Clearlake >> When the City of Clearlake moved all animal control services in-house six months ago, things were admittedly difficult for the one and only Animal Control Officer, Jenna Tuller. For weeks Tuller was solely responsible for capturing stray animals and running the interim animal control facility located at the city’s public works warehouse near the airport.
“At first it was really hard because we didn’t have a lot of people aware that we did have animals to adopt out,” she said.
But when the city made their decision, there were a number of potential benefits of moving animal control services in-house, including time savings for Tuller, who previously had to drive to and from Kelseyville daily to drop off captured animals.
Though she does have more time these days to round up animals, she continues to make the trip for spay and neuter services. So even with a local facility, in the end timing has “about evened out.”
The increased workload was initially a heavy burden, but within a couple months the city hired two part-time workers to help clean kennels, walk and socialize animals, and feed and water them. Including Tuller, Clearlake Animal Control currently employs three individuals for 12 dog kennels and a nearly always full facility. “Now it’s gotten better, it’s definitely improved,” Tuller said. “It’s definitely manageable.”
And though the animal control facility can only handle a limited number of animals, Tuller has not witnessed an increase in strays wandering the streets compared to previous years when the city contracted all services through the SPCA.
Through social media, much of the Clearlake community has become aware of the city’s in-house facility and Facebook has been an invaluable tool to advertise the shelter’s dogs as well as a helpful way to locate and pick up strays. An added benefit is that citizens often volunteer to foster the animals Tuller cannot take in due to space constraints. It’s especially fortunate given that animal control has seen a significant influx of animals in the past month. Over the last four weeks Tuller brought in 51 animals and adopted out a record number, hitting their 20th adoption on the 29th of March.
“Adoptions have definitely been better than ever this last month,” Tuller said.
The permanent animal control facility is estimated to be up and running in eight to 12 months, which will give the city significantly more kennel space. The location will specifically serve animal control, as opposed to the current situation at public works. It will be more accessible to the public and will employ a designated staff member to be on hand at all times to do much of the work Tuller is currently handling. “When we get our permanent facility it’s going to be even better,” she said. “We’ll probably have a higher adopting rate.”
The shelter is located at 6820 Old Hwy. 53. For more information, call 994-8251 ext. 118.
Jennifer Gruenke can be reached at 900-2019.
