TOWN OF YUCCA VALLEY
ANIMAL SHELTER COMMITTEE MEETING
The Mission of the Town of Yucca Valley is to
provide a government that is responsive to its citizens to ensure a safe and secure environment
while maintaining the highest quality of life.
ANIMAL SHELTER COMMITTEE: 5:30 PM
THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 2026
Yucca Valley Community Center- Cholla Room
57090 Twentynine Palms Hwy
Yucca Valley, Ca 92284
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Animal Shelter Committee
Jim Schooler, Chair
Jeff Drozd, Vice Chair
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TOWN ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE:
760-369-7207
Public Comments: [email protected]
www.yucca-valley.org
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AGENDA
MEETING OF THE ANIMAL SHELTER COMMITTEE
THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 2026, 5:30 PM
The Town of Yucca Valley complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. If you require special assistance to attend or participate in this meeting, please call the Town Clerk’s Office at (760) 369-7209 at least 48 hours prior to the meeting
The meeting agenda packet is available for public view in the Town Hall lobby and on the Town’s website at www.yucca-valley.org prior to the meeting. For more information on an agenda item or the agenda process, please contact the Town Clerk’s office at (760) 369-7209 ext. 226.
If you wish to comment on any agenda item or on any subject not on the agenda during public comments, please fill out a request to speak card and give to the Town Clerk/Commission Secretary.
Comment time is limited to 3 minutes.
Where appropriate or deemed necessary, action may be taken on any item listed in the agenda.
OPENING CEREMONIES:
Call to Order
Roll Call
Committee Member Drozd, Chair Schooler
Pledge of Allegiance
Approval of Agenda
1. Agenda Approval
Recommendation:
Approve the meeting agenda as prepared.
Consent Agenda
All items listed on the consent agenda are routine matters or formal documents covering previous Town Council instruction. Items are enacted by one motion and a second without separate discussion unless a member of the Town Council or Town Staff requests dialog on a specific item at the beginning of the meeting. Requests for public comment on the consent agenda items should be filed with the Town Clerk.
2. Approval of Meeting Minutes — February 19, 2026
Recommendation:
Approve the meeting minutes of February 19, 2026 as presented.
Department Reports
3. Spay & Neuter Event – March 31, 2026
Recommendation:
That the Animal Shelter Committee receives and files the Spay & Neuter Event – March 31, 2026 Report.
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4. Local Media Update, Pets of the Week, Animals at the Shelter more than 6 months Recommendation:
That the Animal Shelter Committee receives and files the Local Media Update, Pets of the Week, Animals at the Shelter more than 6 months Report.
5. March Adoption Event
Recommendation:
That the Animal Shelter Committee receives and files the March Adoption Event Report.
6. Microchip Program Update
Recommendation:
That the Animal Shelter Committee receives and files the Microchip Program Update Report.
7. Volunteer Program Update
Recommendation:
That the Animal Shelter Committee receives and files the Volunteer Program Update Report.
8. County Animal Control Contact Information
Recommendation:
That the Animal Shelter Committee receives and files the County Animal Control Contact Information Report.
9. February Shelter Statistics
Recommendation:
That the Animal Shelter Committee receives and files the February Shelter Statistics Report.
Future Agenda Items
Public Comments
The Animal Shelter Committee takes this time to consider your comments on items of concern which are not on the agenda. When you are called to speak, please state your name and community of residence. Please limit your comments to 3 minutes or less. Inappropriate behavior which disrupts, disturbs, or otherwise impedes the orderly conduct of the meeting will result in forfeiture of your public comment privileges. The Animal Shelter Committee is prohibited by State law from taking action or discussing items not on the printed agenda.
Staff Reports and Comments
Committee Member Reports and Comments
Announcements
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Upcoming Meeting Schedule: The next regular meeting of the Animal Shelter Committee Meeting will be held on Tuesday, April 16, 2026 at 5:30 PM in the Yucca Valley Community Center Cholla Room.
