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Our Journey in Saving Lives
The journey begins...
In 1957, Yucaipa Animal Placement Society (YAPS) was born when one woman, Betty Martines, rescued a dog that was dumped just off California Street in Yucaipa. YAPS was born out of Betty’s concern for stray dogs and her desire to save these pets from certain death. Her goal was to place them into loving homes, therefore a vision for a “no kill” shelter was born.
YAPS incorporated in 1973, a 501C-3 non-profit organization, with the help and support of Betty’s husband, Jim. YAPS became a family affair and also became a focal point for the Yucaipa community. 60 years later, YAPS carries on Betty’s lifesaving mission and that one dog was just the first of thousands to be saved. Betty was a rescue warrior and a true rescue pioneer.
How did we get here...
Jim and Betty worked tirelessly to find a donated piece of property or at least one where they could afford to build a no-kill facility. They had a successful meeting with the County of San Bernardino, who generously agreed to lease three acres of land on 13th Street for a dollar a year to YAPS. Since incorporation, the City of Yucaipa has continued with the original agreement.
A generous endowment from Grace Calkins, a dear friend of Betty and Jim and an avid animal lover, was used to break ground for a no-kill rescue facility on September 29,1983, at the current location on 13th Street in Yucaipa.
Under the fourteen years of direction from Betty, thousands of cats and dogs were saved and placed into loving homes. Betty worked tirelessly coordinating rummage and bake sales, anything that could raise money for the facility until the death of Jim in 1991. For several years after Jim’s death, Betty struggled with running the facility because her heart was broken.
Us today...
Since then the shelter has had several directors who have made a lasting impression on the YAPS facility. The current Executive Director, Jennifer Celise Hurlbut, joined YAPS in December 2024. Since joining the YAPS family, she has focused on strengthening relationships with municipal shelters, fellow rescues, and local veterinarians in our region. Additional focuses have included restarting and revamping the volunteer and community service programs and renovating the infrastructure, the YAPS grounds and the facility. It is truly a passion and privilege to help and serve the pets at YAPS.
Meet Our Team!
Dedicated Hearts Behind Every Rescue.
Our team is a passionate group of staff, volunteers, and advocates who share one mission: to give every animal the second chance they deserve. With compassion, dedication, and countless hours of care, we work together to provide a safe, loving environment for dogs and cats as they wait for their forever homes. Every life matters to us, and every adoption is a victory we celebrate together.
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Meet the Board!
Our board is made up of dedicated community members and animal advocates who guide our mission with vision, integrity, and compassion. Their leadership ensures that Yucaipa Valley Animal Placement Society remains focused on saving lives, growing sustainably, and making a lasting impact for animals in need.
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