Fallbrook Animal Sanctuary honored as nonprofit of year

Rick Monroe

Special to the Village News

Fallbrook Animal Sanctuary was recognized June 8 in Sacramento by the state legislature as a 2022 Nonprofit of the Year, nominated by Assemblymember Marie Waldron. Janet LuCore, director, and Dr. John Daly, board president, went to Sacramento to receive the award at the California Nonprofits Day luncheon.

"I am honored to recognize the Fallbrook Animal Sanctuary as the 2022 75th Assembly District's Nonprofit of the Year," Waldron said. "It is my great pleasure to recognize the Fallbrook Animal Sanctuary for all they do to help pair animals with loving families so that they can prosper together."

The sanctuary' mission statement is admirable: "Our facility is a safe haven for the animals that find their way to our sanctuary as a result of abandonment, abuse, neglect, or owner surrender. They have a home with us for as long as they need it. We are a no-kill shelter; every animal in our care will remain with us until they find their forever family. No animal will ever be put down due to lack of space."

FAS also strives to educate the community regarding spay/neuter, microchipping, and the importance of understanding the emotional needs of all animals.

The Fallbrook Animal Sanctuary is entirely run by volunteers.

"We are always looking for new volunteers to help us make our vision a reality," LuCore said. "We'll help you find a way to volunteer that best suits you."

Things can get a little wild at the sanctuary. Besides the adoptions and people re-homing their pets, cats are usually playful, dogs are barking because that's what dogs do, and staff is always cleaning the animals, their "messes" and rags, food bowls, etc. Sometimes there are births or animals needing medical attention.

Veterinarians make their rounds in the morning and evenings, and now is the time of year that kittens are born – and many dropped off at the center. In each of the last two years, 315 kittens have been adopted from the center.

"Kitten season can be brutal," said Vicki Caldwell, canine director the past eight years.

The sanctuary has a zero-kill policy, meaning they keep the dogs and cats, or they are adopted or die naturally.

This year marks the 20-year anniversary of the sanctuary, founded by Janet LuCore in her residence. It's now located on West Aviation Road, between Main and Mission streets.

Cats and small dogs are housed inside the building. Larger dogs stay in the five large buildings that were converted from storage sheds. Two dogs are in each structure that have air conditioning and heating, as well as music. They each have an individual dog run in the back, and there is a large play area for all the dogs to socialize.

Once an animal is relinquished to their care, Fallbrook Animal Sanctuary provides a thorough medical examination and spaying or neutering, vaccinations, a microchip implant, and treatment for any medical conditions, including X-rays, blood tests, and surgery if necessary.

Fallbrook Animal Sanctuary has an adoption event Saturday, June 18, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Kahoots Pet store, 1101 S. Main Ave., in the Fallbrook Plaza.

Adoptions are also available at the sanctuary, 230 W Aviation Road, Fallbrook. For more information call 760-685-3533 or visit fallbrookanimalsanctuary.org.