Town of Yucca Valley
Animal Shelter Committee Meeting Minutes
February 19, 2026
Call to Order
Roll Call
Present: Jeff Drozd, Jim Schooler
Absent:
Pledge of Allegiance
Pledge of Allegiance led by Committee member Drozd.
Consent Agenda
Chair Schooler opened public comment, with no members of the public wishing to speak, Chair Schooler closed public comment.
1. Approval of Meeting Minutes 11/20/2025
Motion:
Approve the meeting minutes of November 20, 2025 as presented.
Result: (Yes 2, No 0, Abstained 0)
Mover: Council Member Jeff Drozd
Seconder: Mayor Pro Tem Jim Schooler
Ayes: Jeff Drozd, Jim Schooler
2. Approval of Meeting Minutes 12/18/2025
Motion:
Approve the meeting minutes of December 18, 2025 as presented.
Result: (Yes 2, No 0, Abstained 0)
Mover: Council Member Jeff Drozd
Seconder: Mayor Pro Tem Jim Schooler
Ayes: Jeff Drozd, Jim Schooler
Department Reports
3. Animal Care, Control and Committee Update
Town Manager Yakimow and Animal Shelter Manager May presented an update to
the Animal Shelter Committee regarding current programs and activities at the animal shelter.
Susan Walls, a member of the public, asked questions regarding the Cyla Wells Fund and the shelter’s microchip programs. Animal Shelter Manager May announced that free microchips will be offered during the month of March, with low-cost microchips available for San Bernardino County residents. She also announced a Spay and Neuter Event scheduled for March 31.
Discussion included the possibility of integrating local high school students as interns, and a request was made for outreach to the local high school to inform students about the opportunity. Questions were also raised regarding the possibility of workfrom-home opportunities for volunteers, the use of the ShelterLuv system for lost and found reports, and procedures for rescue groups pulling animals from the shelter. Additional discussion addressed coordination with flying rescues, including health certificates, locating appropriate cages, confirming spay and neuter status, and size considerations for animals being transferred. Questions were also raised regarding the amount of funding previously committed by the Town for rescue coordination and whether County funding for related services may increase.
Committee Member Drozd expressed appreciation for the Town’s leadership and staff and stated he was proud of the Town’s efforts. Committee Member Schooler commented that the Town is moving in the right direction.
Public Comments
Chair Schooler opened public comment.
A member of the public reported that a dog had been left at a local feed store. Assistance was provided, and the dog was taken to Companion Animal Clinic.
With no other members of the public wishing to speak, Chair Schooler closed public comment.
Staff Reports and Comments
There were no additional comments from staff.
Committee Member Drozd noted that he has other commitments and requested that the meeting date be changed or that another individual be appointed to serve as part of the committee.
Committee Member Schooler acknowledged the comment.
With no further comments, Chair Schooler adjourned the regular meeting at 06:21 PM.
Respectfully Submitted,
Brooke Dudra
Deputy Town Clerk
Item: 3.
Town of Yucca Valley
Animal Shelter Committee Staff Report
To: Animal Shelter Committee
From: Shane Stueckle, Deputy Town Manager
Date: March 16, 2026
Meeting Date: March 19, 2026
Subject: Spay & Neuter Event – March 31, 2026
Recommendation:
That the Animal Shelter Committee receives and files the Spay & Neuter Event – March 31, 2026 Report.
Prior Review:
Discussion:
This item provides the Animal Shelter Committee with a report on the Spay & Neuter Event scheduled for March 31, 2026. Sign-ups for the event are full, and the shelter looks forward to hosting the community for this important service. The report keeps the Committee informed about event planning and anticipated participation.
Alternatives
No alternatives are recommended, as the item is presented for the Committee to receive and file the report.
Fiscal Impact:
There is no fiscal impact associated with receiving and filing the Spay & Neuter Event Report.
Attachments
1. March 2026 Event Flyer
Item: 4.
