Marcia Mayeda, Director

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 14, 2026

CONTACT: Christopher Valles, accpio@animalcare.lacounty.gov

Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care and Control Recognized by NACo for “Vet@ThePark”

The Los Angeles County Department Animal Care and Control (DACC) is proud to announce that it has been recognized by the National Association of Counties (NACo) for the second year for its impactful “Vet@ThePark” clinics. This innovative program continues to make a significant difference in the lives of pets and their owners throughout the community.

Many pet owners in Los Angeles County, particularly in underserved communities, face significant barriers to accessing veterinary care. The increase in veterinary costs results in an increase in pet surrenders because owners cannot afford to provide necessary medical care for their beloved companions. To combat these obstacles DACC created Vet@ThePark, a mobile outreach program that brings free pet wellness services directly to parks and community venues. Free services and supplies include rabies vaccinations, general core wellness vaccines, microchipping, deworming, and the distribution of pet food and supplies.

By offering these resources, DACC not only promotes the well-being of pets but also strengthens the bond between pets and their families. The benefits of these services are profound: they help reduce the risk of preventable diseases, ensure pets are safely identified, and alleviate some of the financial burdens faced by pet owners, allowing them to keep their beloved companions at home.

“We are honored to receive this recognition from NACo, which reflects our commitment to serving the community,” said DACC Director Marcia Mayeda. “The Vet@ThePark clinics are a testament to our dedication to keeping pets healthy and with their families. We believe that every pet deserves access to care, and we will continue to work tirelessly to provide these vital services to the community.”

DACC acknowledges that the success of the Vet@ThePark clinics would not be possible without the tremendous support from the Los Angeles County Animal Care Foundation and the generous contributions of our donors. It is through these funds that DACC can continue to provide these essential services to the community.

DACC’s goals remain steadfast: to provide accessible services that help keep pets with their owners, ensuring that every animal receives the love and care they deserve. The Vet@ThePark clinics exemplify this mission, and DACC looks forward to expanding its reach and impact in the years to come.

For more information about the Vet@ThePark clinics, please visit DACC’s website at   https://animalcare.lacounty.gov/dacc-support-services/.

“NaCo’s recognition of the County’s “Vet@ThePark” demonstrates the essential role in keeping pets safe, pet owners informed, and veterinary services accessible to communities that often face significant barriers, from transportation to financial costs,” said Los Angeles County Board Chair and First District Supervisor, Hilda L. Solis. “Every pet and family seen through this program are a reminder of the powerful change that takes place when we meet our communities where they are and ensure our pet-owning families are healthy, safe, and cared for.”

About the Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care and Control (DACC)

DACC is one of the largest animal care and control agencies in the nation, operating seven animal care centers and providing services to more than three million residents and their pets. DACC operates under the nationally recognized Socially Conscious Sheltering model to ensure the best possible outcomes for animals and the community. As a community resource center for pets and owners, DACC protects people and animals from harm, provides care for lost and unwanted animals, reunites lost pets with their families, and strives every day to move closer to its goal of finding a loving home for every adoptable pet that comes through its doors. To learn more about DACC, the resources DACC provides, and view its animals, visit https://animalcare.lacounty.gov  or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter). To learn more about Socially Conscious Sheltering, visit https://scsheltering.org/..  To support DACC’s efforts, you may donate to the Los Angeles County Animal Care Foundation at https://lacountyanimals.org/.

About the Los Angeles County Animal Care Foundation

The Los Angeles County Animal Care Foundation is an independent 501(c)3 nonprofit charity with the highest ratings from Charity Navigator and Candid.  It supports the County of Los Angeles Department of Animal Care and Control through fundraising which supports spay and neuter programs, pet adoptions, public education, disaster response, and animal welfare. Many of the Foundation’s fundraising efforts have enabled the DACC to enhance the care given to animals in the County animal care centers. To learn more, visit https://lacountyanimals.org.