Animal Shelters in San Bernardino: A Comprehensive Guide

Are you looking for a furry friend to add to your family? Or maybe you're concerned about the welfare of animals in your community? If so, animal shelters in San Bernardino are here to help.

San Bernardino is home to several animal shelters that provide a variety of services, from adoption and fostering to spaying and neutering. These shelters are dedicated to finding loving homes for animals in need and reducing the number of homeless pets in the community.

The Importance of Animal Shelters

Animal shelters play a vital role in our communities. They provide a safe and comfortable place for stray, abandoned, and surrendered animals. Shelters also offer essential services such as:

• Adoption: Shelters help match animals with compatible families, ensuring that both the animal and the family find happiness together.
• Fostering: Shelters often rely on foster homes to provide temporary care for animals that are not yet ready for adoption.
• Spaying and neutering: Shelters offer subsidized spaying and neutering services to help reduce the number of unwanted litters.
• Vaccinations and medical care: Shelters provide vaccinations and other medical care to keep animals healthy and prevent disease.

San Bernardino Animal Shelters

There are several animal shelters located in San Bernardino, each with its own unique mission and services. Here are some of the most prominent shelters:

1. San Bernardino County Animal Care and Control

• Website: https://animalcare.sbcounty.gov/
• Mission: To enforce animal care and control laws, provide animal sheltering services, and promote responsible pet ownership.
• Services: Adoption, fostering, spaying and neutering, vaccinations, microchipping, and lost and found services.

2. Humane Society of San Bernardino Valley

• Website: https://www.humanesocietysbv.org/
• Mission: To provide shelter, care, and adoption services for abandoned, stray, and surrendered animals.
• Services: Adoption, fostering, spaying and neutering, vaccinations, microchipping, and pet behavior counseling.

3. Inland Valley Humane Society & SPCA

• Website: https://www.ivhsspca.org/
• Mission: To provide a safe haven for animals in need and to promote compassion, responsible pet ownership, and animal welfare.
• Services: Adoption, fostering, spaying and neutering, vaccinations, microchipping, and outreach programs.

4. Paws2Rescue

• Website: https://www.paws2rescue.org/
• Mission: To rescue and rehabilitate abandoned, injured, and neglected animals.
• Services: Adoption, fostering, spaying and neutering, vaccinations, and community education programs.

Choosing the Right Shelter for You

When choosing an animal shelter, it's important to consider your needs and the services offered by the shelter. Here are some factors to keep in mind:

• Location: Consider the location of the shelter and how easy it will be for you to visit.
• Services: Determine what services you need, such as adoption, fostering, or spaying and neutering.
• Hours of operation: Make sure the shelter's hours of operation are convenient for you.
• Reputation: Read reviews and talk to others in the community to learn about the shelter's reputation.

Adopting a Pet from a Shelter

Adopting a pet from a shelter is a rewarding experience. Not only will you be giving a loving animal a home, but you'll also be saving a life. Here are some tips for adopting a pet from a shelter:

• Visit the shelter: Get to know the animals and staff at the shelter before making a decision.
• Ask questions: Don't hesitate to ask the staff about the animals' history, personality, and needs.
• Consider your lifestyle: Make sure the animal you choose is a good fit for your lifestyle.
• Be patient: It may take some time to find the right pet for you.

Fostering a Pet from a Shelter

Fostering a pet from a shelter is a great way to help animals in need without making a long-term commitment. Shelters often need foster homes for animals that are:

• Too young to be adopted: Kittens and puppies often need to be fostered until they are old enough for adoption.
• Injured or sick: Animals that are injured or sick may need a foster home to recover in.
• Pregnant or nursing: Mother animals and their babies may need a foster home until they are weaned.
• Waiting for a permanent home: Some animals may have been adopted but are still waiting to find their forever home.

Volunteering at an Animal Shelter

Volunteering at an animal shelter is a rewarding way to give back to your community and help animals in need. Shelters often need volunteers to:

• Walk dogs: Take dogs out for walks to help them stay active and socialized.
• Clean cages: Clean cages and other areas of the shelter to ensure that the animals are living in a clean and healthy environment.
• Feed animals: Feed animals and make sure they have fresh water.
• Socialize animals: Play with animals and help them socialize with other animals and people.
• Assist with adoption events: Help with adoption events by answering questions and assisting potential adopters.

How to Help Animal Shelters

There are many ways to help animal shelters, even if you're not able to adopt or foster a pet. Here are a few ways you can help:

• Donate: Monetary donations are always welcome, and they help shelters cover the costs of food, medical care, and other expenses.
• Volunteer your time: Shelters rely on volunteers to help with a variety of tasks.
• Spread the word: Tell your friends and family about the importance of animal shelters and encourage them to adopt or foster a pet.
• Support local businesses that support animal shelters: Many businesses donate a portion of their proceeds to animal shelters.

Table 1: Animal Shelter Statistics in San Bernardino

Table 2: Animal Shelter Services

Table 3: Tips for Choosing an Animal Shelter

Story 1: Max the Dog

Max was a stray dog who was brought to the San Bernardino County Animal Care and Control shelter. He was scared and alone, but the staff at the shelter were patient and kind. They helped Max get the medical care he needed and prepared him for adoption.

After a few weeks, Max was adopted by a loving family. He now lives in a warm and happy home, where he is spoiled with love and attention.

What We Learn: Animal shelters provide a safe and caring environment for animals in need. They help animals recover from trauma and prepare them for a second chance at happiness.

Story 2: Luna the Cat

Luna was a pregnant cat who was brought to the Humane Society of San Bernardino Valley. She was malnourished and had several health issues. The staff at the shelter gave Luna the medical care and attention she needed, and she soon gave birth to a litter of kittens.

Luna and her kittens were eventually adopted by a wonderful family. They now live in a loving and nurturing home, where they are cherished and adored.

What We Learn: Animal shelters provide vital medical care to animals in need. They help animals recover from illness and injury and prepare them for a healthy and happy life.

Story 3: Buddy the Rabbit

Buddy was a rabbit who was surrendered to the Inland Valley Humane Society & SPCA. He had been neglected and was in poor health. The staff at the shelter gave Buddy the medical care he needed and helped him regain his health.

Buddy was eventually adopted by a family with children. He now lives in a large hutch in the backyard, where he is spoiled with love and attention.

What We Learn: Animal shelters provide rehabilitation and socialization for animals who have been neglected or abused. They help animals overcome trauma and prepare them for a happy and fulfilling life.

Tips and Tricks for Animal Shelter Success

• Be patient: It may take some time to find the right pet