Animal Care hosts Paws and Partners Collaboration Summit

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As part of its ongoing efforts to expand communication and strengthen a shared vision for the future, San Bernardino County Animal Care hosted the Paws and Partners Collaboration Summit on March 31.

The summit brought together local rescue partners — nonprofit organizations and foster-based groups that work alongside Animal Care to support animal rescue, rehabilitation and adoption efforts — for thoughtful discussions focused on fostering collaboration, advancing progress and aligning shared goals for Animal Care.

Rescue partners had the opportunity to connect and hear from leadership at the San Bernardino Public Health Department, who highlighted the new state-of-the-art Bloomington Animal Care Center, planned expansion efforts at Devore Animal Shelter, and additional program resources.

Miguel Lemus, program manager for Animal Care and a summit panelist, shared updates on several upcoming projects and responded to questions from rescue partners.

“The purpose of this summit is to foster collaboration and open communication with our rescue partners,” said Lemus. “We all share the same goal, and by working together, we can support animals by reuniting them with their families or helping them find the loving homes they deserve.”

Partners were also invited to tour the Animal Care Mobile Unit, offering a behind-the-scenes look at animal welfare efforts and the work being done to provide residents with accessible, affordable spay and neuter services.

Summit outcomes

By fostering transparency and collaboration, the Paws and Partners Collaboration Summit reflects a broader effort to spark meaningful conversations around initiatives that support the care and well-being of animals across the Big Bear and Devore Animal Shelters. Animal Care’s continued progress relies on strong partnerships and cross-functional collaboration with rescue organizations, all working together to help pets in their care find safe, loving homes.

“This is helpful. It’s a good resource and avenue for collaboration,” said Chasity Brownlow, a rescue partner of Animal Care. “Communication is really important… Opportunities like this can’t be missed because it only benefits everyone. To get together and share ideas and talk about how we can improve communication is really important.”

Partnership opportunities

The county encourages community members and partners to get involved by fostering with Animal Care, becoming a rescue partner or exploring the spay and neuter services and other opportunities provided by the division. These programs are critical to expanding Animal Care’s lifesaving efforts and improving outcomes for animals in our care.

Animal Care is actively seeking new rescue partners to strengthen collaboration and increase positive outcomes for pets.

Jennifer Osorio, assistant director for County Public Health, said, “This is something new for us, and we hope that we can collaborate even more with partners in the future because it takes a partnership to find homes for our shelter pets.” To learn more about Animal Care or becoming a rescue partner, please visit animalcare.sbcounty.gov.

Additional County Update News – April 2, 2026