Not every citizen of Woodland walks on two legs. Just stand outside 'The Stag' at 2:00 am, and you'll see what I mean.

But we've got other four-legged citizens too- the furry ones. I went to the Yolo County Animal Shelter just to see what was going on. They gave me a tour, I talked to some of the animals, and got to take a lot of pictures- here's the info.

First I went into the office, and asked if I could walk around and take pictures. The woman at the counter took my business card, and went to go talk to her supervisor to see if it was okay. When she returned, she told me that the supervisor remembered me, and it would be okay. This was a little odd- because Mr. InsideWoodland.com had never been to the Animal Shelter- but I'm not about to pass up a free guided tour, even if it is given based on mistaken identity.

Since it was raining and cold, my tour started in the new building- because it is a little warmer. The new building is the TS and KD Glide Annex- which houses all of the smaller animals- or as the sign says 'cats & exotics'. This area is new, and is fairly nice. Because they've moved the cats into this building, the entire animal shelter seems much more enjoyable to be in. Here is what they say about it on the Sheriff's website:

If you have thoughts of a stinky, loud, depressing place. You might be surprised at what our local animal shelter is really like. I was surprised at how nice it was.

Sue - volunteer with SPCA

In the Annex I met up with Sue and Sabrina, two of the volunteers that help the shelter out. Sue is a volunteer with the SPCA. She has been helping out for a couple of years, once a week or so. According to her, she is "just a cat lover". Sabrina is working at the shelter on an internship from one of her classes at UC Davis. She works 6 hours a week for 2 units of credit. Unfortunately, Sabrina did not want her picture taken.

I know that the shelter also uses prisoners from the jail (next door) to do some of the work. Unfortunately, none of them were available for comment. But in an official statement, the prisoners unanimously proclaimed "I am innocent, and soon it will be proven that I am not guilty. My incarceration is a travesty of justice. The judicial system is being used to keep... (blah blah blah blah)" To paraphrase Baretta - If you can't scoop the crap...you gotta beat the rap...

The cat annex usually has about 20 cats. When I was there, it seemed like 80% of them were kittens. Not a surprise though, because we were at the tail end of 'kitten season' which is June through October. Yep, there really is such a thing as kitten season. While there are some tiny kittens available- you won't see the very, very young ones at the shelter. Any kitten under two pounds is usually 'fostered out' to someone who is willing to take care of a very young cat (which is a lot of work, and can be very messy) before it is offered to a new home.

The annex also houses two Vet Techs that work for the shelter. They provide the routine medical care for the animals- shots, medication, etc. They do not do the spaying or neutering on-site, the animals are shipped to a different vet for that. By the way- females get spayed, and males get neutered..(I had to ask.) They also do the euthanasia on the animals when necessary- but this is becoming more rare, usually only when an animal is very sick.

Most of the cats have a 'kitty cold' but otherwise are healthy. Every animal that is being offered for adoption gets vaccinated and is treated for fleas before it is available to the public. Also, when you go to the shelter and pick out an animal, it must be spayed or neutered before it leaves. So if the animal you choose is 'au natural', then it will be visiting the vet before you can come back to pick up up a few days later.

This is part of the annex. In the upper left is one side of the cat room. The cats can actually move between cages, so a lot of them are hanging out with their buddies. On the right hand side you see part of the cat play room. If you are interested in a cat, you can take it into this room to play with it a bit, just to see how it goes. Gratuitious 'awwww how cute...' picture

In the Annex they also have some other small animals. A lot of rabbits, and a few rats. Occasionally they get guinea pigs and other small animals. Any ferrets that come in are shipped out to Nevada, because it is against the law to have a ferret in California. Also, any dog that comes in that is part wolf, will go to a rescue organization- they are not adopted out to the public.

Do rats really need to be 'rescued'?

Plenty o' rabbits.

