The Los Angeles County Animal Care Foundation (ACF) has long been a pillar of hope for animals in need, and now their incredible work is being recognized on a grand scale. The Los Angeles Business Journal has nominated the ACF for Nonprofit of the Year, a testament to their unwavering commitment to improving the lives of animals throughout LA County.
Adding to this honor, Renee Sikand, a passionate leader dedicated to advancing animal welfare, has been nominated as Nonprofit Executive of the Year. Her vision and dedication have helped drive impactful programs that provide medical care, shelter, and second chances for thousands of animals.

A Legacy of Compassion

The ACF works tirelessly to support LA County’s Department of Animal Care and Control (DACC) by funding lifesaving medical treatments, adoption initiatives, animal care center enhancements, emergency response, and much more. Their mission extends beyond basic care—it’s about creating a future where every animal has the opportunity for a safe and loving home. Through innovative programs, they are making a profound difference with their signature programs:

• Grooming Gives Hope – A simple bath and haircut can be life-changing for a neglected or stray pet. This program provides grooming services that not only improve an animal’s health and comfort but also increase their chances of adoption.
• Noah’s Legacy – Supporting emergency evacuation and sheltering during disasters, this program ensures animals are safe and their families have peace of mind until they can take their animals home.
• Dreams Come True – Some animal care center pets arrive with significant injuries. Dreams Come True provides funds for specialized surgeries and treatments, saving lives and helping animals overcome obstacles and get the fresh start they deserve.
• Pets Are Family – Keeping families together is at the heart of this program, which helps pet owners facing financial hardships, ensuring they don’t have to surrender their beloved animals due to economic challenges.
• Care Vouchers – Veterinary care can be expensive, and unexpected medical emergencies can cause pet families to surrender their pet because they cannot afford urgent care. The Care Vouchers program helps low-income pet owners cover essential medical services, ensuring their pets receive the care they need and can stay with the families they know and love.
• Foster Program – Not all animals thrive in an animal care center environment. The Foster Program places pets in temporary homes with trained volunteers, where they can receive personalized care and attention until they are ready for adoption. This program is crucial for young, sick, or stressed animals needing extra support.
• Animal Care Center Enhancements – To create a more comfortable and enriching environment for animal care center animals, the ACF funds facility improvements such as enhanced animal housing areas, expanded play areas, and behavioral enrichment programs that help reduce stress and improve well-being.
• Adoption Program – Finding forever homes is at the heart of the ACF’s mission. The Foundation actively supports adoption efforts by funding adoption events and subsidizing adoption fees to ensure pets and their new families have a successful transition.
• Spay and Neuter Program – Preventing pet overpopulation is key to reducing the number of homeless animals. The ACF funds low-cost and free spay/neuter services to help control animal populations and ensure fewer pets end up in shelters.

A Recognition Well Earned
These nominations highlight the impact ACF and Renee Sikand have had on the Los Angeles community. Their efforts not only save lives but also inspire others to advocate for the voiceless. Whether through emergency rescue operations, medical assistance, or community programs, their work is a shining example of what it means to serve with heart and purpose.

How You Can Help
LACACF’s work is made possible by generous supporters who believe in their mission. You can help make a difference by:

🐾 Donating to support lifesaving programs
🐾 Volunteering your time to assist in animal care centers and events
🐾 Becoming a foster caregiver to help animals in need
🐾 Adopting a pet and giving them a forever home
🐾 Spaying or neutering your pets to prevent overpopulation
🐾 Spreading awareness about the Foundation’s work

Visit www.lacountyanimals.org to learn more, get involved, or contribute to their mission.
Congratulations to the Los Angeles County Animal Care Foundation and Renee Sikand—your dedication to animal welfare is truly making a difference!
 

Marcia Mayeda

You can subscribe to Marcia’s blog here: https://animalcare.lacounty.gov/categories/directors-blog/

The Los Angeles County Animal Care Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)3 charity that raises money to support DACC in its mission of saving animals and keeping pets and families together. Learn more at www.lacountyanimals.org.