Staffing Shortage Forces New Hours for Sierra Vista Animal Shelter

The Nancy J. Brua Animal Care Center in Sierra Vista is adjusting its public hours while the shelter works through a staffing shortage and keeps day-to-day animal care on track.

Arleen stopped by to talk about why the changes are being made.  “We used to rely on Department of Corrections inmates to help clean kennels, but that help is no longer available,” she told us.

Brittany Shultz holds a kitten during a radio interview. | Photo by Val Davidson/TSM

The center recently lost senior animal control officer Brittany Schultz, who moved to Colorado, and animal control officer Renee Henderson, who is being deployed.

“It’s been really, really rough,” Arleen said.

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Photo by Val Davidson/TSM

New Hours, Same Care

For now, the shelter will be open Tuesday through Saturday from noon to 5 p.m. Arleen said opening later gives the team more time in the morning to clean kennels, feed animals, and prepare the shelter before the public arrives.

Photo by Val Davidson/TSM

Due to staffing changes, animal control officers are helping with kennel work before responding to calls. This arrangement is temporary while the shelter hires new staff.

“We’re still making adjustments,” Arleen said, adding that the goal is to give staff “a little extra time to get the shelter ready every day.”

RELATED: How To Support Sierra Vista's Animal Care Center With Recycling

Volunteers Can Make A Difference

The shelter is asking the community for help, especially in the mornings. Volunteers can ease the strain by cleaning, bagging aluminum cans for the recycling fundraiser, and, once the work is done, walking dogs so they can spend time outside.

Photo by Val Davidson/TSM

“We have a strong need for volunteers,” Arleen said. “We truly appreciate the extra hands.”

Anyone interested can call the Nancy J Brua Animal Care Center at (520) 458-4151, visit the shelter at 6799 East Highway 90, or send a message through the center’s Facebook page.