San José Mayor and Councilmembers Call for Audit of San José Animal Care and Services
Responding to concerns from the community, elected officials are asking San José’s Independent Auditor to review veterinary care protocols, volunteer engagement and overall shelter performance
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 6, 2023
Media Contact:
Tasha Dean, Chief Communications Officer, Office of Mayor Matt Mahan, [email protected]
SAN JOSÉ, CA - San José’s Animal Care Center (SJACS), which has experienced years of staffing challenges, is caring for a record number of animals amid a nationwide shelter crisis. Community concerns have been raised surrounding animal care and engagement with rescue partners and volunteers. In response, San José Mayor Matt Mahan, Vice Mayor Rosemary Kamei, Councilmembers Bien Doan, Peter Ortiz and Omar Torres are calling for an objective and independent assessment of SJACS.
“Our animals can’t speak for themselves – but luckily we have dedicated staff, volunteers, rescue partners and advocates who speak for them,” said Mayor Matt Mahan. “This audit will add another voice to the conversation – an independent voice to evaluate concerns, see how our shelter stacks up against industry standards, and make sure we are providing the best care possible while our animals wait for their forever home.”
The goal of this audit is to understand where improvements can be made, and ideally result in what staff, volunteers, rescue groups and the community all want: the shelter to be the best that it can be, and provide the best care possible to the animals it serves.
"This audit will ensure that the public can have confidence in the services ACS provides and that we are able to respond to the present crisis judiciously,” said Vice Mayor Rosemary Kamei.
"An audit of San José Animal Care and Services (SJACS) is essential to ensure the best possible care for our community's animals,” said Councilmember Omar Torres. “As we address record-high numbers of animals in our shelter, it's crucial to evaluate our operations against industry standards, improve our animal licensing, and enhance our collaboration with rescue partners. This audit is a step towards making SJACS the best it can be for our furry friends and our community."
“Following record adoptions in 2020 due to Shelter in Place orders, our San Jose Animal Care Service is currently caring for an equally high record number of animals,” said Councilmember Bien Doan. “To ensure that we are in line with industry standards, we have drafted a memorandum requesting an audit of our shelter to ensure we are doing everything we can to protect, care, and find homes for our four-legged friends.”
“Animal shelters throughout the country are currently experiencing significant challenges in terms of both capacity and staffing, and our own shelter is no different, as we house an estimated 715 animals exceeding our capacity,” said Councilmember Peter Ortiz. “We fully understand and are thankful that the SJACC and its hardworking staff have worked tirelessly to provide care for our animals despite being stretched so thin, and hope this audit brings transparency, improves shelter operations, and maximizes live outcomes for our furry friends.”
This memo will be brought before the Rules and Open Government Committee next Wednesday, October 11th. You can find meeting agendas and information on how to watch the meeting here.
###
About the City of San José
With nearly one million residents, San José is the largest city in the Bay Area and one of the nation's most diverse and creative. San José’s transformation into a global innovation center in the heart of Silicon Valley has resulted in the world's greatest concentration of technology talent and development.