San Bernardino Animal Shelter Faces Capacity Challenges as Service Area Expands

The San Bernardino Animal Shelter is facing a big challenge as it prepares to take on the animal services for three additional cities starting July 1. With the cities of Fontana, Colton, and Rialto joining its roster, the shelter is expecting to double the number of animals in its care.

“We really need the community to step forward and help us by adopting and fostering,” said Kristine Watson, director of the San Bernardino Animal Services Department.

The shelter already services Grand Terrace and Loma Linda, but the new partnership will bring in thousands more animals. To accommodate the growth, the shelter plans to utilize temporary kennels and shelters while working towards building a larger facility in the next few years.

In addition to expanding its physical space, the shelter will also be creating 31 new staff positions to assist with adoptions and partnerships with rescue organizations. Funding for the expansion has been provided by the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, with additional costs being shared by the cities involved.

“The city of San Bernardino will be assuming approximately 53% of the cost, and then the other five cities will be proportionately less,” said San Bernardino city spokesperson Jeff Krause.

To better serve the community, the shelter will be extending its hours and opening seven days a week. This initiative aims to provide more opportunities for residents to adopt and foster animals in need.

With the support of the community and the dedication of its staff, the San Bernardino Animal Shelter is gearing up to meet the challenges ahead and continue its mission of caring for animals in need.