IRVINE, CA (February 26, 2008)

The City of Irvine Animal Care Center (IACC) is the proud recipient of the “2007 Shelter of the Year” award, presented on February 9, 2008 at the Purina Pro Plan 53rd Annual Show Dogs of the Year Awards in New York City. The shelter was selected for this award based on its innovative programs and disaster relief efforts during the Southern California wildfires last fall.

During the October 2007 firestorms, the shelter received more than 90 pets from families who had to evacuate their homes in San Diego , San Bernardino and Orange Counties . All animals were safely returned to their original owners after spending, on average, eight days at the shelter. To help care for the additional animals, staff and volunteers worked extra hours to ensure that each animal received quality attention, blankets, beds, toys and treats. Donations from the community helped the shelter accommodate the additional pets in its care.

The shelter’s innovative programs have helped educate the community about the needs of homeless, abandoned and abused pets, and have saved thousands of lives through its Third Chance for Pets Program and adoption events. The shelter’s Third Chance Program transfers happy, healthy pets from other shelters to the Irvine for another opportunity at finding loving, permanent homes. The success of the shelter is measured by the number of animals it receives that are reunited with their original owners: 43 percent of all dogs are returned to their original owners versus 15 percent national average; 5 percent of all cats are returned to their original owners compared to a 2.5 percent national average; and 90 percent are adopted into new, loving homes or returned to their original owners.

The IACC is the largest pro-humane animal shelter in Orange County , and receives around 4,000 animals each year. The shelter is located in a beautiful, five-acre park-like facility. The IACC prides itself on replicating family life for shelter pets temporarily in its care. Each pet enjoys a daily routine of playtime, socialization and exercise and receives high-quality pet food provided by Science Diet. The shelter is also home to 14 farm-yard animals, including two goats, three pigs and nine chickens. The farm-yard animals, previously utilized for humane education, enjoy a comfortable environment in their retirement years.

For more information about IACC programs, call 949-724-7441 or visit www.irvineshelter.org