No offense to the cat people- but I was a lot more excited about going to see the dogs. (Please though, don't tell this to my cat at home, if she finds out I prefer dogs, she'll probably pee on my bed)

My tour guide on this visit was Jennifer Moore, an Animal Control Officer (in picture above). She has been at the shelter for about a year an half. She said "I love it here." To work in her current position, she went through Sheriff PC-832 weapons and arrest training and McClellan Air Force base. They learned things like such defensive foot movements, takedown tactics, control holds, and handcuffing. They also studied weapon familiarization, safe weapon handling and cleaning, and good marksmanship principles. So even the dog catcher can kick your ass.

I asked Jennifer if she got to drive the truck- "not yet.." Then I asked about one of the more gruesome tasks of an animal control officer, picking up dead animals from the road. She didn't really elaborate on that, but she did tell me that they have a 'deceased animal book'. Whenever an Animal Control Officer picks up an animal from the road, they have to take a picture of it. That picture goes into a book. When people come to the shelter looking for their pets, if they can't find the pet, then they look in the book to see if they can identify it as one of the dead animals. Hmm...not a real pleasant idea, but when you think about it, it would be important for some people to at least find out what happened to their pet.

Before the dogs are made available to the public, they are given a 'temperament test' to see what their personality is like. Basically they do everything to a dog that you were told not to do. They pull on their ears, and their tail. They hold their feet, roll them on their back, hold them upside down, etc. They get them near other dogs, and cats to see how they will react. The only test they are not able to perform, is to see how the dogs react to children- because they don't have any children available- and not many people want to volunteer their kids. Personally, I think they should just go to Food For Less on a Sunday. Round up all the kids who are bouncing balls around the grocery store (and not buying them). Take them to the animal shelter, and put them in a cage with all of the dogs. If a dog attacks one of the kids, well then it wasn't a very good dog. And the kid? Well, he'll never bounce another ball at the grocery store. Two problems solved...

Dogs that come into the pound most often:

• Rottweiler - Jennifer said these are very 'needy dogs' and they like attention
• Pit Bull
• Terriers

Easiest to place in a new home:

• Labradors - more mellow
• Small dogs

When I was at the shelter, they only had about 7 dogs available. Sometimes they have more, sometimes less. In the past they have actually had to import dogs from the Yuba shelter, so they would have dogs available to the public. The shelter has 6 dog runs, and every dog gets to go outside to play every day, for at least 15-20 minutes. If there are fewer dogs, then they get to stay out longer.

I asked who was the 'typical adopter' of animals from the shelter. I was told that 'all kinds' of people adopt pets. I also asked if there was a difference between 'cat people' and 'dog people'. Jennifer said that surprisingly, most people end up with both.

There is a board in the main office that lists the costs for different services they provide it looks a little bit like this:

Contact:

• The shelter is located at 2640 East Gibson Road, Woodland, California, 95776
• Their phone number is (530) 668-5287

Hours:

• Tuesday through Friday 10:00 am - 6:00 pm (closed 1-2 for lunch)
• Saturdays 10:00-4:00, (also closed 1-2 for lunch)
• Closed Mondays and Sundays

They also have a listing of many of their animals on the web. You can see them on their page at Petfinder.com

*** Part 2 - The Barnyard Animals section, was delayed- I came down with strep throat, and my wife won't let me out of the house. It will be posted as soon as I can get back out.

