Yucca Valley welcomes Shianne May as new Animal Care and Control Manager
YUCCA VALLEY, Calif. (KESQ) - Yucca Valley officially welcomed Shianne May as the town's new Animal Care and Control Manager.
May was appointed in November but began in mid-December following the town’s standard onboarding process.
According to town officials, May will oversee Yucca Valley’s Animal Shelter and Animal Control operations while working closely with staff, partners and residents to support the health and safety of both people and pets throughout Yucca Valley and the Morongo Basin.
May has served in senior-level roles with numerous local agencies, including Friends of the Palm Springs Animal Shelter and Found Animals Registry, among other providers. She holds a degree in Public Relations from California State University, Long Beach.
“Ms. May’s strong background in shelter operations, along with her genuine dedication to animal welfare and the local community, make her an excellent fit for our team,” said Town Manager Curtis Yakimow. “We’re thrilled to welcome her as the new Animal Care and Control Manager and are confident her leadership will further strengthen the animal care and control services we provide to Yucca Valley residents.”
Born and raised in Palm Springs, May has had a lifelong passion for animal welfare that began when she rescued her first cat as a child. When she later adopted her first dog from the original Palm Springs Animal Shelter, she decided to turn that passion into a career.
As a resident of Yucca Valley for over five years, she is dedicated to supporting her new home.
"I am honored to bring my experience in animal welfare to this role and serve the Morongo Basin community. As Animal Care and Control Manager, I look forward to collaborating with our partners to create meaningful, lasting improvements for both people and animals,” said Ms. May.
The appointment comes after controversy over the town's shelters that gained momentum in January. The town initiated a 90-day review of shelter operations in March and introduced several changes.
Former Animal Care and Control Manager Doug Smith retired in July, following public pressure.
For more information on the Town’s animal shelter services and staff, click here.
