Stray and injured animals in Mountain View have been sheltered in a different home since the beginning of November. The Silicon Valley Animal Control Authority (SVACA) assumed responsibility as provider of animal care and control services for the community, replacing Palo Alto Animal Services.

SVACA is a Joint Powers Authority serving Mountain View, Campbell, Monte Sereno and Santa Clara. It houses captured or surrendered “healthy and treatable animals” at a center in Santa Clara, according to a report from the Mountain View Police Department.

Until this month, Mountain View joined Los Altos, Los Altos Hills and Palo Alto in supporting Palo Alto Animal Services, which received funding from the four cities.

The Mountain View City Council voted to withdraw last year, citing Palo Alto’s aging facilities and cost savings, among other considerations.

Palo Alto Animal Services had been servicing Mountain View since 1994.

A spokesman for the Mountain View Police Department described the Santa Clara animal shelter where animals will now be sent as a “state-of-the-art facility” and added that the new contract is more cost effective, affords the city greater control and transfers some services from police oversight to animal service officers.

The prospect of the loss of $450,000 in annual support from Mountain View challenged the future of Palo Alto Animal Services.

At one point, Palo Alto’s city manager proposed closing the shelter and outsourcing to a regional provider. But July 23, the Palo Alto City Council unanimously approved a financial plan that raises fees and reduces staff but keeps the shelter operating. Los Altos and Los Altos Hills continue to patronize the Palo Alto shelter.

Mountain View residents no longer have access to the Palo Alto shelter for assistance.

SVACA is located at 3370 Thomas Road in Santa Clara.

For more information and assistance, call (408) 764-0344 during normal business hours or visit www.svaca.com.

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