Marcia Mayeda has been the Director of Animal Care and Control for the County of Los Angeles since July, 2001. She is a Certified Animal Welfare Administrator (Society of Animal Welfare Administrators). Growing up in Highland Park, IL and a staunch animal lover since
childhood, Marcia always knew her lifeâs work would center on animal care and protection and she pursued her love for and study of animals. She pet sat and walked the dogs of neighbors, and began a lifelong passion for horseback riding, beginning with hunter-jumpers at age six. One impactful event during fifth grade left a deep impression on Marciaâs compassion for animals. âMy friend and I stopped in the local pet store to look at the animals on our way home from school. We were horrified at the condition in which they were kept. The tanks were filthy with algae, a monkey was kept in a tiny cage too small for its comfort, the puppies and kittens were thin, and rats were abundant. The smell was horrific. I knew something had to be done, and when we reached my home I called the local humane society. A few weeks later the pet store had closed. I am so grateful that the humane society took the concerns of a fifth grader seriously, and their response showed me that advocating for animals had meaningful impacts for their well-being.â As soon as she turned 16, Marcia began working for a veterinarian and continued to do so until departing for college.
In 1982 Marcia began attending Western Illinois University where she majored in Animal Science. Marcia took full advantage of WIUâs resources to learn about large animal care and herd health management. She worked for several years on the university sheep farm, was a member of the Intercollegiate Livestock Judging Team, and a member of the Hoof and Horn animal science club. It was while attending college that Marcia discovered her career path when she accepted a part time job at the local animal shelter. âI had never been to an animal shelter before,â she states. âHowever, it was an opportunity to care for animals, so I jumped at the chance to work there.âUpon graduation Marcia took a job as an animal cruelty investigator with the Houston Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals in Houston, TX (HSPCA). âThis was a culture shock for me,â Marcia recalls. âI had never been exposed to intentional cruelty to animals before. The various emotions that this brought up â anger, sadness, and frustration â were offset by the rewarding feeling of rescuing animals from inhumane conditions and making them well again.â Since that time Marcia has maintained a strong commitment to preventing and prosecuting cruelty against animals. Marcia was later promoted to Director of Shelter Operations at the HSPCA.
In 1989, Marcia joined the Helping Hands Humane Society in Topeka, KS (HHHS). As its executive director, Marcia initiated several programs such as adoption counseling, microchipping, adoption outreach, and established a formal volunteer program. She also established a dog training program in collaboration with a local womenâs penitentiary; a shelter dog sterilization program with Kansas State Universityâs School of Veterinary Medicine; and an adoption program for shelter dogs to be adopted by local law enforcement as drug detection dogs. Marcia was also actively involved in the investigation and prosecution of puppy mills. Marciaâs work led her to advocate on many occasions at the Kansas State Legislature for enhancing laws to protect animals in the puppy mills. The destination for many of the puppy mill puppies was California, and Marcia began to look to California as the state where she could make a meaningful impact in animal welfare.
In 1993 Marcia joined the Humane Society of Santa Clara Valley (HSSCV) in Santa Clara, CA as its new Director of Animal Care. Marcia implemented many practices to ensure the animals received the best care and opportunities for placement into new homes.
In 1996 with the animal care department running smoothly, Marcia became the Director of Animal Services. The law enforcement arm of the HSSCV, the Animal Services division provided animal control services for the City of San Jose and eight other contract cities. It was during this period Marcia developed specialized animal cruelty and code enforcement divisions, and formalized training for the officers and dispatchers. While leading the department, Marcia also worked to earn a Master of Nonprofit Administration degree from the University of San Francisco (USF). When HSSCV decided to resign its city contracts, Marcia assumed the new role of Director of Community Outreach and led the animal cruelty investigation, education, animal behavior and enrichment, and volunteer programs.
In 2001 Marcia was recruited to lead the Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care and Control. Since then, she has transformed DACC into a nationally recognized leader in animal welfare. Under Marciaâs leadership DACC created its progressive mission, vision, and values to be a model for animal welfare and public safety. Through Marciaâs leadership, DACC has implemented strategic programs such as the Safe Neighborhoods Program and the Dangerous Dogs Investigation Unit to protect the public from dangerous dogs; the Major Cases Unit to protect animals from abuse and neglect; the Pets Are Family Program to provide resources to assist families with keeping their pets; Vet@ThePark which brings DACCâs mobile veterinary unit to County parks to provide free pet wellness exams, vaccinations, microchipping, and pet supplies to underserved communities; a vibrant volunteer program; an animal behavior and enrichment division; an expanded and enhanced veterinary medical program; and much more.
