As I write this, DACC is continuing its emergency animal sheltering services for residents displaced by the devastating Lake Fire, which has burned more than 31,000 acres in the Antelope Valley of northern Los Angeles County. The Ranch Fire near Azusa has been burning as well, causing further evacuations. Additionally, approximately 12,000 lightning strikes have…

The Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care and Control (DACC) has adopted a new strategy for helping animals as part of its implementation of the nationally recognized animal sheltering model known as Socially Conscious Animal Sheltering (SCAS), adopted by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors on August 6, 2019. Called “Managed Intake,” this…

Returning to the Workplace: As society starts slowly reopening from the coronavirus shut down, some people will begin returning to work outside the home and must leave behind pets that became accustomed to their ongoing companionship. Pet owners returning to work outside of the home will likely be concerned how their pets will handle the…

Keeping Kids and Pets Safer at Home School closures due to the Coronavirus pandemic have significantly changed home life for both families and their pets. Children are now home full time, learning new ways to engage with their teachers while continuing their education. Smaller children that would be in day care or pre-school are also…

The most rewarding thing about working for animal care and control is the opportunity to help people and animals. Animals touch everyone’s lives and being a resource to assist them and their pets with the many issues that arise helps make safer and happier communities. Animal shelters are essential services. Our officers must still respond…

Today the County of Los Angeles closed all County buildings to the public, including animal care centers.  As COVID-19 changes how we currently interact with each other, I’d like to tell you how DACC is responding to this challenge and how pet parents can adapt to these changes in our society. DACC remains committed to…

Assembly Bill 1553 became effective on January 1, 2020. This bill changed the language in several sections of code in California law. The word “pound” (as in dog pound) was replaced with “animal shelter.” The person in charge of the “pound” was the “poundkeeper.” Now they are the “shelter director.” A “pound officer” is now…

On January 10, 2020 California Governor Gavin Newsom released his proposed 2020-21 budget. To the wide acclaim of animal welfare advocates throughout the state, the budget includes a $50 million one-time grant for the University of California Davis Koret Shelter Medicine Program to develop a grant program for animal shelters. The program will include interactive…

It’s the holiday season and sadly not everyone has the opportunity to have a home to share with their cherished family pets. People experiencing homelessness must sometimes make heart-wrenching decisions between being housed versus keeping their animals. Far too often, pet owners who lose a place to live can only find housing that does not…

Holiday season is in full effect and many are in search of the perfect present for their loved ones. Gifting friends or family members with an adorable new puppy or kitten is popular but not recommended for several reasons. Pets require a lifetime commitment, which includes time and financial demands. Unprepared new pet parents might…