Nevada City, CA – Today, Nevada County Supervisors approved a contract renewal with Sammie’s Friends for animal shelter services in an amount not to exceed $1.1 million for the period of July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025.
“It takes an entire community of partners to care for our local animal population. Without the joint efforts of Nevada County Sheriff’s Animal Control, the Sammie’s Friends staff, volunteers, and donors, and our dedicated county staff we wouldn’t have a safe and loving place for our community’s animals,” said Paul Cummings, Program Manager for Nevada County’s Office of Emergency Services.
Since 2010, Sammie’s Friends has provided contracted services to operate the Nevada County Animal Shelter on McCourtney Road. In the last year, Sammie’s Friends has worked collaboratively with the Office of Emergency Services to develop and implement an action plan to enhance operations, facility maintenance and community services for the community’s stray and abandoned cat and dog population.
“Our partnership with a nonprofit allows us to go beyond the services normally offered by local governments at animal shelters,” said District 4 Supervisor Sue Hoek.
With a committed staff and the help of community volunteers, Sammie’s Friends strives to provide a safe and caring place and improve the lives of animals in their care through adoptions into loving homes, veterinary care, reuniting lost pets with their families, foster programs, community outreach and education. Last year, Sammie’s Friends 400 volunteers logged 20,000 hours.
In recent years, Sammie’s Friends has faced mounting challenges such as an aging facility, more large and difficult to adopt animals in the shelter and the rising cost of veterinary care, especially spay and neuter procedures. Enhanced support and weekly meetings with the County is helping to bring some relief.
“It’s been a tough year for us, as we have been overwhelmed with stray and abandoned animals. Unlike many animal shelters struggling with overcapacity, we have not had to euthanize any animals to manage it. A special thanks goes to our partners at the County and its Office of Emergency Services, who have helped us immeasurably in the last year. They want us to succeed and they’ve been incredibly supportive,” said new Executive Director Fran Cole.
Some of the solutions being discussed include addressing needed repairs and enhancements to the facility, updating shelter policies and procedures, holding free adoption events and researching options that could standardize the procurement of veterinary services.
Today’s approved contract will allow the work to continue into the new fiscal year while the planning and design for a new regional facility is underway. The County has a memorandum of understanding with the City of Grass Valley and City of Nevada City to explore the feasibility of building a new regional animal shelter in the next five years on a 23-acre recently purchased property on La Barr Meadows Road. A modern facility would give animals more space for their overall well-being and safety, a better adoption showcase space and opportunities for more community engagement.
“Joining operations is good government. Our responsibility is to provide the best possible services in the most cost-effective way for our residents,” said District 3 Supervisor Lisa Swarthout.
Learn more about Sammie’s Friends at www.sammiesfriends.org.