You can follow Marcia on social media at LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram.
Reflecting on this question, Marcia said, âWe are at a truly exciting period in the animal welfare field. Tremendous improvements have been made in our adoption rate thanks to our community partners who adopt or transfer our animals to other locations where shelter pets are in short supply; intervention programs to prevent the surrender of pets; and spay/neuter programs that prevent the birth of unwanted animals. These partnerships have reduced the numbers of animals entering our animal care centers and increased the opportunities for adoption for animals in our care. This has given us the opportunity to devote our limited resources to helping the more challenged animals be made well and suitable for adoption. Marcia has been married to her husband, Vincent, since 1996. They currently share their lives with three adopted dogs. In her spare time, Marcia enjoys walking their dogs, travel, and reading.
Harold Holmes has been an Executive Assistant for the County of Los Angeles Department of Animal Care and Control since September 2016. Harold was Deputy Director for the County of San Diego Department of Animal Services prior to joining the Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care and Control. While at San Diego County Animal Services, he developed the Responsible Pet Ownership Program for animal-law violators, which won an award from the California State Association of Counties.
Harold obtained his J.D. at Western Sierra Law School, graduating as valedictorian. He was admitted to the State Bar of California in June 2013. Harold is a retired Chief of Police for Tulelake, CA., and a former U.S. Marine who was recalled to active duty for the Gulf War. His three-year stint managing San Diego Countyâs Dangerous Dog Task Force inspired him to attend law school. He is a hearing officer, a trained mediator and teaches a variety of legal and law-enforcement related topics.
Harold also enjoys restoring old cars, home remodeling projects, camping, and traveling to museums and other historical places. His pets have included dogs and tortoises, but he currently has only one cat, a Russian Blue.
Danny Ubario has been the Chief Deputy Director for the County of Los Angeles Department of Animal Care and Control since 2021. After his military service in the United States Marine Corps, Danny started as a kennel attendant, cleaning and caring for animals at the Downey Animal Care Center. Danny has moved up through the ranks, working in different centers and units like the Major Case Unit.
Danny is a participant in the Executive Leadership Development Program from the USC School of Public Policy. He is also a member of the Los Angeles County Management Council and State Humane Association.
Danny’s dedication to animals began as a child by caring for his own pets. Danny loves to work with volunteers, rescues and people who are passionate about animals, including large animal welfare organizations like the ASPCA, as well as other agencies in the animal care field.
In his spare time, Danny enjoys spending time with his family and listening to music. He has a dog named Oreo, and three geckos named Blue, Echo and Delta.
Whitney Duong began her career with the County of Los Angeles in 1999 working across five different departments. Her experience includes contracts and grants management, human resources, and budgeting. However, it was in 2009 when she joined the Department of Animal Care and Control (DACC), finding her true calling and her fur-ever family. As the Contracts and Grants Division manager, Whitney possesses extensive exposure and hands-on experience across various operational and administrative domains, enabling her to grasp the broader perspective.
Over her 13+ years at DACC, Whitney has had the privilege of working closely with every level of the organization. She has worked closely with community volunteers, contract city representatives, the animal care team, animal control managers, and the executive leadership team. These interactions have profoundly enriched her appreciation for DACC’s missionâadvancing the well-being of animals and people in the County of Los Angeles.
Whitney is deeply honored to be a part of the DACC family and is committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment that supports our workforce and the communities we serve. Outside of work, she enjoys spending quality time with her dogs, providing them with home spa treatments, traveling, and indulging in food and travel YouTube contents.
Raul Rodriguez, with over 25 years of experience in animal welfare and public safety, Raul Rodriguez is a dedicated leader in the field of Animal Control. Since joining the Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care and Control (DACC) in 1998 as a license canvasser, Raul has advanced through the ranks, contributing significantly to the departmentâs mission of protecting animals and serving the community.
As a member of DACCâs Executive Team since June 2021, Raul has played a pivotal role in shaping and implementing innovative programs that enhance animal care and public safety. He has overseen operations at three of DACCâs seven Animal Care Centers, ensuring the highest standards of care and service. His leadership has been instrumental in integrating the Socially Conscious Animal Sheltering model into DACCâs operations and in executing the departmentâs Managed Intake operating model, both of which have improved outcomes for animals and the communities DACC serves.
Currently serving as the North County Deputy Director, Raul oversees the Palmdale, Lancaster, and Castaic Animal Care Centers, managing teams that provide compassionate and effective animal care services. Additionally, he leads DACCâs Public Safety Division, which includes Emergency Operations, the Major Case Unit, and the Central Case Processing Unitâcritical functions that support animal welfare investigations and emergency response efforts.
