

(909) 866-4943 - Option 2 for Rescue Coordinator

42080 N Shore Dr - Big Bear, CA 92314

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Bloomington Animal Care Center

Hours: TBD

Number: TBD

18313 Valley Blvd - Bloomington, CA

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Misc. Additional Information/Links

If you'd like to be part of the cause and help Devore or surrounding shelters, please see the links below!

Become a Rescue Partner - click me!

Animal Care Volunteer - click me!

Available Pets - click me!

Foster Parent - click me!

County FAQ - click me!

We hope you found this information helpful, and hope that you have gotten more understanding on the process.

Please feel free to comment below with any questions, and we will update this thread as time goes on.

Happy Rescuing!