The Berkeley Animal Care Services shelter reopened July 25 with reduced space and capabilities after a seven-week closure due to an arson-caused fire.
No animals, civilians or firefighters were injured during the fire, but the resulting damage has still limited the shelter’s operating ability. The fire was contained in the stairwell area, where donations of supplies were stored.
Only the first floor of the shelter, where dogs are kept, is completely open to the public, as the stairway has exposed studs and the elevator remains out of service.
The second floor houses the cats, and can be accessed by would-be adopters accompanied by a staff member. According to an email from BACS manager Mike St. Pierre, the cat area is in full use.
The arson was allegedly set by Peter Taraba, whose dog was seized by the shelter the day before the fire.
St. Pierre stated that all services have resumed, but the shelter expects delays and limitations. He didn’t share a definitive timeframe for the shelter to resume full operating capacity, but anticipated it would not resume to pre-fire conditions for at least the next few weeks.
“While the City’s insurance will help restore the facility, donations remain an important way for the community to support the animals in our care,” St. Pierre said in an email. “Donations to Animal Services help provide support beyond facility repairs, including direct care, enrichment, supplies, and other needs that allow us to continue providing the high level of care we aim for with our animals.”
Before the fire, any of the approximately 375 volunteers could come in whenever the shelter was open. Now, with access to only half of the former space and safety concerns, St. Pierre said the shelter has had to switch to a system of scheduled shifts that volunteers can sign up for. In addition to the 375 established volunteers, 300 more await onboarding.
While the shelter was closed and volunteers had limited ability to come to the shelter, many supported it from home with donations and laundry help.
St. Pierre said the best way the community can help is through continuing to adopt, share posts of the BACS animals and donate funds and needed supplies.
Partner shelters, including the Animal Fix Clinic in Pinole, took in animals during the remedial process. As of July 24, BACS houses 12 dogs and five cats.
“Even with the challenges created by the fire, our team continues to care for the animals and provide services to the community,” St. Pierre said in the email. “The support we receive helps us continue providing the level of care we expect for the animals in our shelter.”