LAAS Shelter Support Collaborative Statement:

LA Animal Services (LAAS) is facing ongoing, significant challenges in meeting the needs of the thousands of animals in their care. One of the largest animal shelter systems in the nation, the six LA Animal Services facilities regularly deal with overcrowding, understaffing, and operational barriers. Despite the best efforts of LA Animal Services staff and volunteers, these challenges have historically made it difficult or impossible to meet recommended care standards for animals in the shelter. However, the LA Animal Services team is no longer in this alone.  A historic partnership has formed to support LA Animal Services over the next two years and create lasting, transformative change.

The LAAS Shelter Support Collaborative brings together a coalition of nationally recognized animal welfare, veterinary, behavioral, retail, and other expert organizations. Committed to working side-by-side with LA Animal Services and City of Los Angeles leadership to tackle both the immediate needs and long-term systemic issues that have impacted the organization’s ability to function sustainably and effectively. The core tenets of this collaborative include a priority focus on safety for pets and people, humane treatment of animals within the sheltering system, and a pursuit of maximizing life-saving as synergistic goals.

As a coalition, we are committed to a positive partnership with LA Animal Services. We believe in working collaboratively, without disparagement, toward solutions that will benefit both animals and the people who care for them. This partnership is built on the belief that we are all in this together. We are united by the common goal of improving humane care and  outcomes for animals while supporting the staff and volunteers who dedicate themselves to this important work.

We recognize the incredible efforts of LA Animal Services staff, volunteers, rescue partners, and community groups, who have continued to show unwavering dedication to the people and animals of Los Angeles. Despite the many challenges, these individuals and organizations have gone above and beyond to provide care, support, and compassion for thousands of animals in need. Their passion and commitment have laid the foundation for the transformative work ahead. This collaboration would not be possible without their support and we will be inviting each of these groups to continue to play an instrumental role in creating life-changing solutions to help protect the pets and people in Los Angeles.

Backed by decades of data, science, and research, the supporting partners will each bring unique contributions to the effort, including financial support, program expertise, veterinary support, and more. In general, the partners will assist LA Animal Services in providing pet support services starting at intake, reducing the amount of time animals spend in the shelter, increasing spay and neuter capacity, and ensuring every animal receives humane care and has a fair and responsible chance at a live outcome. By enhancing staff and volunteer training, updating policies and procedures, and creating new pathways for live outcomes, our goal is to make LAAS a model of excellence in animal services.

Furthermore, as we work in partnership with LA Animal Services towards developing a plan for support, we will be actively engaging local groups, community members, and individuals to ensure that our efforts reflect the unique needs of the Los Angeles community. Together, we will build a stronger, more compassionate animal care system unlike anything LA has seen before.

Our aim is to bring hope to the animals, staff, and community in the City of Los Angeles. Together, we will make the shelter system more humane, safe, effective, and sustainable.

We will be sharing more information in the coming days, but we invite the public to join us NOW by adopting a pet, fostering, volunteering, or simply by helping get the word out. Together, we can create a brighter future for the pets and people of Los Angeles.

Supporting organizations include:

• ASPCA
• Dogs Playing for Life
• Jackson Galaxy Enterprises
• Michelson Found Animals Foundation 
• Outcomes for Pets Consulting
• Petco Love
• Petsmart Charities
• San Diego Humane Society 
• UC Davis Shelter Medicine Program
• The University of Florida Shelter Medicine Program
• VCA Charities

NOTE: For more information on how you can get involved, please sign up to receive updates and the latest news from LA Animal Services, by clicking here.