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 […] The post Winter and Holiday Safety Tips for Pets first appeared on Animal Care and Control ..read more

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 […] The post Grooming Give Hope: Saving Lives One Bath at a Time first appeared on Animal Care and Control ..read more

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 […] The post Don’t Forget Why We’re Here first appeared on Animal Care and Control ..read more

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 […] The post The Surge of Private Equity Firms in Veterinary Medicine: What It Means for the Industry first appeared on Animal Care and Control ..read more

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 chilling precursor to violence against humans. This dark connection has long intrigued researchers, law enforcement agencies, and psychologists alike, prompting extensive studies to understand its complexities and implications for society. Patterns and ..read more

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 frightened family members immediately. It is a stressful and frantic time of the year for our staff, pets, and the families who have lost their cherished companions. As we eagerly anticipate the festivities of the Fourth of July—complete with fireworks, barbecues, and gatherings ..read more

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.  Placing pets with new families requires a delicate balance of understanding the animal’s needs and the adopter’s wants. Sometimes people gravitate to an unusual or striking looking animal and base their adoption interest on the animal’s appearance. Later, they find that the ..read more

 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.  Placing pets with new families requires a delicate balance of understanding the animal’s needs and the adopter’s wants. Sometimes people gravitate to an unusual or striking looking animal and base their adoption interest on the animal’s appearance. Later, they find th ..read more

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 groups. We are all working at full capacity as we strive to find as many possible live outcomes for the dogs relinquished to our care. There are several reasons for this increase. The demand for puppies or dogs durin ..read more

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, so this kind rescuer bribed the dog into her car with some lunch meat and the dog made her way to safety at our Downey Animal Care Center. She was emaciated, filthy, and had ear infections and diarrhea. Our Downey medical team treated her ear infections and tested her for parvovirus, giardia ..read more