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, MAY 21, 2026
Yucca Valley Community Center- Old Library Building
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, MAY 21, 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 April 16, 2026 Meeting Minutes as prepared.
Department Reports
3. 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.
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4. April Shelter Statistics
Recommendation:
That the Animal Shelter Committee receives and files the April Shelter Statistics Report.
5. May Adoption Event
Recommendation:
That the Animal Shelter Committee receives and files the May Adoption Event Report.
6. Volunteer Program Update
Recommendation:
That the Animal Shelter Committee receives and files the Volunteer Program Update Report.
7. Shelter Success Stories
Recommendation:
That the Animal Shelter Committee receives and files the Shelter Success Stories Report.
8. Shelter Wish Lists
Recommendation:
That the Animal Shelter Committee receives and files the Shelter Wish Lists 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
Announcements
Upcoming Meeting Schedule: The next regular meeting of the Animal Shelter Committee will be held on Thursday, June 18, 2026, at 5:30 PM in the Yucca Valley Community Center Cholla Room.
Town of Yucca Valley
Animal Shelter Committee Meeting Minutes
April 16, 2026
Call to Order
Chair Schooler called the meeting to order at 5:30pm
Roll Call
Present: Jeff Drozd, Jim Schooler
Absent:
Pledge of Allegiance
Led by Chair Schooler.
Approval of Agenda
1. Agenda Approval
Chair Schooler opened public comments. With no members of the public wishing to speak, public comments were closed.
Motion:
Approved meeting agenda as prepared.
Result: Passed (Yes 2, No 0, Abstained 0)
Mover: Council Member Jeff Drozd
Seconder: Mayor Pro Tem Jim Schooler
Ayes: None
Consent Agenda
2. Minutes
Motion:
Approve the meeting minutes from March 19, 2026 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
Department Reports
3. Spay & Neuter Event – March 31, 2026
Chair Schooler opened the public comment period. Greg Gundron expressed thanks and stated they look forward to future updates. A question was raised regarding whether activity at the Animal Care and Control Department is slower during the summer months. The Animal Care and Control Manager May confirmed that activity is slower during the summer months due to hot weather conditions.
With no additional members of the public wishing to speak, Chair Schooler closed the public comment period. No motion was made.
4. Local Media Update, Pets of the Week, Animals at the Shelter more than 6 months Animal Care and Control Manager May presented the department report, including updates on radio, newspaper, and social media outreach efforts for long-term shelter animals. Committee members discussed adoption activity, rescue partnerships, and several long-term animals currently at the shelter. Residents commented regarding adoptions, rescue efforts, and positive collaboration between staff and the Committee.
With no additional members of the public wishing to speak, Chair Schooler closed the public comment period. No motion was made.
5. April Adoption Event
Animal Care and Control Manager May provided an update on adoption programs and shelter statistics. Long-term animal adoptions remain available for five dollars, while all other adoptions are twenty-five dollars through April. Staff reported on the April Fools’ Day adoption event, during which all adoptions were one dollar and all cats, including several “spicy cats,” were adopted. Shelter statistics for dogs, cats, and animal transfers were reviewed and compared with prior years, including transfers involving wildlife.
Chair Schooler opened the public comment period and commended the progress made by the department and Committee. With no additional members of the public wishing to speak, Chair Schooler closed the public comment period. No motion was made.
6. Microchip Program Update
Animal Care and Control Manager May provided an update on the microchipping program, including statistics for animals microchipped within the Town and County.
Staff discussed ongoing efforts to support reunification programs, microchip registration, and the importance of pet owners maintaining current registration information. Public discussion included suggestions for expanding free or low-cost microchipping opportunities and the use of identification tags to help reduce stray animal populations.
With no additional members of the public wishing to speak, Chair Schooler closed the public comment period. No motion was made.
