Animal shelters exist to save lives, provide refuge, and offer second chances to animals who have nowhere else to go. Yet, paradoxically, they are often vilified when difficult decisions like euthanasia are made. Criticizing shelters for euthanizing animals is as misguided as blaming libraries for illiteracy. Both are institutions created to address societal issues; they…

I think we’re all glad that the extreme heat of the past few months here in southern California has passed, and we are now enjoying some beautiful fall days. As the temperatures start to fall, it’s time to put some thought into preparing to give our animals a little extra care to stay warm and…

Lottie arrived at our Carson/Gardena ACC with a severely matted coat. After grooming, she looked like a different dog and was adopted and is now a dearly loved member of the Kneisel family. They reported: “We have now had her a little over a year, and can’t thank you enough for all you did to…

Animal shelters serve as crucial havens for homeless, abandoned, and mistreated animals. However, many shelters are facing extreme public, political, and activist pressure to resist euthanasia under any circumstance, leading to severe overcrowding in their facilities with detrimental effects for the animals, staff, volunteers, and adopters. Alarmingly, some animal shelters have chosen to rely on…

When I was in high school l had the great opportunity to work for my town’s local veterinarian. I cleaned cages, cared for the hospitalized animals, and assisted the veterinarian when he needed an extra pair of hands. It was a great learning experience and introduction to the field of veterinary medicine. I learned a…

Did you know that Animal Control Officers and Humane Officers are mandated reporters of child and elder/dependent adult abuse? This is because there is a strong correlation, or link, between cruelty to animals and human violence. Animal abuse is a distressing reality that extends beyond the suffering of innocent creatures; it often serves as a…

Independence Day and its aftermath are some of the busiest times for animal shelters because countless terrified pets have fled their homes in fear due to the noise of fireworks. In fact, DACC remains open to the public on this holiday when most County departments are closed, so pet owners can reclaim their lost and…

A career in animal welfare is rewarding and fulfilling. We know we are making a difference in the lives of animals and people, helping keep pets and families together, reuniting lost pets with their families, and finding new homes for pets who were lost and never reclaimed or whose families could no longer keep them. …

Recently I had the opportunity, along with spcaLA President Madeline Bernstein and Inland Valley Humane Society & SPCA President Nikole Bresciani, to meet with NBC 4  reporter Kathy Vara to discuss the current challenges facing animal sheltering organizations. The post-pandemic increase of dogs in animal shelters has been straining resources at animal shelters and rescue…

In March of 2022 my husband and I volunteered to provide foster care for a two-year-old female Great Pyrenees dog for the Great Pyrenees Association of Southern California Rescue. She had been found on the streets as a stray by a wonderful woman who witnessed her being struck at by a person with a broom,…