
Bring a dog play yard to Apple Valley Animal Shelter
The Issue
In the town of Apple Valley, California, there sits our animal shelter, a facility that was proudly opened in 2010 with the expectation of providing a safe haven and excellent care for homeless pets.
Sixteen years have passed since the Apple Valley Animal Shelter opened its doors, and yet, astonishingly, it still lacks a dedicated space for dogs to exercise, play, and experience much-needed social interaction. Through a recent investigation by the San Bernardino County Grand Jury, evidence emerged highlighting that dogs in the shelter are not being walked adequately at the shelter, raising significant concerns about their physical and mental well-being. This situation is not just unsatisfactory; it is inhumane. Furthermore, they said that enrichment for dogs is on the same level of importance as veterinary care.
A play yard is not a luxury but an essential component of animal shelters across the country. It aids in improving the health of the dogs, making them happier and more adoptable. This deficiency is even more concerning given the spotlight of a civil lawsuit against the shelter, pointing to systemic issues in the care provided to these innocent animals. The grand jury recommendations should have been an additional wake-up call, yet nothing has been done about it.
We, the caring residents of Apple Valley and animal lovers everywhere, urge the Mayor and the Apple Valley Town Council, town manager and the Apple Valley Animal Shelter management get this done immediately. Constructing a play yard is both a simple and necessary solution. It requires community collaboration via reaching out to potential sponsors and having an online donation platform and a solid commitment from the town’s leadership to make our shelter a model of compassion and care.
This change requires your support. By signing this petition, you are lending your voice to an urgent cause. Advocate for the joy of play and the mental health of these dogs. Join us in demanding that our shelter lives up to its promise of providing a comprehensive care environment. Let’s not wait another day, let alone another sixteen years, to give these animals the quality of life they deserve. Please sign this petition to bring a play yard to the Apple Valley Animal Shelter and help us ensure that our furry companions can live in safety, health, and happiness.
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The Issue
In the town of Apple Valley, California, there sits our animal shelter, a facility that was proudly opened in 2010 with the expectation of providing a safe haven and excellent care for homeless pets.
Sixteen years have passed since the Apple Valley Animal Shelter opened its doors, and yet, astonishingly, it still lacks a dedicated space for dogs to exercise, play, and experience much-needed social interaction. Through a recent investigation by the San Bernardino County Grand Jury, evidence emerged highlighting that dogs in the shelter are not being walked adequately at the shelter, raising significant concerns about their physical and mental well-being. This situation is not just unsatisfactory; it is inhumane. Furthermore, they said that enrichment for dogs is on the same level of importance as veterinary care.
A play yard is not a luxury but an essential component of animal shelters across the country. It aids in improving the health of the dogs, making them happier and more adoptable. This deficiency is even more concerning given the spotlight of a civil lawsuit against the shelter, pointing to systemic issues in the care provided to these innocent animals. The grand jury recommendations should have been an additional wake-up call, yet nothing has been done about it.
We, the caring residents of Apple Valley and animal lovers everywhere, urge the Mayor and the Apple Valley Town Council, town manager and the Apple Valley Animal Shelter management get this done immediately. Constructing a play yard is both a simple and necessary solution. It requires community collaboration via reaching out to potential sponsors and having an online donation platform and a solid commitment from the town’s leadership to make our shelter a model of compassion and care.
This change requires your support. By signing this petition, you are lending your voice to an urgent cause. Advocate for the joy of play and the mental health of these dogs. Join us in demanding that our shelter lives up to its promise of providing a comprehensive care environment. Let’s not wait another day, let alone another sixteen years, to give these animals the quality of life they deserve. Please sign this petition to bring a play yard to the Apple Valley Animal Shelter and help us ensure that our furry companions can live in safety, health, and happiness.
The Decision Makers

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Petition created on September 11, 2026