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, APRIL 16, 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, APRIL 16, 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 and 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. Minutes
Recommendation:
Approve the meeting minutes from March 19, 2026 as prepared.
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. April Adoption Event
Recommendation:
That the Animal Shelter Committee receives and files the April Adoption Event Report.
6. Microchip Program Update
Recommendation:
That the Animal Shelter Committee receives and files the Microchip Program Update Report.
7. March Shelter Statistics
Recommendation:
That the Animal Shelter Committee receives and files the March Shelter Statistics Report.
8. Volunteer Program Update
Recommendation:
That the Animal Shelter Committee receives and files the Volunteer Program Update Report.
9. Donor Recognition Program
Recommendation:
That the Animal Shelter Committee receives and files the Donor Recognition Program 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
Mayor and Council Member Reports and Comments
Committee Member Drozd
Chair Schooler
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Announcements
Upcoming Meeting Schedule: The next regular meeting of the Yucca Valley Town Council will be held on Tuesday, May 21, 2026 at 5:00 PM in the Yucca Valley Community Center Cholla Room.
Town of Yucca Valley
Animal Shelter Committee Meeting Minutes
March 19, 2026
Call to Order
Chair Schooler called the meeting to order at 5:00 PM.
Roll Call
Present: Jeff Drozd, Jim Schooler
Absent:
Pledge of Allegiance
Led by Chair Schooler
Approval of Agenda
1. Agenda Approval
Motion: Approve the meeting agenda as prepared.
Result: Passed (Yes 2, No 0, Abstained 0)
Mover: Council Member Jeff Drozd
Seconder: Mayor Pro Tem Jim Schooler
Ayes: Jeff Drozd, Jim Schooler
Consent Agenda
2. Approval of Meeting Minutes — February 19, 2026
Chair Schooler opened public comment. With no member of the public wishing to speak, Chair Schooler closed public comment.
Motion:
Approve the meeting minutes of February 19, 2026 as presented.
Result: Passed (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. Spay & Neuter Event – March 31, 2026
Animal Care and Control Manager May provided information on a Spay & Neuter event scheduled for March 31, 2026.
Community members noted they have been assisting by reposting information on social media.
No other public or committee comments were received.
4. Local Media Update, Pets of the Week, Animals at the Shelter more than 6 months Animal Care and Control Manager May presented an overview of current outreach and operational efforts, including the use of local newspaper advertisements and social media platforms to promote animal services and adoptions.
In response to an inquiry regarding dog behavior, May provided information on animal reactions within the shelter environment and explained the process for providing designated decompression time to reduce stress.
Deputy Town Manager Stueckle addressed shelter conditions and partnerships, highlighting ongoing collaboration with rescue organizations. He also noted an increase in Facebook activity and hopes to launch an Instagram account to enhance community engagement.
A resident inquired about the possibility of transferring animals between jurisdictions to balance capacity. May explained that such arrangements present challenges, particularly as the facility is not designated as a no-kill shelter, but emphasized continued efforts to coordinate with rescue partners.
Committee member Drozd suggested exploring strategies to attract out-of-area adopters to the local shelter. Staff acknowledged the suggestion as a potential opportunity to expand adoption outreach.
No other public or committee comments were received.
5. March Adoption Event
Animal Care and Control Manager May shared information on March adoption specials and provided related statistics.
In response to a Committee inquiry, May clarified the definition of animal transfers and addressed questions regarding the cost of advertising. May confirmed that staff anticipates hosting adoption events on a monthly basis.
Discussion followed regarding dogs that have remained at the shelter long-term.
Resident Susan Walls noted that adoption fees are reduced for long-term animals and suggested bringing adoptable dogs to community events, such as the Easter egg hunt, to increase visibility.
Animal Care and Control Manager May indicated this concept would require further staff discussion.
Resident Susan Walls commented that some individuals may be reluctant to visit the shelter and emphasized the importance of bringing animals into the community.
Deputy Town Manager Stueckle acknowledged the value of special events and community outreach as a long-term strategy.
No other public or committee comments were received.
6. Microchip Program Update
Animal Care and Control Manager May provided an update on the microchip program, reporting that a total of two dogs and five cats were serviced. Additionally, one cat was processed through the County during the March event.
No public or committee comments were received.
