Yucaipa Animal Placement Society (Y.A.P.S.) was started by Betty Martines in July of 1972.  Y.A.P.S. was born out of Betty’s great concern for animals.  There were no leash laws in Yucaipa at the time and a former animal society had closed.  Many homeless cats and dogs were overpopulating the area and being killed on the streets and highways.

YAPS incorporated in 1973 as a non-profit organization. In the early years, it operated solely by newspaper publicity and advertising. As time went on, an answering service was installed.  It was through this service that calls were received from persons seeking to either place or adopt animals. Y.A.P.S. was saving lives. YAPS tried to prevent healthy animals, who were good candidates for adoption, from being placed with the county pound, were they would be at risk of being euthanized.

“We do not intend to run a pound.  We will not put animals to sleep. We intend to place animals”. This is what Betty Martines told the Yucaipa City Counsel back in the fall of 1982, as written by John de Leon, Sun staff writer.  Acquiring land, so that she could build an animal placement facility, was a dream of Betty's. Her hard work and dedication finally paid off on September 29, 1983. YAPS held a ground-breaking ceremony for their planned animal shelter.

It took Betty 11 years before she finally was able to begin work on a safe haven for cats and dogs. Although there were times of frustration and disappointment, she never gave up. Her perseverance, dedication to the cause, and true love of animals helped her to endure.  In the end, we owe her so much.  Approximately 2,500 dogs and 1,500 cats have been saved since 1982 because of Betty Martines. Because of Betty these animals were given a second chance at life; a chance to be happy and loved.

Today YAPS consists of 12 kennels, a cattery, a social room, an adoption office, a fundraising office and, shortly, a kitten room. There are storage units and play yards. We, the staff of Y.A.P.S., are determined to ensure its growth, while making sure Betty's dream never dies. Her love of the animals and her belief that they all deserve loving homes has been instilled in each of us. Betty has since retired, but her presence is very much felt each and every day.

Today YAPS is looking to become self-sustaining and to, one day, expand. Your donation today will help make that possible. Every dollar counts.  The Yucaipa Animal Placement Society (Y.A.P.S.) for needy animals will not stay open without the support of the Yucaipa Community and animal lovers everywhere. Please donate today.