Los Banos, CA (January 16, 2026) — The Los Banos Animal Shelter has placed five adoptable dogs on its Red List, an internal designation used to flag animals facing urgent risk if they remain in the shelter environment. According to shelter advocates, a Red List placement does not automatically mean a dog is being euthanized for lack of space. Instead, dogs may be listed because prolonged kennel life is negatively affecting their physical health, mental well-being, or development—especially for sensitive, large-breed, or juvenile dogs.
All five dogs currently on the Red List are adoptable and must leave the shelter by Wednesday, January 21, 2026, at 3:00 p.m., through adoption or transfer to a rescue organization. The shelter does not have a foster program, meaning a permanent or rescue placement is required for each dog to exit the facility.
Dogs Currently on the Red List
Tiny (Impound #25-1496)
Tiny is a 4.5-year-old Great Pyrenees weighing approximately 78 pounds. Shelter postings indicate he has been at the facility for 57 days and is Red Listed due to declining physical and mental health caused by kennel stress, not overcrowding. Tiny is described as dog-friendly, calm, gentle, and good with new people. Great Pyrenees are known for forming strong bonds with their families and often struggle in prolonged shelter settings.
Smalls (Impound #25-1572)
Smalls, a 2.5-year-old Great Pyrenees weighing about 72 pounds, has been in the shelter for 36 days. Advocates report that the kennel environment is impacting his emotional well-being. Smalls is described as affectionate, people-oriented, dog-friendly, and eager for human connection—traits that can make shelter confinement particularly difficult.
Sunny (Impound #25-1588)
Sunny is an 8- to 10-month-old Anatolian Shepherd puppy who has spent 31 days in the shelter. She was Red Listed due to concerns about a young dog spending critical developmental months in a kennel environment. Shelter information describes Sunny as playful, social with other dogs, affectionate, and good with new people. Large-breed puppies typically require consistent structure and a home environment to develop healthy behaviors.
Rex (Impound #25-1598)
Rex is a young Labrador mix who has been at the shelter for 26 days. He was Red Listed due to the impact of confinement on his mental health rather than space limitations. Rex is described as friendly, affectionate, tested well with other dogs, and responsive to recall—traits that suggest he may transition well into a home or rescue placement.
Rusty (Impound #26-46)
Rusty is also included on the Red List and requires placement by the same January 21 deadline. Shelter advocates encourage interested parties to review his individual post and video to better understand his needs and temperament.
How the Community Can Help
Interested adopters must submit an approved application through the shelter’s adoption system. Those unable to adopt are encouraged to share the dogs’ individual profiles with rescue organizations, breed-specific rescues, and potential adopters. Shelter advocates stress that viewing each dog’s handling and dog-test videos is critical to understanding their personalities and needs.
With the January 21 deadline approaching, shelter volunteers and advocates say community awareness and timely action are essential. “These dogs are not just names on a list,” one shelter post states. “They are lives that deserve to be fully seen and understood.”
For adoption information, applications, or to view each dog’s full profile and videos, residents are encouraged to visit the Los Banos Animal Shelter’s official adoption and social media page.