	From:  Steve - Date: 08-Nov-04
	They have great animals at the shelter. My wife adopted a Sheltie/Collie mix about 17 years ago, and he has been a good dog to own. Last February we adopted a German Shepard about 1 1/2 yrs old. She has been a real sweet dog and very easy to train. She obeys all her commands quickly and is eager to do more. She was a skinny stray off the street when we got her. We checked out other dogs too, and all seemed like nice dogs. They just were not what we wanted. You can even find purebred dogs here like hounds, rotties, etc., but they usually go to rescue groups for their breed pretty quickly, so you have to check a couple times a week. In short, if you want a nice family pet and don't want to pay the $500 plus asking price breeders want, this is the place to go!
	From:  Karissa - Date: 14-Jun-05
	I was wondering if you had any volunteering? if you do you should post somewhere "Volunteer".
	From:  Rubi Castro - Date: 22-Jul-05
	Hi my name is Rubi, and I would like to know if there is any chocolate labs or any kind of labs. Can you please e-mail me at: rubicstr714@hotmail.com or you can call me at: [530]400-5202. Thanks for your time! Sincerely: Rubi Castro
	From:  Nadia Wade - Date: 16-Aug-05
	I adopted two kittens from the Yolo County Animal Shelter. I was pleased to know how careful the homes for these animals are selected, as if you're adopting a human child. They are, indeed, in a great home, and they have grown up beautifully. I have volunteered off and on since I first moved to Woodland, and I think it's wonderful what the shelter is doing for the animals, and how well it's grown. Nadia :)
	From:  cassie - Date: 25-Aug-05
	I was wondering if you had any little puppies. I would like to have a puppy for my son that i am about to have. My email is yosoychulabonita@yahoo.com Please write back soon
	From:  Loddie - Date:
	Can you tell me how those drop off lockers work? Do people really just leave their pets in there?
	From:  Lindsey - Date: 15-Nov-05
	Hello- I was wondering if Jennifer Moore knws anything about animal control officer internships? thanks
	From:  Tanya - Date: 25-Jan-06
	Do you euthanize animals?
	From:  Sara Pereida - Date: 31-Jan-06
	aaawww i wish i can get a dogg but my parents wont let me.... it syinks i really want one i need something 2 take care of on my own bsides my 4-h project....
	From:  Etahn Food - Date: 24-May-06
	Dogs are sooooooo cute and i eally want one!!!!
	From:  Ruthann - Date: 31-May-06
	On Memorial Day weekend in 2005, we adopted two neutered male rats (Ozzie and Zachary) and they have been the most lovable and best pets! My sons and I love them dearly - they have been such a blessing as our 2 girl rats died in the past year. Just wanted you to know that Ozzie and Zach are happy, healthy, and have a good home.
	From:  Sara Mangiaracina - Date: 18-Jun-06
	I was wondering if you had some 6 week old kittens that i could adopt please contact at mmangiaracina@msn.com thanx
	From:  Stephanie - Date: 13-Aug-06
	hello! i was wondering if you had any Yorkie puppies that i can adopt. If you do can you please contact me at Alexandra0515@aol.com
	From:  melika salvemini - Date: 14-Aug-06
	Could you tell me if pet Id #a045206 has been adopted? Thanks mschoech@hotmail.com
	From:   - Date: 02-Nov-06
	Hi, we are looking for a friendly female Rott, we need a kid friendly one, that will do well with small dogs. Please email me if you have any that become available. Susan Travandsue@hotmail.com
	From:  Sean - Date: 18-Nov-06
	My family is looking for a tan & white pitbull puppy with green eyes. or something close. seanmccorkle@hotmail.com............thanks
	From:  Nancy - Date: 21-Nov-06
	This is called a animal shelter, not the "pound". Just like a animal service officer is no longer a "dog catcher" They are old fashioned terms and very offensive to the officers who work so hard at their jobs. they are caring, sensitive people, not like the public sees them. thank you
	From:  Racine - Date: 03-Mar-07
	I am looking for a male small breed dog!! No breed imparticular!! Email: RacineFricke@charter.net
	From:  monica - Date: 23-Mar-07
	I would like to know if you have any puppys for adoption? i would like a small dag please e-mail mgtz21@hotmail.com
	From:  aujanique - Date: 05-Apr-07
