6/25/2023
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SHELTER OPERATIONS UPDATE​
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Victor Valley Animal Protective League has now suspended operations. All our precious animals were placed in homes or transferred to rescues. Thank you to all our adopters, donors, and rescue partners for your continued support. We are starting our next phase. We are talking to leaders in the animal welfare industry, business leaders, and stakeholders for input and insight as we develop a sustainable model. We will post periodic updates as we go through this process. Thank you for your patience and support as we work through this next chapter for VVAPL.
4/30/2023
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VVAPL TO SUSPEND ANIMAL SHELTER OPERATIONS
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As of the end of day April 30, 2023, VVAPL will no longer accept animals or provide low-cost spay/neuter and vaccination services to public animals. Animal adoptions will continue until all adoptable animals are placed in homes or transferred to rescues.
After the remaining animals are placed and shelter operations suspended, the Board of Directors will strategize on the best path forward for the nonprofit to continue with their mission to save animal lives.
“Suspending shelter operations does not mean the end of the animal shelter. In many ways, it will be a new beginning,” said VVAPL Board President Terry Saenz. “For the most part, this shelter was built on a model of receiving most operation revenue from a full-time vet. While this transition is not without pain, it became clear after the recent pandemic deluge of animals, increasing costs, loss of the full-time vet, and not finding a replacement after over 6 months of a nationwide search, the reimbursement from the city contract, along with donations, is not enough to sustain operations in its current form. The Board is looking forward to building a sustainable model using a variety of revenue streams and keeping Charles and Dorothy Thomas’ dream alive of an animal shelter that continues for years to come to Make a Difference One Life at a Time.”
Victor Valley Animal Protective League opened the first animal shelter in the Victor Valley in 1962 followed by a low-cost spay/neuter and vaccination clinic in 1980. VVAPL’s Board of Directors and employees have valued the long relationship with the city in our joint quest to provide quality care to the animals of the Victor Valley.
Updates will be posted on the website at vvapl.org and Facebook page.
Suspension of Animal Shelter Operations
FAQ
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1. Is the animal shelter open?
The Victor Valley Animal Protective League (VVAPL) animal shelter will remain open until all adoptable animals are placed in homes or transferred to rescues. Please check our website and Facebook page for updates on available animals.
VVAPL will fulfill all spay/neuter and pet vaccination appointments through April 30, 2023. No medical service appointments will be made after April 30, 2023.
After all remaining adoptable animals are placed, VVAPL will suspend animal shelter operations.
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2. Why is VVAPL suspending animal shelter operations?
For the most part, the animal shelter was built on a model of receiving most operation revenue from a full-time vet. While this transition is not without pain, it became clear after the recent pandemic deluge of animals, increasing costs, loss of the full-time vet, and not finding a replacement after over 6 months of a nationwide search, the reimbursement from the city contract, along with donations, is not enough to sustain operations in its current form. The Board is looking forward to building a sustainable model using a variety of revenue streams and keeping Charles and Dorothy Thomas’ dream alive of an animal shelter that continues for years to come to Make a Difference One Life at a Time.
​3. When will the animal shelter suspend operations?
VVAPL will suspend animal shelter operations when the remaining adoptable animals are placed in homes or transferred to rescues.
4. Is the spay/neuter and vaccination clinic suspending services?
VVAPL will fulfill all spay/neuter and pet vaccination appointments through April 30, 2023. No medical service appointments will be made after April 30, 2023.
5. What will happen to the animals?
Animal adoptions will continue until all adoptable animals are placed in homes or transferred to rescues. Please check our website and Facebook page for updates on available animals.
6. How do I adopt an animal?
You may visit our shelter Tuesday - Saturday from 10AM-2PM without an appointment. For any questions please reach out via info@vvapl.org or calling (760) 247-2102.
Please check back frequently as this procedure will be changing.
7. What will happen to the nonprofit (Victor Valley Animal Protective League)?
For the most part, this shelter was built on a model of receiving most operation revenue from a full-time vet. While this transition is not without pain, it became clear after the recent pandemic deluge of animals, increasing costs, loss of the full-time vet, and not finding a replacement after over 6 months of a nationwide search, the reimbursement from the city contract, along with donations, is not enough to sustain operations in its current form. The Board is looking forward to building a sustainable model using a variety of revenue streams and keeping Charles and Dorothy Thomas’ dream alive of an animal shelter that continues for years to come to Make a Difference One Life at a Time.
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