Two years ago, a dog taken to the Manteca Animal Shelter had less than a 50 percent chance of not being euthanized.

Today, more than 90 percent of all dogs— either dropped off or picked up by animal control officers that aren’t claimed — manage to find new homes.

It is a remarkable turnaround by the City of Manteca that for years opted to “just get by” contending they had inadequate resources.

It is thanks in a large part to animal shelter issues brought to the City Council’s attention by animal rescue groups and  the willingness of elected officials to do more than just listen, that the shelter has expanded its efforts to get animals adopted.

At the same time the city has stepped up spaying programs, made improvements such as to an outside exercise area . and has added additional manpower animals.

The city has also made it clear that they know they have  more work to do.

Still, they are happy to be reaching a new milestone.

The shift toward compassionate animal welfare practices helped Manteca achieve no-kill status for 2023.

 A no-kill animal shelter does not euthanize healthy or treatable animals based on capacity or time constraints but rather limits euthanasia to those with severe medical conditions or behavioral issues as a last resort.

No-kill status, based on best practices, is whenever an animal shelter doesn’t euthanize at least 90 percent of animals that come into its care.

“We earned the no-kill distinction in 2023 because 91% of all animals that came into our facility were adopted into new homes,” Police Chief Stehen Schluer noted. “Two years ago, 47% of the animals in our care had a live outcome; we increased that to 56%, then 65%, and now we have surpassed 90%.”

The shelter’s no-kill status was achieved through a multifaceted approach. It includes proper medical care, housing, community partnerships, and proactive measures to reduce homeless.

One of those efforts — the Doggie Day Out program — has been popular with Manteca residents.

It involves wither taking a dog in the shelter for a walk or fostering a dog for a week pr more.

Since it started in January of 2023, 506 volunteers have participated with 82 of them adopting a pet.

The program is managed by volunteer Raquel Fresquez.

Some residents foster a cat or a dog for 30-60 days until they find their forever home. Some foster newborn kittens until they are old enough to be spayed or neutered.

 “Looking ahead, the Manteca Animal Shelter is working to launch initiatives like a mobile spay/neuter program to increase veterinary accessibility to all Manteca residents,” said  Stephanie Sandoval, Animal Services Supervisor.

Normally, the cost for spaying or neutering is $100

The cost will be significantly reduced if done through the mobile program.

The program could be up and running next month.

“We are actively seeking funds to help expand our shelter, with plans to do so through grants and donations,” Schluer said. “Additionally, we welcome more volunteers and individuals looking to foster or adopt a cat or dog. Your support is greatly appreciated.”

Visit the Manteca Animal Shelter webpage to learn how you can become a volunteer.

To adopt a pet, visit the shelter at 115 E. Wetmore St.,  from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, or call the shelter at (209) 456-8270, or visit https://24petconnect.com

To contact Dennis Wyatt, email dwyatt@mantecabulletin.com