According to a recent LA Times article, an overcrowding crisis has impacted animal shelters across California, and the High Desert is no exception.
The First District is home to three animals shelters, which are in great need of fosters, volunteers and animal rescue organization assistance. One of the main contributors to the shelter crisis is backyard breeding, failure to spay/neuter pets and lack of microchipping, which is crucial in returning strays to their owners.
Did you know that several low-cost spay-neuter programs are available in the County? Residents in unincorporated areas can request a voucher of $150 for dogs and $75 for cats by calling (888) 767-2550 or emailing them. Most shelters include spaying/neutering as part of the adoption fee.
If you are in the market for a new furry friend, please consider adopting a shelter animal. Here is a guide to shelters in the First District and how to view available pets for adoption.
Apple Valley
The Town of Apple Valley Animal Services Department updates its directory of adoptable pets several times a day. Adoption applications may be printed, filled out and turned in to the Animal Shelter for a specific animal prior to the day it is available for adoption. Foster caregivers can access an application via this link or by calling (760) 240-7000, ext. 7519.
The Apple Valley Animal Shelter is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays. It is located at 22131 Powhatan Road, Appe Valley. For more information, please call (760) 240-7555 or email the office.
Hesperia
Adoptable pets and stray animals are posted frequently on 24petconnect.com. (Click on filter, and select Hesperia Animal Shelter). If you can’t find the type of pet you are seeking, you can also request daily notifications.
The Hesperia Animal Shelter is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays. It is located at 1011 Santa Fe Ave E, Hesperia. For more information, please call 760-947-1700 or email the office.
Victorville
All adoptable pets at the City of Victorville can be found at vv.city/petfinder. The The Victorville Animal Shelter is open from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays, and 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Fridays. It is located at 14206 Amargosa Road in Victorville. For more information, please call (760) 955-5089.
San Bernardino County Animal Care San Bernardino County Animal Care operates shelters in Big Bear and Devore. For information about animals available for adoption in these locations, please visit animalcare.sbcounty.gov/pets or call (800) 472-5609. To donate for the care of animals at the shelter, visit arffund.org.