	i know its kinda late but im not going to give up ,my cat ( ran away) but she was a indoor outdoor cat but mostly indoor when i was there . she would be out side waiting for me and my best friend sarah to return from walking home .well one day we came home and she wasnt there so we guessed she was just exploring our trailor park which she did every once in a while well she usually comes back that day but it was after three days when i started to worry but all my mom told me was she'll come back wekks passed then months and then my moms comment was she wasnt coming back ... well ive had my cat ever since she was about 5 weeks old i found her in a gudder i and first looked ,to see if she belonged to anyone then decided that i would keep her cuz i didnt want anything bad to happen to her ( and she wasnt the cuttest kitten either but i soon fell in love with this little kitty) anyways i know that my cat wouldnt just run away like that and usually all the cats that get ran over in the trailor park or out side it you find out ... so my grandma and i think either some one took her or shes at the animal shelter ... do you think you can help???? shes been missing for a coulple of months now 5 at the most but i dont think that long , i think her breed was something like tortashell well if you think you can help email me back at sketchpad74@aol.com or call me at 1(916)281-7042 thankyou and godbless
	From:  michelle - Date: 16-Apr-07
	i would like to adopt a little puppy. a dog that stays small. my boyfriend and i really want one. if theres any, please email me at missmichelle530@yahoo.com thank you.
	From:  Dark Skies (Jon) - Date: 12-May-07
	I think that all rats need to be pushed to a loving home!
	From:  Nate - Date: 30-May-07
	I am looking for a Shiba inu puppy, If you guys have one could you contact me please at nsshapiro@ucdavis.edu, I'd be really interested
	From:  Steve Herrick - Date: 08-Jun-07
	We Live in the Capay Valley, Brooks, and our cat has not come home for nearly a week. I'm just inquiring to see if by chance Animal Rescue has picked her up. She is a small cat, White with a gray tail and a purple collar and bell. Her name is Ippie. Thanks for any attention offered, Steve Herrick- 510.299.9485, Steve
	From:  Kristi - Date: 26-Jun-07
	There was a dog who was surrendered to you on May 22nd. Her name was Samantha, Pit/Greyhound Mix, Brindle coloring. I was wondering if she was still there or if you have found her a home. Please let me know. kristi@pmi.ac Thank you.
	From:  andrea navarrrete - Date: 04-Jul-07
	hi i live in in davis cal i lost my little puppy yesterday we are trying to do what ever we can to get him back his name is toy he is a male a chiguaggua he is very small about a year he is black and has some brown on his face we loved that puppy very much he was very special to us so if you guys know something about it please call us at (530)792 1306 (530)329 3523 (530)304 0794
	From:  percilla alvarez - Date: 12-Jul-07
	i was just woundering if u guys have any pitbull pups and if u do please call me at 530-908-6197 thank you percilla
	From:  Jessika Rodrigues - Date: 08-Aug-07
	Hi, I was wondering if you guys have any beagles? If so, please call me at (916)410-1174. Thanks!
	From:  Ada & Brett - Date: 30-Sep-07
	We just adopted two wonderful cats yesterday. The folks at the shelter were kind, helpful, and made sure we had all the information we needed. The ASPCA rep answered all of our questions and provided us with each cat's medical history, filling us in on any care we needed to provide in the future. Total for the adoptions came to about $140; I think we'll still need to pay a vet bill for the neutering of one cat, so the grand total will be around $200. A VERY reasonable price to pay for two healthy, happy additions to our family. It's a great shelter.
	From:  Julia - Date: 18-Oct-07
	Hello! I am looking to adopt a little rat. If you have any please e-mail me at jlphillips@ucdavis.edu It needs to be little because I am getting it to fill the cage of a hamster that sadly passed away of old age :o(
	From:  Linzy - Date: 22-Oct-07
	Hi I was wondering if you guys had any little puppies available, pls e-mail me at FelipeL@Sutterhealth.org
	From:  Anna - Date: 09-Jan-08
	Is there somebody in Woodland who can take care my 1 year old cat at his/her house for 3 months ?
	From:  Anna - Date: 09-Jan-08
	I forgot: 530-6628166
	From:  elyse gutierrez - Date: 19-Jan-08
	hey i might get a dog and my dad already said yes so i am excited!!!!
	From:  sanjaya - Date: 19-Jan-08
	hey guys its sanjaya wondering if i could get a dog i might visit the pound soon so expect me there sanjaya friklen
	From:  mindy - Date: 02-Apr-08
	i was wondering if i their is any community services i can do at the shelter...if so please let me know... miss_alair@hotmail.com
	From:  mindy - Date: 02-Apr-08
	sorry, i obviously didn't read that before i wrote it, i meant...there is any community...sorry
	From:  xavier - Date: 27-Jun-08
	do you have any volunteering? i am willing to help! ;)
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