Town of Yucca Valley
Animal Shelter Committee Staff Report
To: Animal Shelter Committee
From: Shane Stueckle, Deputy Town Manager
Date: March 16, 2026
Meeting Date: March 19, 2026
Subject: Local Media Update, Pets of the Week, Animals at the Shelter more than 6 months Recommendation:
That the Animal Shelter Committee receives and files the Local Media Update, Pets of the Week, Animals at the Shelter more than 6 months Report.
Prior Review:
There has been no prior review of this matter.
Discussion:
This item provides the Animal Shelter Committee with an update on local media outreach, including the featured Pets of the Week. The update highlights current animals available for adoption and supports ongoing efforts to increase community awareness and engagement with shelter services.
Alternatives
No alternatives are recommended, as the item is presented for the Committee to receive and file the report.
Fiscal Impact:
There is no fiscal impact associated with receiving and filing the Local Media Update, Pets of the Week, Animals at the Shelter more than 6 months.
Attachments
1. Hi Desert Star Ad
Item: 5.
Town of Yucca Valley
Animal Shelter Committee Staff Report
To: Animal Shelter Committee
From: Shane Stueckle, Deputy Town Manager
Date: March 16, 2026
Meeting Date: March 19, 2026
Subject: March Adoption Event
Recommendation:
That the Animal Shelter Committee receives and files the March Adoption Event Report.
Prior Review:
Discussion:
This item provides the Animal Shelter Committee with the March Adoption Event Report. Pets are available for adoption throughout the month at a reduced fee of $17. The report keeps the Committee informed about shelter adoption activities and community outreach efforts.
Alternatives
No alternatives are recommended, as the item is presented for the Committee to receive and file the report.
Fiscal Impact:
There is no fiscal impact associated with receiving and filing the March Adoption Event Report.
Attachments
1. Lucky Charm March Event
Item: 6.
Town of Yucca Valley
Animal Shelter Committee Staff Report
To: Animal Shelter Committee
From: Shane Stueckle, Deputy Town Manager
Date: March 16, 2026
Meeting Date: March 19, 2026
Subject: Microchip Program Update
Recommendation:
That the Animal Shelter Committee receives and files the Microchip Program Update Report.
Prior Review:
There has been no prior review of this matter.
Discussion:
This item provides the Animal Shelter Committee with an update on the March Microchip Program. The program offers free microchipping for residents of Yucca Valley and a $5 fee for residents of the Morongo Basin. The report provides program details and other relevant information to keep the Committee informed about this community service initiative.
Alternatives
No alternatives are recommended, as the item is presented for the Committee to receive and file the report.
Fiscal Impact:
There is no fiscal impact associated with receiving and filing the Microchip Program Update Report.
Attachments
None
Item: 7.
Town of Yucca Valley
Animal Shelter Committee Staff Report
To: Animal Shelter Committee
From: Shane Stueckle, Deputy Town Manager
Date: March 16, 2026
Meeting Date: March 19, 2026
Subject: Volunteer Program Update
Recommendation:
That the Animal Shelter Committee receives and files the Volunteer Program Update Report.
Prior Review:
Updates on the Volunteer Program have been provided to the Committee in prior meetings.
Discussion:
This item provides the Animal Shelter Committee with an update on the Volunteer Program, including planned activities and anticipated roles. The update keeps the Committee informed about volunteer program developments.
Alternatives
No alternatives are recommended, as the item is presented for the Committee to receive and file the report.
Fiscal Impact:
There is no fiscal impact associated with receiving and filing the Volunteer Program Update Report.
Attachments
None
Item: 8.
Town of Yucca Valley
Animal Shelter Committee Staff Report
To: Animal Shelter Committee
From: Shane Stueckle, Deputy Town Manager
Date: March 16, 2026
Meeting Date: March 19, 2026
Subject: County Animal Control Contact Information
Recommendation:
That the Animal Shelter Committee receives and files the County Animal Control Contact Information Report.
Prior Review:
There has been no prior review of this matter.
