Full Notification

HOLLISTER, CALIFORNIA – September 30, 2025, Hollister Police Animal Care and Services will be adjusting the public hours of operation at the Hollister Animal Shelter to ensure the highest level of care for the animals in our community. Beginning immediately, the shelter will be open to the public from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday.
This temporary adjustment is necessary due to current staffing levels, with one Animal Control Officer and one Animal Control Assistant serving the entire county. These staff members are responsible for both field services and shelter operations, and shifting hours will allow them to dedicate mornings to feeding, cleaning, medical care, and urgent calls for service. This ensures that animals already in the shelter continue to receive the attention and compassion they deserve, while still allowing staff to assist the public during the busiest afternoon hours. The Hollister Animal Shelter is currently operating near capacity, and this adjustment is intended to help staff focus resources on both the animals already in their care and those still in need of assistance in the community.
For residents who locate a stray animal outside of the shelter’s operating hours, there are several recommended steps. Walking the animal around the neighborhood is often effective, as most lost pets are found within one mile of home. Posting photos and descriptions on social media, neighborhood watch groups, or local lost-and-found pet pages can also help reunite animals with their owners. Veterinary clinics and many pet supply stores offer free microchip scanning, which can provide owner information right away.  During regular shelter operational hours, from 12:00pm to 5:00pm, Monday through Friday, stray animals can be taken directly to the shelter.  In cases where the animal appears in distress or poses a danger, please call 911 for immediate assistance.
Hollister Police Animal Care and Services remain committed to keeping animals safe, reuniting lost pets with their families, and providing professional, reliable service despite current staffing limitations. We extend a heartfelt thank you to the Mayor, City Council Members, and the recently departed City Manager for supporting the hiring of much-needed staff. These new positions will greatly strengthen our ability to serve the community, though it will take time to hire and train personnel before their full impact is realized. In the meantime, we ask for the community’s patience, support, and understanding as we work through this transition together and continue to provide compassionate care for the animals of Hollister and San Benito County.
Prepared by: Alyssa Carrillo, Supervisor
Approved by: Michael Paddy, Captain