Finding help for animals in Los Angeles County can be confusing. There are more than 14 animal care and control agencies and humane societies, each serving specific jurisdictions. Some operate multiple animal shelters. Each is limited to enforcing laws within their designated jurisdiction, but animals don’t understand jurisdictional boundaries and can wander into the next jurisdiction where their families won’t look for them.

Understanding Saves Lives: The Power of Language in Animal Care and Control When we think about animal care and control, our minds often go to animal rescue, pet adoptions, or enforcing laws regarding animal ownership. But one crucial component often gets overlooked: language access. Ensuring that people can communicate effectively with the Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care and Control (DACC), regardless of the language they speak, is not just a matter of convenience. It’s a matter of public safety and animal welfare.

Los Angeles County Code Title 10 regulates the keeping of animals in Los Angeles County. Sections of this code control the breeding of dogs to reduce dog overpopulation and euthanasia, enhance public safety, and ensure the humane treatment of the dogs. Title 10 is enforced in all unincorporated County areas, as well in the 45 cities that contract with DACC for animal care and control services.

As we navigate an ever-changing financial landscape, we at the Department of Animal Care and Control (DACC) remain committed to serving both the animals in our care and the pet owners who rely on our services.

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.

One of the challenges we face in animal welfare is seeing animals whose families do not provide the best practices for their pet’s health and happiness. Being a responsible pet owner is crucial to ensuring proper care for your pet.  Responsible pet ownership means ensuring that your pet leads a healthy, happy, and fulfilling life. February is National Responsible Pet Ownership Month. Here are the key responsibilities every pet owner should be aware of and prioritize:  

their homes, and their animals. At one point five separate fires were blazing. The two biggest fires, the Palisades fire and the Eaton fire, destroyed complete neighborhoods and communities. The ferocity of these fires shocked everyone and we are still reeling from the damage and loss of life. More Red Flag warnings and another rare Particularly Dangerous Situation warning are in effect this week, and we know we are not yet out of danger.

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 did not cause them.

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 safe during winter and the holidays. The weather, holiday food, festive plants, and decorations can all pose threats to our animals. Preventing accidents or exposure will keep our animals safe and healthy, and your veterinary bills low!

For many years, the dogs cared for by DACC have benefited from the Grooming Gives Hope program. This program, funded by the Los Angeles County Animal Care Foundation, pays for professional groomers to come to the animal care centers and groom the matted, dirty dogs that have found their way to our centers. It is one of the most life-affirming programs we have, and I am thrilled that it is now expanding due to a generous grant to hire two full-time animal groomers for the next year!