The picture I chose today for my update is that of a networker who entered the shelter to take video of the dogs and chose to go around barriers and ignore "Do Not Touch" signs to touch these puppies, giving them food. Her face and name have been edited out. In the video it shows her going from kennel to kennel without washing her hands or using hand sanitizer which is available in several places throughout the shelter. THIS SPREADS DISEASE. Despite vaccinating all animals upon intake, if a dog was exposed to a communicable disease BEFORE entering the shelter, the vaccination given by the shelter will not prevent the disease or the spread. In a stressful atmosphere such as a shelter setting, dogs and cats immune systems are compromised regardless of vaccination status.
In another recent video posted on social media a person claims that the animals are not vaccinated on intake at Apple Valley Animal Shelter. THIS IS FALSE. Another false claim that is being made is that Apple Valley does not hold vaccine clinics or help residents with spay/neuter. Again, THIS IS FALSE.
Because I am a concerned citizen, I ASKED the shelter about these claims.
The FACTS: ALL animals ARE vaccinated on intake with the exception of very young puppies or dogs displaying aggressive behavior. The exceptions are quarantined and NOT put in the general public viewing area until they can be properly vaccinated. Each dogs vaccination date can be viewed on their individual Adopt A Pet links.
Vaccine clinics for Apple Valley residents are held every other month, usually the first week of the month and also at the annual Pet Fair. The next vaccine clinic will be on Feb 2nd, 2023. More information can be found on their Face Book page or by calling the shelter directly. They also lower the Spay/Neuter fee for dogs returned to their owners by providing vouchers that can be redeemed at the local Vets office at the time of spay/neuter. Vouchers for residents who ask for them are also available a couple times a year.
Social media cyber bullies need to stop spreading these malicious libelous cclaims.the future of our shelter is at stake. All videos, posts, and comments of false information (lies) will be presented to the Town Council in their entirety for further investigation.