A respected expert in his field, Raul is committed to advancing animal welfare practices, strengthening public safety initiatives, and fostering collaboration between agencies and the community to create a safer, more humane environment for both animals and residents.
Chris Cirar has been with the County of Los Angeles Department of Animal Care and Control since 2007. He started his career as an Animal Care Attendant and has promoted through each level of the ranks to his current position of Deputy Director. During his tenure with DACC, Chris has served the community at four of DACCâs seven animal care centers, where he has gone from working the kennels and patrolling the field to managing care center operations. Chris has also been involved with the Departmentâs Emergency Operations and a former member of the Departmental Animal Response Team (DART).
Chris is a Certified Animal Control Officer (CACO) with the State. As a subject matter expert, he was asked to create two virtual training classes for the CalAnimals CACO Academy in âOfficer Safety and Wellnessâ and âAnimal Control Field Operations.â Chris is passionate about helping others grow and elevating the standards in animal welfare. Chris is a member of Scouts BSA and the Los Angeles County Management Council. He enjoys camping, fishing, and spending time with his family. He has two dogs, both miniature Schnauzers named Lexi and Remi.
As the West County Deputy Director, he oversees the Carson/Gardena and Agoura Animal Care Centers. He also oversees public programs which include Adoption Partners, Behavior and Enrichment Team, Communications Unit and Volunteer Services.
Frank Corvinoâs journey and passion for animals started in 1986 at the Arizona Humane Society (AHS) where he gained immeasurable insight into what it takes to manage a private non-profit organization who helps tens of thousands of animals a year. After a fulfilling journey with AHS, in 2005, he became the Deputy Director for the Riverside County (CA) Department of Animal Services. There he helped build 4 state of the art animal campuses and helped to institute lifesaving programs which brought a tremendous increase to positive outcomes and healthier communities.
As the South County Deputy Director with the Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care and Control, he oversees Downey and Baldwin Park animal care centers. He also oversees Licensing and Enforcement and our Facilities units. He is proud to be helping one of the largest animal control organizations in the nation move into a new future of animal care.
His passion is to serve. Frank states, âI love that life has allowed me to fulfill the roles which I have in the animal control and welfare profession, and to be part of a community of professionals with such heart, drive, compassion, and passion.â
Frank has been a dog dad to many foster fails over the years. Him and his family currently share their home with Roxy a 15-year-old Chihuahua, Lilly a 5 year old King Charles Spaniel, and Buttercup a 1 year old Minpin.
Dr. Fumie Yamamoto has been a Veterinarian for the Los Angeles Department of Animal Care and Control since 2015. Dr. Yamamoto has experience in exotic animal medicine and shelter medicine in nonprofit rescue organizations.
Dr. Yamamoto graduated from University of California, Davis School of Veterinary Medicine in 2010, and holds a B.S. in Animal Science from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona.
Dr. Yamamoto is a member of Association of Shelter Veterinarians (ASV), Southern California Veterinary Medical Association (SCVMA), and California Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA).
Dr. Yamamoto loves exotic animals, especially reptile medicine. She is also a mother to three young children, twin boys and a girl. All three all share the same birthday in June! She also has a menagerie of pets including dogs/cats/fish/rodents/and many reptiles.
Dr. Rachelle Saelor has been with the Department for eight years and has worked at all Animal Care Centers (ACC). âAs a veterinarian,â said Dr. Saelor, âwe all take the oath to try and make a difference in this profession no matter how small. With every animal that comes through the shelter, it has been a great learning experience to be able to interact with animals that are so desperately in need. These animals need love, compassion, extra care, extra sympathy, etc., and it has been a pleasure to be put into a position to provide that for them. I knew that working for the shelter system would be different compared to private practice, but I couldnât have anticipated the fulfillment I get out of doing THIS job.â
Dr. Saelor is a member of the SCVMA, SCFVMA, and was a Shelter Medicine Fellow with the UW/UCD Shelter Medicine Fellowship 2016-2017. She is an advanced certified scuba diver, which allows her to enjoy a âdifferent world of animalsâ under the sea. She has two Great Danes, Kainoa and Kahuna, and a Cane Corso named Kilo. Whenever she can get her children to nap at the same time, she enjoys reading, cooking, kickboxing, and taking Krav Maga classes. But whenever she gets the chance, she takes her kids to Disneyland â the âHappiest Place on Earth.â
