San Jose’s animal shelter has a new leader, and the animal advocacy community is cautiously optimistic she can turn the facility around.
City officials recently announced Monica Wylie as deputy director of the Animal Care and Services division, which manages the San Jose Animal Care Center and the 12,000 animals it cares for annually. Wylie brings nearly 20 years of animal welfare experience, including six years as deputy director of the Humane Society for Tacoma, Washington and Pierce County. The city selected Wylie out of 27 candidates after a national search to fill the vacant position at the shelter, which advocates said has been dangerously mismanaged for too long.
“I’m inspired by the mission to provide a welcoming place for animals and those who care for them; to protect, educate, and serve the public; to develop programs that improve the lives of people and animals; and to create opportunities for our community and supporters to help us succeed,” Wylie said in a statement.
Wylie, who holds a bachelor’s degree in anthropology from the University of Washington and a certified credential in animal welfare administration, has transformed shelters where she’s worked. While at the Humane Society, she reduced pets’ length of stay by 50% and increased the save rate of cats to more than 90% by implementing a robust trap, neuter and release and foster program, according to a city news release…