City of San Jose, CA
04/08/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 04/08/2026 14:49
NEWS RELEASE: City of San José Announces Return of Animal Care and Services to Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Services Department
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT
Carolina Camarena, Director of Communications, City Manager's Office
408-535-7777; [email protected]
"This realignment reflects a broader, strategic effort to continuously evaluate how our organization is structured to deliver services more efficiently and effectively. As part of the Neighborhood Services City Service Area, both ACS and PRNS share a strong, community-centered mission. This alignment enhances our ability to deliver integrated services that support healthy neighborhoods, expand access, and strengthen community connections," said City Manager Jennifer Maguire. "We are committed to a thoughtful transition that will take effect this summer to ensure continuity of services for the community and our partners, as well as stability for our employees."
Under the leadership and support of the Public Works Department, ACS has shown positive improvement within each unit, has completed all 39 recommendations from a recent City audit, and the shelter is now at its lowest capacity in years. ACS continues to strengthen and expand its network of community partners, has implemented daily population rounds to improve animal monitoring and care, and has increased community outreach. These efforts help reduce the length of stay for all animals in our shelter. This is a critical component to improving animal welfare, reducing stress and illness, and increasing the likelihood of positive outcomes, such as adoptions or placements.
"In our city, we truly manage everything from A to Z - from the animal shelter to the zoo - and it makes sense that both now sit under the same roof, strengthening care, coordination and service," said Mayor Matt Mahan. "Every member of the City team shares our community's deep commitment to animal welfare, and this move helps ensure the best possible outcomes for pets in our care."
PRNS brings extensive experience in community-based service delivery and engagement. Returning ACS to PRNS - its original home when the shelter opened in 2004 - ensures the program is strategically housed within a department with aligned community services and mission. This alignment also creates opportunities to integrate ACS with PRNS animal programs, including those at Happy Hollow Park and Zoo and Emma Prusch Farm Park, further strengthening the City's overall approach to animal care and community services.
About the City of San José
With almost 1 million residents, San José is one of the most diverse large cities in the United States, Northern California's largest city, and the 12th largest city in the nation. San José's transformation into a global innovation center has resulted in one of the largest concentrations of technology companies and expertise in the world.
CONTACT
Carolina Camarena, Director of Communications, City Manager's Office
408-535-7777; [email protected]
City of San José Announces Return of Animal Care and Services to Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Services Department
Service Delivery Optimization and Realignment for Operational Efficiency, Effectiveness and Strategic Fit
"This realignment reflects a broader, strategic effort to continuously evaluate how our organization is structured to deliver services more efficiently and effectively. As part of the Neighborhood Services City Service Area, both ACS and PRNS share a strong, community-centered mission. This alignment enhances our ability to deliver integrated services that support healthy neighborhoods, expand access, and strengthen community connections," said City Manager Jennifer Maguire. "We are committed to a thoughtful transition that will take effect this summer to ensure continuity of services for the community and our partners, as well as stability for our employees."
Under the leadership and support of the Public Works Department, ACS has shown positive improvement within each unit, has completed all 39 recommendations from a recent City audit, and the shelter is now at its lowest capacity in years. ACS continues to strengthen and expand its network of community partners, has implemented daily population rounds to improve animal monitoring and care, and has increased community outreach. These efforts help reduce the length of stay for all animals in our shelter. This is a critical component to improving animal welfare, reducing stress and illness, and increasing the likelihood of positive outcomes, such as adoptions or placements.
"In our city, we truly manage everything from A to Z - from the animal shelter to the zoo - and it makes sense that both now sit under the same roof, strengthening care, coordination and service," said Mayor Matt Mahan. "Every member of the City team shares our community's deep commitment to animal welfare, and this move helps ensure the best possible outcomes for pets in our care."
PRNS brings extensive experience in community-based service delivery and engagement. Returning ACS to PRNS - its original home when the shelter opened in 2004 - ensures the program is strategically housed within a department with aligned community services and mission. This alignment also creates opportunities to integrate ACS with PRNS animal programs, including those at Happy Hollow Park and Zoo and Emma Prusch Farm Park, further strengthening the City's overall approach to animal care and community services.
About the City of San José
With almost 1 million residents, San José is one of the most diverse large cities in the United States, Northern California's largest city, and the 12th largest city in the nation. San José's transformation into a global innovation center has resulted in one of the largest concentrations of technology companies and expertise in the world.
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City of San Jose, CA published this content on April 08, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on April 08, 2026 at 20:50 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]