Platt College returned as a sponsor and volunteer partner for the third annual Shane’s War Mega Adoption Event, held June 25–28, 2026 at the San Bernardino City Animal Shelter. Alongside Shane’s War, the shelter, the Angels of Rawley Foundation, and the Eastwood Ranch Foundation, more than 30 Platt College students, faculty, and staff spent the four-day event helping shelter animals find loving homes.
For our students, it was also real veterinary medicine. The event is exactly the kind of supervised, hands-on setting that our Veterinary Technology program is built around — the same clinical skills students practice on campus, applied where they matter most.
Hands-on veterinary experience that goes beyond the classroom
Throughout the four days, our Veterinary Technology students administered medications, prepared surgical packs, supported the medical and cat-care teams, and walked and socialized dogs awaiting adoption. This is the kind of supervised clinical experience that prepares students for a career as a credentialed veterinary technician — the difference between learning a procedure and performing it for an animal that needs it.
Veterinary Technology Program Director Dr. Trudy Golub volunteered two full days providing medical care and treatment for shelter animals, working alongside students and modeling the professionalism that defines the program.
Because the event took place in San Bernardino, it drew heavily on students and faculty from our nearby Ontario and Riverside campuses — a reminder of how closely our programs are tied to the Inland Empire communities we serve.
“This event reflects what Platt College is all about—serving our community while giving students meaningful, hands-on experiences that make a real difference.” — John Rubi, Director of Student Success, Platt College
A sponsor on and off the shelter floor
As an event sponsor, Platt College provided the adoption bags sent home with every dog and cat adopted, supplied lunches and refreshments for volunteers each day, and donated shelter supplies — bleach, Dawn dish soap, disposable gloves, paper towels, and towels — that will keep supporting daily operations long after the event.
The results
Over four days, the event delivered a measurable impact for animals in the shelter:
- 57 animals adopted into forever homes
- 67 animals transferred to rescue organizations
- 35% increase in adoptions versus prior weeks
- 117% increase in rescue transfers
As Eastwood Ranch Foundation founder Alison Eastwood noted, every adoption creates hope — for the pet going home and for the next animal waiting for a chance.
Where hands-on training leads
At Platt College, education extends well beyond the classroom. Partnerships like Shane’s War let students build practical skills, serve their community, and graduate ready for the field. It’s the same experience at the core of our Veterinary Technology associate degree program, available at our Alhambra, Anaheim, Ontario, and Riverside campuses.
Thank you to Shane’s War, the San Bernardino City Animal Shelter, the Angels of Rawley Foundation, the Eastwood Ranch Foundation, our volunteers, and every family who chose adoption. We’re already looking forward to returning in October.
Interested in a hands-on career caring for animals? Request info about the Veterinary Technology program