7. March Shelter Statistics
Animal Care and Control Manager May presented the March statistics report. Shelter outcomes included 30 dog adoptions, 13 dogs returned to owners, 6 cat adoptions, and 10 cat transfers. Annual live release rates were reported at 85% for dogs and 91% for cats, with March rates reaching 95% for dogs and 100% for cats. Two dogs with advanced parvo were euthanized after being sent directly to a veterinarian, and the importance of vaccinations was emphasized. Manager May stated the shelter is working to secure a regular veterinarian within 30 days and confirmed behavioral cases are separated.
With no additional members of the public wishing to speak, Chair Schooler closed the public comment period. No motion was made.
8. Volunteer Program Update
Animal Care and Control Manager May provided an update on the volunteer program, including cat volunteer opportunities for “spicy cats.” A new volunteer meeting will be held on April 23 for approved volunteers. Animal Care and Control Manager May stated approved applicants would receive emails and advised anyone who had not received communication to reach out. The meeting will include an introduction to volunteer duties and a shelter tour.
With no additional members of the public wishing to speak, Chair Schooler closed the public comment period. No motion was made.
9. Donor Recognition Program
Animal Care and Control Manager May introduced the Donor Recognition Program
and reviewed proposed donation recognition guidelines, including donor acknowledgment tiers and naming opportunities. Animal Care and Control Manager May discussed donor appreciation, volunteer fundraising efforts, online and recurring donations through Shelterluv, and donation wish lists available through Amazon and Kuranda. Questions were raised about donor recognition, shelter bed needs, and budget support for supplies. Staff noted donation links are available on the Town website and Facebook page and that the program and donation processes are continuing to be developed.
With no additional members of the public wishing to speak, Chair Schooler closed the public comment period. No motion was made.
Future Agenda Items
Chair Schooler requested update on foster program in 60 to 90 days.
Public Comments
Chair Schooler opened public discussion and reminded speakers to follow public comment guidelines.
Residents thanked shelter staff and volunteers for improvements made at the shelter over the past year and discussed ongoing efforts to increase adoptions and community engagement.
Questions and comments focused on shelter signage, kennel card information, volunteer opportunities, social media and video promotion of adoptable animals, and posting donation wish lists more prominently online.
Manager May responded to concerns regarding adoptable dog signage and kennel information, stating staff are working to improve communication with visitors and expand volunteer participation as programs develop. Residents were encouraged to continue submitting suggestions by email.
Discussion also included adoption screening practices, Shelterluv updates, stray hold postings, the status of filling an Animal Control Officer position, and opportunities to transport dogs to outside events once volunteer and foster programs are further established.
Residents and commissioners discussed long-term shelter stays, shelter capacity, and potential future expansion funding. Manager May stated staff are working to network dogs before they become long-term residents to reduce stress and improve placement opportunities.
Staff Reports and Comments
No additional staff reports or comments.
Mayor and Council Member Reports and Comments
Mayor Drozd thanked staff, volunteers, and community members for their work and participation, and expressing appreciation for everyone in attendance. Chair Schooler thanked staff and attendees for their participation and support.
The next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, May 21, 2026, at 5:30 p.m.
Announcements
The next regularly scheduled meeting is scheduled for June 18, 2026 at 5:30 pm in the Cholla Room.
Chair Schooler adjourned the regular meeting to closed session at 06:30 pm.
Respectfully Submitted,
Jennifer Doan
Committee Secretary
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: May 13, 2026
Meeting Date: May 21, 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. Balboa Post
2. Hi Desert Star Ad May 2026
3. Roscoe
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: May 13, 2026
Meeting Date: May 21, 2026
Subject: April Shelter Statistics
Recommendation:
That the Animal Shelter Committee receives and files the April Shelter Statistics Report.
Prior Review:
There has been no prior review of this matter.