7. Volunteer Program Update
Animal Care and Control Manager May presented an update on the volunteer program, noting that a cat behavior volunteer has recently been onboarded. May reported plans to expand the program, with the goal of adding up to two additional volunteers per day over the next three weeks.
In response to a Committee inquiry, May indicated that minimum hour requirements and program guidelines will be further developed as the program is implemented.
May also confirmed that transportation assistance is under consideration, potentially for local veterinary providers or rescue coordination.
Discussion followed regarding veterinary services, with May noting that services are currently located in San Bernardino. Deputy Town Manager Stueckle referenced a recent tortoise transfer to San Diego, and May added that rescue partners are currently at capacity.
Committee member Drozd inquired about desert tortoises.
Additional questions were raised regarding animal care operations. May confirmed that each dog is provided a bowl, which is regularly cleaned and sanitized using
available equipment.
Discussion also included the potential role of volunteers in identifying grant opportunities. May stated that while future projects may include grant-related efforts, the current focus is on establishing the program. May further noted that grant opportunities may be limited due to the Town’s status as a government agency.
No other public or committee comments were received.
8. County Animal Control Contact Information
Deputy Town Manager Stueckle provided contact information for the County, advising the public to call 1-800-472-5609 and the Third District Supervisor’s Office for additional assistance.
No public or committee comments were received.
9. February Shelter Statistics
Animal Care and Control Manager May presented February shelter statistics.
Deputy Town Manager Stueckle reported a 89.1% live release rate for dogs and an
89.6% overall live release rate. May noted that all euthanasia cases were for medical reasons.
Resident Susan Walls inquired about owner surrender practices and whether outreach could be made to encourage owners to retain animals when possible.
May responded affirmatively, noting that food assistance can be provided to support pet retention when needed.
Walls asked for the current number of dogs in kennels. May reported 87 dogs currently housed at the shelter.
Walls further inquired about whether a moratorium on owner surrenders was still in place. May clarified that most intakes are currently stray animals.
No other public or committee comments were received.
Future Agenda Items
No future agenda items were discussed.
Public Comments
Resident Susan Walls inquired about the possibility of increasing the number of members on
the committee.
Chair Schooler stated that a subcommittee is in place and noted that its purpose is to report back to the Town Council.
Resident Cheryl Contopoulis spoke in support of expanding the shelter. She also requested that shelter data from 2025–2026 be reviewed, and thanked staff for their work and dedication. She further expressed support for the development of a larger shelter facility.
Staff Reports and Comments
No staff comments were received.
Committee Member Reports and Comments
Committee Member Drozd shared a personal story and expressed appreciation to Animal Care and Control Manager May, noting that the shelter appears to have experienced reduced stress over the past month. Drozd thanked May for her efforts.
Announcements
The next regularly scheduled meeting is scheduled for April 16th, 2026 at 5:00 pm in the Cholla Room.
Chair Schooler adjourned the regular meeting to closed session at 06:18 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, Shianne May, Animal Care and Control Manager Date: April 10, 2026
Meeting Date: April 16, 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:
The Committee recieved a brief report on this matter at its March 2026 meeting.
Discussion:
This item provides the Animal Shelter Committee with a report on the Spay & Neuter Event scheduled for March 31, 2026. The report keeps the Committee informed about event planning and anticipated participation. All registered participants were able to attend, and the event was highly successful.
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
2. AAL Event
Item: 4.
Town of Yucca Valley
Animal Shelter Committee Staff Report
To: Animal Shelter Committee
From: Shane Stueckle, Deputy Town Manager, Shianne May, Animal Care and Control Manager Date: April 13, 2026
Meeting Date: April 16, 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
2. Zimm FB Post
Item: 5.
Town of Yucca Valley
Animal Shelter Committee Staff Report
To: Animal Shelter Committee
From: Shane Stueckle, Deputy Town Manager, Shianne May, Animal Care and Control Manager Date: April 13, 2026
Meeting Date: April 16, 2026
Subject: April Adoption Event
Recommendation:
That the Animal Shelter Committee receives and files the April Adoption Event Report.
Prior Review:
The Committee recieved an update at its meeting of March 19, 2026 Discussion:
This item provides the Animal Shelter Committee with the April Adoption Event Report. Pets are available for adoption throughout the month at a reduced fee of $25. 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 April Adoption Event Report.
