Contra Costa Animal Service Accepting Surrenders in Pinole Again

PINOLE, CA- Contra Costa County Animal Services is once again taking surrendered animals at its Martinez and Pinole shelters after limits were introduced because of high volumes of animals at the facilities.

On Feb. 3, the department temporarily stopped taking animals that were not sick, injured, stray or potentially dangerous animals. That measure was suspended as of Friday, department spokesman Steve Burdo said.

However, the department has changed the way it takes surrendered animals and has introduced a new intervention program, Burdo said.

In the past, people just had to wait in a line to surrender animals to the department, Burdo said.There were also night deposit boxes for animals surrendered during off-hours.

Burdo said now people have to call first and make an appointment with a department representative, who will speak with the animal's owner and offer resources.

"Most people doing this would really rather keep their animals," Burdo said. "We want to help people do that."

Burdo said the department receives around 150 surrendered animals each month. During the temporary suspension amid an especially high volume last month, the department still had to take in 51 surrendered animals that met the exceptions, according to Burdo.

Anyone who would like to contact the department to inquire about adoptions or surrendering animals can call (925) 335-8300.

By Bay City News

Photo via morguefile