Discussion:
The April Shelter Statistics Report is provided to keep the Animal Shelter Committee informed about routine shelter activity. The current report includes data for January thru April 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. April 2026 Stats
2. Jan to April 2026 Stats
IMPOUNDS
Dogs 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 TOTAL AC Officer Impounds 1 1 1 2 1 1 1 2 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 17 22.7% Strays From Citizens 4 1 2 5 1 4 3 1 1 3 3 2 3 1 34 45.3% Owner Turn Ins 1 1 4 2 1 2 11 14.7%
Quarantine 6 6 8.0%
Neo (under 8 weeks) 0 0.0%
Trans from Other Agency 0 0.0%
Holding Pen 1 3 4 5.3%
Born @ Shelter 3 3 4.0%
Total 1 0 5 3 0 2 3 1 1 1 5 0 3 4 4 3 1 5 4 0 11 4 3 3 3 0 1 3 1 0 0 75 100.0% Cats 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 TOTAL AC Officer Impounds 1 1 2 13.3%
Strays From Citizens 1 1 2 4 8 53.3%
Owner Turn Ins 1 1 6.7%
Quarantine 0 0.0%
Neo (under 8 weeks) 4 4 26.7%
Trans from Other Agency 0 0.0%
Holding Pen 0 0.0%
Born @ Shelter 0 0.0%
Total 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 1 1 1 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 8 0 0 0 15 100.0% Others 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 TOTAL AC Officer Impounds 2 1 1 2 1 7 70.0%
Strays From Citizens 2 1 3 30.0%
Owner Turn Ins 0 0.0%
Quarantine 0 0.0%
Neo (under 8 weeks) 0 0.0%
Trans from Other Agency 0 0.0%
Holding Pen 0 0.0%
Born @ Shelter 0 0.0%
Total 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 1 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 10 100.0% TOTAL IMPOUNDS 100
% of Total Cats
% of Total Others
MONTH OF: APRIL Year: 2026
% of Total Dogs
DOA (not included in live count) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 TOTAL Dogs 1 1 1 3 4.00%
Cats 1 1 1 1 4 26.67%
Others 2 1 3 30.00%
Total 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 1 0 0 1 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 10 10.00%
DISPOSITION
Dogs 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 TOTAL % of Total
Dogs
Adopt 5 1 7 6 3 1 1 1 2 5 4 2 4 2 44 52.4%
Return To Owner 1 1 2 2 1 2 2 1 1 4 17 20.2%
Euthanasia 2 1 1 1 1 1 7 8.3%
Died in kennel 1 1 1.2%
Esc/Stolen 1 1 1.2%
Owner Request Euthanasia 1 1 2 2.4%
Transferred 1 1 1 1 7 1 12 14.3%
Total 1 6 2 2 0 3 2 0 1 1 9 0 0 6 4 1 3 1 2 7 0 2 4 7 6 0 1 3 8 2 0 84 100.0% Cats 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 TOTAL % of Total
Cats
Adopt 3 1 1 1 2 8 66.7%
Return To Owner 0 0.0%
Euthanasia 0 0.0%
Died in kennel 0 0.0%
Esc/Stolen 0 0.0%
Owner Request Euthanasia 0 0.0%
Transferred 2 1 1 4 33.3%
Total 3 2 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 12 100.0% Others 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 TOTAL % of Total
Others
Adopt 0 0.0%
Return To Owner 0 0.0%
Euthanasia 2 2 25.0%
Died in kennel 0 0.0%
Esc/Stolen 0 0.0%
% of Total DOA
Owner Request Euthanasia 0 0.0%
Transferred 2 1 3 37.5%
Return To Wild 1 1 1 3 37.5%
Total 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 8 100.0% TOTAL DISPOSITION 104
Dogs Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec TOTAL % of Total Dogs AC Officer Impounds 29 27 30 17 103 41.5%
Strays From Citizens 25 13 12 34 84 33.9%
Owner Turn Ins 10 5 7 11 33 13.3%
Quarantine 0 0 1 6 7 2.8%
Neonates (under 8 weeks) 2 0 0 0 2 0.8%
Transferred from Other Agency 0 0 0 0 0 0.0%
Holding Pen 6 0 0 4 10 4.0%
Born @ Shelter 6 0 0 3 9 3.6%
Total 78 45 50 75 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 248 100.0%
Cats Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec TOTAL % of Total Cats AC Officer Impounds 24 8 1 2 35 47.30%
