Fluffy, Furry Love
by Brigid Wasson

Have you ever found a stray or injured dog or cat? Have you or someone you know had to surrender a pet? Ever wonder what happens to all these animals, who cares for them and where they ultimately go?

Santa Clara County Animal Care & Control is responsible for all animals in the unincorporated areas, which are all of San Martin, the “country” parts of Gilroy and Morgan Hill, all county parks, and bits of North County not yet absorbed by the surrounding cities. Our animal control officers respond to over 4,000 calls per year and are on call 24/7, including nights and holidays, for emergencies. These calls include welfare checks in cases of possible neglect or abuse, impounding of dogs who may be vicious or running in traffic, transporting injured, stray animals to the veterinarian, and much more. Officers attempt to return stray animals to their owners right away, but if this is not possible, they bring them to the shelter in San Martin where they are cleaned up, fed, and medicated if necessary until they are claimed by an owner or adopted into a new home. The shelter takes in 3,500 animals per year and has an excellent adoption/ reclaim rate of up to 80%. Many animals not adopted out from the shelter are sent to rescue groups such as Friends of the San Martin Animal Shelter (FOSMAS) and Bow Wow Adoptions, or out of area adoption centers like Pets Unlimited in San Francisco.

Would you like to help? First, choose adoption. National studies show that only 20% of people acquire a new pet from a shelter or rescue, while the rest buy from breeders via the Internet or the newspaper. The adoption process at the animal shelter in San Martin is quick and painless – new adopters can be in and out with their new companion in less than an hour. Have enough pets already? You can help a cat or dog get adopted more quickly by sponsoring him or her. A sponsor pays an animal’s adoption fee ahead of time, so the new adopter doesn’t have to pay anything. A cute sign is placed on the cage of the “Sponsored Pet” which attracts attention and facilitates adoption, especially for senior or shy animals that may be less attractive to potential adopters. Have some spare time? The shelter always needs volunteers to socialize dogs and cats and help customers choose a good match. Volunteer applications are also being accepted for a new position, Animal Behavior Helpline Assistant. Experience in dog and cat behavior is helpful but not required, as training will be provided.