Attachments
1. Long Term Dogs
2. April Fools Adoption Special
Item: 6.
Town of Yucca Valley
Animal Shelter Committee Staff Report
To: Animal Shelter Committee
From: Shane Stueckle, Deputy Town Manager, Shianne May, Animal Care and Control Manager Date: April 13, 2026
Meeting Date: April 16, 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, Shianne May, Animal Care and Control Manager Date: April 13, 2026
Meeting Date: April 16, 2026
Subject: March Shelter Statistics
Recommendation:
That the Animal Shelter Committee receives and files the March Shelter Statistics Report.
Prior Review:
There has been no prior review of this matter.
Discussion:
The March Shelter Statistics Report is provided to keep the Animal Shelter Committee informed about routine shelter activity. The current report includes data for January thru March 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 thru March Stats
Dogs Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec TOTAL % of Total Dogs AC Officer Impounds 29 27 30 86 49.7%
Strays From Citizens 25 13 12 50 28.9%
Owner Turn Ins 10 5 7 22 12.7%
Quarantine 0 0 1 1 0.6%
Neonates (under 8 weeks) 2 0 0 2 1.2%
Transferred from Other Agency 0 0 0 0 0.0%
Holding Pen 6 0 0 6 3.5%
Born @ Shelter 6 0 0 6 3.5%
Total 78 45 50 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 173 100.0%
Cats Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec TOTAL % of Total Cats AC Officer Impounds 24 8 1 33 55.93%
Strays From Citizens 9 2 1 12 20.34%
Owner Turn Ins 1 2 6 9 15.25%
Quarantine 0 0 1 1 1.69%
Neonates (under 8 weeks) 0 0 4 4 6.78%
Transferred from Other Agency 0 0 0 0 0.00%
Holding Pen 0 0 0 0 0.00%
Born @ Shelter 0 0 0 0 0.00%
Total 34 12 13 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 59 100.00%
OTHER Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun July Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec Total 5 3 5 13
TOTAL IMPOUNDS 117 60 68 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 245
2026
DOA (Not included in Live Count)
Dogs 8 5 4
Cats 0 4 0
Others 2 4 2
Total 10 13 6
DISPOSITION
Dogs Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec TOTAL Adopt 27 22 30 79 48.47%
Return To Owner 13 16 13 42 25.77%
Euthanasia 10 5 2 17 10.43%
Owner Request Euth. 0 0 0 0 0.00%
Died in kennel 6 0 0 6 3.68%
Esc/Stolen 0 0 1 1 0.61%
Transferred 12 3 3 18 11.04%
Total 68 46 49 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 163 100.00%
Cats Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec TOTAL Adopt 6 20 6 32 45.07%
Return To Owner 0 0 0 0 0.00%
Euthanasia 2 4 0 6 8.45%
Owner Request Euth. 0 0 0 0 0.00%
Died in kennel 0 0 0 0 0.00%
Esc/Stolen 0 0 0 0 0.00%
Transferred 21 2 10 33 46.48%
Total 29 26 16 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 71 100.00%
Others Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec TOTAL 8 3 8 19
TOTAL DISPOSITION 105 75 73 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 253
2026
% of Total Dogs
% of Total Cats
Item: 8.
Town of Yucca Valley
Animal Shelter Committee Staff Report
To: Animal Shelter Committee
From: Shane Stueckle, Deputy Town Manager, Shianne May, Animal Care and Control Manager Date: April 13, 2026
Meeting Date: April 16, 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: 9.
Town of Yucca Valley
Animal Shelter Committee Staff Report
To: Animal Shelter Committee
From: Shane Stueckle, Deputy Town Manager
Date: April 13, 2026
Meeting Date: April 16, 2026
Subject: Donor Recognition Program
Recommendation:
That the Animal Shelter Committee receives and files the Donor Recognition Program Report.
Prior Review:
There has been no prior review of this matter.
Discussion:
Staff will provide a general update and facilitate discussion regarding the concept of a Donor Recognition Program for Animal Care and Control.
The purpose of the discussion is to explore potential approaches for recognizing individuals, businesses, and community partners who contribute through donations, sponsorships, or inkind support. This may include a range of possible recognition ideas and program considerations for committee input.
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 Donor Recognition Program Report.
Attachments
None