Strays From Citizens 9 2 1 8 20 27.03%
Owner Turn Ins 1 2 6 1 10 13.51%
Quarantine 0 0 1 0 1 1.35%
Neonates (under 8 weeks) 0 0 4 4 8 10.81%
Transferred from Other Agency 0 0 0 0 0 0.00%
Holding Pen 0 0 0 0 0 0.00%
Born @ Shelter 0 0 0 0 0 0.00%
Total 34 12 13 15 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 74 100.00%
OTHER Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun July Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec Total 5 3 5 10 23
TOTAL IMPOUNDS 117 60 68 100 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 345
2026
DOA (Not included in Live Count)
Dogs 8 5 4 3
Cats 0 4 0 4
Others 2 4 2 3
Total 10 13 6 10
DISPOSITION
Dogs Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec TOTAL Adopt 27 22 30 44 123 49.80%
Return To Owner 13 16 13 17 59 23.89%
Euthanasia 10 5 2 7 24 9.72%
Owner Request Euth. 0 0 0 2 2 0.81%
Died in kennel 6 0 0 1 7 2.83%
Esc/Stolen 0 0 1 1 2 0.81%
Transferred 12 3 3 12 30 12.15%
Total 68 46 49 84 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 247 100.00%
Cats Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec TOTAL Adopt 6 20 6 8 40 48.19%
Return To Owner 0 0 0 0 0 0.00%
Euthanasia 2 4 0 0 6 7.23%
Owner Request Euth. 0 0 0 0 0 0.00%
Died in kennel 0 0 0 0 0 0.00%
Esc/Stolen 0 0 0 0 0 0.00%
Transferred 21 2 10 4 37 44.58%
Total 29 26 16 12 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 83 100.00%
Others Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec TOTAL 8 3 8 8 27
TOTAL DISPOSITION 105 75 73 104 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 357
2026
% of Total Dogs
% of Total Cats
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: May 13, 2026
Meeting Date: May 21, 2026
Subject: May Adoption Event
Recommendation:
That the Animal Shelter Committee receives and files the May Adoption Event Report.
Prior Review:
The Committee recieved an update at its meeting of April 16, 2026 Discussion:
This item provides the Animal Shelter Committee with the May Adoption Event Report. Pets are available for adoption throughout the month. Adoption fees are based on the day the animal is adopted. 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 May Adoption Event Report.
Attachments
1. Long Term Dogs
2. May 1st Adoption Promo
3. Cinco De Mayo Ad
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: May 13, 2026
Meeting Date: May 21, 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: 7.
Town of Yucca Valley
Animal Shelter Committee Staff Report
To: Animal Shelter Committee
From: Shianne May, Animal Care and Control Manager, Shane Stueckle, Deputy Town Manager Date: May 15, 2026
Meeting Date: May 21, 2026
Subject: Shelter Success Stories
Recommendation:
That the Animal Shelter Committee receives and files the Shelter Success Stories Report.
Prior Review:
There has been no prior review of this matter.
Discussion:
This item provides the Animal Shelter Committee with an update on Shelter Success Stories, including adoption stories. The update keeps the Committee animals adopted and those transferred to rescues.
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: Shianne May, Animal Care and Control Manager, Shane Stueckle, Deputy Town Manager Date: May 15, 2026
Meeting Date: May 21, 2026
Subject: Shelter Wish Lists
Recommendation:
That the Animal Shelter Committee receives and files the Shelter Wish Lists 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 Shelter Wish Lists. The update keeps the Committee informed about where the lists can be found, items on lists, and items donated from the Shelter Wish Lists.
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 Wish Lists report.
Attachments
None