Manteca’s Animal Shelter Places More Than 90% of Animals into New Homes

Manteca’s Animal Shelter assists in placing animals into loving homes by removing adoption fees and covering the costs of spaying and neutering. “We recognize the financial challenges many face in caring for pets,” explains Chief Stephen Schluer. “Our goal is to remove barriers and enable every willing pet owner to provide a safe and nurturing environment for their companion.”

Manteca, Calif. – In a significant milestone, Manteca’s Animal Shelter proudly achieved no-kill status in 2023, marking a pivotal shift towards compassionate animal welfare practices.  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.

Chief Stephen Schluer states, “We earned the no-kill distinction in 2023 because 91% of all animals that came into our facility were adopted into new homes,” Schluer explains.  “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 that includes proper medical care, housing, community partnerships, and proactive measures to reduce homeless animal populations such as the Trap Neuter Release (TNR) program for feral cats or free pet microchipping which is currently being offered.

The shelter’s collaboration with local volunteers, including high school students through the Regional Occupations Programs (ROP), highlights its community-driven efforts.

Events like “Clear the Shelter for Christmas” promote pet adoption and foster community engagement, furthering the shelter’s mission to find forever homes for our furry friends.

The Manteca Animal Shelter has pioneered programs to help promote pet adoptions. One such program is the Doggie Day Out Program where residents are encouraged to come into the shelter and foster a dog for a week or walk them.

The Doggie Day Out Program launched in January 2023, resulting in 761 Doggie Day Out. Of the 506 volunteers who participated, 82 adopted a pet. Volunteer Raquel Fresquez is dedicated to managing The Doggie Day Out Program.

Stephanie Sandoval, Animal Services Supervisor, states, “We have residents who 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.”

Sandoval adds, “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. Normally, the cost for spaying or neutering is $100, this will be significantly reduced if done through the mobile program. The target date for implementation is May 2024.”

Marketing efforts through social media and community events aim to boost pet adoption rates and reduce stray populations. To view the latest pets for adoption, the public can follow the Manteca Animal Shelter on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok or visit the shelter’s webpage.

“It brings me immense joy to see how many families in Manteca have found the perfect pet with our help,” Chief Schluer shares.  “We are actively seeking funds to help expand our shelter, with plans to do so through grants and donations. 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 Street in Manteca from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm Monday through Friday, call the shelter at (209) 456-8270, or visit https://24petconnect.com.

About the City of Manteca

Manteca is a full-service City with police, fire, public works, water, trash and sewer services. For more information, call the City Manager’s office at (209) 456-8000, email: Feedback@manteca.gov, or go online to https://www.manteca.gov.

Incorporated in 1918, Manteca has a diverse population of 88,772. Manteca grew at 24.4 percent from 2010-2020 and continues to grow at an accelerated pace. The City has 28,454 households with a median home price of $500,017. The median annual household income is $90,640.