Discussion:
This item provides the Animal Shelter Committee with the current contact information for County Animal Control services. Sharing this information helps ensure that Committee members and the public are aware of the appropriate points of contact for animal control– related questions, service requests, and reporting concerns. Residents can contact County Animal Care by calling 1-800-472-5609 and following the automated instructions, which helps ensure their questions are routed to the appropriate staff for assistance.
Providing this information supports clear communication and helps connect community members with the appropriate county resources when animal control services are needed. The item is presented for informational purposes.
Alternatives
No alternatives are recommended, as the item is presented for the Committee to receive and file the report.
Fiscal Impact:
There is no fiscal impact associated with receiving and filing the County Animal Control Contact Information Report.
Attachments
None
Item: 9.
Town of Yucca Valley
Animal Shelter Committee Staff Report
To: Animal Shelter Committee
From: Shane Stueckle, Deputy Town Manager
Date: March 16, 2026
Meeting Date: March 19, 2026
Subject: February Shelter Statistics
Recommendation:
That the Animal Shelter Committee receives and files the February Shelter Statistics Report.
Prior Review:
There has been no prior review of this matter.
Discussion:
The February Shelter Statistics Report is provided to keep the Animal Shelter Committee informed about routine shelter activity. The current report includes data for January and February and will be updated to include additional months as the year progresses. The report summarizes general information such as animal intake, outcomes, and other standard operational data tracked by the shelter. Providing this report on a regular basis helps maintain transparency and keeps the Committee updated on shelter operations.
The Committee’s action to receive and file the report simply acknowledges receipt of the information an
Alternatives
No alternatives are recommended, as the item is presented for the Committee to receive and file the report.
Fiscal Impact:
There is no fiscal impact associated with receiving and filing the Shelter Statistics Report.
Attachments
1. Jan-Feb Outcome Statistics
Dogs Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec TOTAL % of Total Dogs AC Officer Impounds 29 27 56 45.5%
Strays From Citizens 25 13 38 30.9%
Owner Turn Ins 10 5 15 12.2%
Quarantine 0 0 0 0.0%
Neonates (under 8 weeks) 2 0 2 1.6%
Transferred from Other Agency 0 0 0 0.0%
Holding Pen 6 0 6 4.9%
Born @ Shelter 6 0 6 4.9%
Total 78 45 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 123 100.0%
Cats Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec TOTAL % of Total Cats AC Officer Impounds 24 8 32 69.57%
Strays From Citizens 9 2 11 23.91%
Owner Turn Ins 1 2 3 6.52%
Quarantine 0 0 0 0.00%
Neonates (under 8 weeks) 0 0 0 0.00%
Transferred from Other Agency 0 0 0 0.00%
Holding Pen 0 0 0 0.00%
Born @ Shelter 0 0 0 0.00%
Total 34 12 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 46 100.00%
OTHER Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun July Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec Total 5 3 8
TOTAL IMPOUNDS 117 60 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 177
2026
DOA (Not included in Live Count)
Dogs 8 5
Cats 0 4
Others 2 4
Total 10
DISPOSITION
Dogs Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec TOTAL Adopt 27 22 49 42.98%
Return To Owner 13 16 29 25.44%
Euthanasia 10 5 15 13.16%
Owner Request Euth. 0 0 0 0.00%
Died in kennel 6 0 6 5.26%
Esc/Stolen 0 0 0 0.00%
Transferred 12 3 15 13.16%
Total 68 46 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 114 100.00%
Cats Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec TOTAL Adopt 6 20 26 47.27%
Return To Owner 0 0 0 0.00%
Euthanasia 2 4 6 10.91%
Owner Request Euth. 0 0 0 0.00%
Died in kennel 0 0 0 0.00%
Esc/Stolen 0 0 0 0.00%
Transferred 21 2 23 41.82%
Total 29 26 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 55 100.00%
Others Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec TOTAL 8 3 11
TOTAL DISPOSITION 105 75 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 180
2026
% of Total Dogs
% of Total Cats