The Lassen County Animal Shelter has released its intake and outcome statistics for the first two months of 2026, highlighting the facility’s ongoing commitment to animal welfare amidst a challenging period of high capacity.
The shelter has temporarily paused acceptance of owner-surrendered pets. This difficult decision, according to Shelter Technician Jamie Proia, allows staff to focus their limited space and resources on animals with the most urgent needs.
2026 Performance Overview
The shelter has been quite busy so far this year, managing a total of 79 animal intakes across January and February. Of that total, 39 animals were brought into the shelter during the month of February alone.
To understand where these animals came from, the year-to-date figures show 18 were strays, 23 were brought in for quarantine or confiscation, and 32 were owner surrenders. Looking specifically at February, the shelter saw 8 strays, 6 animals requiring quarantine or confiscation and 20 owner surrenders.
Despite the high volume of incoming animals, the shelter has remained incredibly effective in finding positive outcomes for them, maintaining a 95% save rate for the first two months of the year.
In January and February, 32 animals were adopted, 22 were transferred to rescue partners, and 11 were successfully reunited with their owners. Focusing just on February, the shelter facilitated 16 adoptions, transferred 15 animals to rescue partners, and reunited 7 pets with their owners.
Community Rehoming Resources
To assist community members who must find a new home for their companion during this temporary intake pause, the shelter is encouraging the public to utilize effective, local rehoming resources. Taking the time to use these community channels often gives a pet the best chance of finding a loving new home.
Proia has compiled the following list of recommended options for residents:
Local Facebook Groups: Post in community pet and rehoming groups. Be sure to include clear photos, your pet’s name, age, temperament and any important details to help potential adopters get to know them.
Radio Swap Shop – 93.3 JDX: Call 1.530.257.8255 between 8:00 and 9:00a.m., Monday through Saturday, to advertise your pet on the air. You can also offer to send photos via text message to interested callers.
Lassen Humane Society Courtesy Posting: Write a short bio about your pet and include a few great photos. Email them to [email protected]. The Lassen Humane Society will post your pet on Petfinder.com to help you find them a new home. For questions, call 1.530.257.4555.
The Lassen County Animal Shelter asks for the public’s patience and cooperation as they navigate this temporary capacity challenge. For any questions or guidance regarding these resources, please call the shelter directly at 1.530.257.9200.
