Redlands Animal Shelter reopens next week – San Bernardino Sun

For the first time since the start of the coronavirus pandemic, the Redlands Animal Shelter will reopen to the general public next week.

The shelter is expected to fully reopen on Tuesday, July 26, the city of Redlands announced Thursday. It had only been open by appointment during the pandemic.

Back when the shelter only had access by appointment, the facility had its asphalt removed and replaced with concrete, and misting units were added to the kennel area, according to a statement from city ​​press sent Thursday. Shade sails and a possible extension of the facilities are still to come.

City officials have previously said the city also plans to hire more shelter staff.

The number of animals euthanized at the shelter has dropped significantly, according to the city, from an average of 402 cats and 124 dogs on average each year between 2015 and 2019, to 225 cats and 71 dogs in 2020, and 108 cats and 44 dogs in 2021. Earlier this month, city spokesman Carl Baker attributed a multi-pronged approach to the reduced numbers:

• A feral cat trap, repair and return program was implemented in 2019.
• The creation of a nursery that provides a safe environment for the kittens.
• Networking with various rescues.
• Police Department employees – who previously ran the shelter – encourage the litters, to help socialize the puppies.
• Employees bringing animals home to give them breaks from the shelter.
• Stop euthanizing animals because of their age — in one case, the shelter adopted a dog that had been there for over a year.
• Exercise dogs on a regular basis.

The shelter, located at 504 Kansas St., will be open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, and will be closed Sunday and Monday.

During normal opening hours, visitors can view and interact with the animals. One-on-one with animals and adoptions will be by appointment.

Information: 909-798-7644 or CityOfRedlands.org/animal-services.