History of the CenterAnimal Care & ServicesBuilding a community in which every adoptable pet finds a home.
The Rancho Cucamonga Animal Care and Adoption Center was constructed in 1993, during which time the City contracted with San Bernardino County to manage the Center and provide animal services. In 2005, a number of citizens began discussions with the City Council to take direct management of animal services and institute a more progressive program. When the Council gave direction to institute a city run program, a national expert was hired to advise on the creation of the Animal Care and Services Department and a major renovation of the existing facility was accomplished.  In early 2006 staff was hired and a training program was instituted.  The new and improved City run Animal Center was officially opened on May 1, 2006, with Field Services following on July 1, 2006.  

Front of Animal Center Picture



Since that time the Rancho Cucamonga Animal Care and Adoption Center has been devoted to serving both our two legged and four legged citizens.  We are committed to using every legitimate means to see that our wonderful homeless pets are placed in responsible, loving homes.  In addition, we strive to reduce the number of pets coming into the Center through resources for population reduction by spaying and neutering and teaching responsible pet care practices.  

As the new department sprang to life, the staff began developing many internal and external programs and services.  We designed a behavior program which evaluates the temperament of our pets to determine those who may need some extra attention or care.  An extension of the behavior program is our enrichment program whose main goal is to keep our pets mentally stimulated, thus reducing the stress that many pets feel when kenneled.  Our medical program examines, monitors, and treats every animal in the Center.  They perform all spay and neuter surgeries for adopted animals, as well as other surgical services such as mending broken bones, correcting eye ailments, and removing tumors.  

Our volunteer program is blessed with many wonderful individuals who gave 9538 hours in 2009 performing a wide variety of important services such as dog walking, cat socialization, basic dog training, bathing and grooming, as well as traditional opportunities such as computer services, clerical and cleaning.  Many volunteers participate in our foster program, caring for and providing resources to pets with special needs.  These are usually very young animals, animals with special medical needs, or behavior issues. In 2009 the dedicated volunteers of the foster program cared for 830 pets.  

Over the years, our department has developed valued partnerships with over 100 rescue organizations, placing hundreds of animals each year.  These partnerships allow us to find forever homes for animals that would have otherwise been difficult to house or place.  To assist our residents with animal related issues such as vicious/aggressive animals, injured animals, and confined strays, our Field Services Division is available 7 days a week to provide timely service on a priority response basis.  We also provide emergency services for injured or sick stray pets on a 24/7 basis.  

The Department serves an educational resource for the community providing information ranging from housebreaking a new puppy to living with wildlife.  We provide a number of direct services to our citizens such as a voucher program which reduces the cost of spaying and neutering a dog or cat, low cost vaccination clinics, and reduced cost euthanasia services for pets that are very sick or aged.   As a result of the cooperative efforts of the Rancho Cucamonga Animal Care and Services Department staff, our wonderful volunteers, and supportive community, we have been able to significantly increase placement, reduce euthanasia, and create a better shelter environment for our furry guests.  

While we are proud of the progress we have made in the years since the inception of the Animal Care & Services Department, we know that there is still much work to be done to reach our goal of building a community in which every adoptable pet finds a home. We are optimistic that, with the cooperation of our wonderful Rancho Cucamonga community, each year will bring us closer and closer to our goal. Animal Care & Adoption Center