Fireworks Expected to Fill LA City Shelters Beyond Capacity

Every year around the Fourth of July, LA Animal Services Centers fill beyond capacity with terrified lost pets. This means that available shelter space can be the difference between life and death for our shelter guests who have been with us past the required hold period. YOU can make that life-saving difference by fostering for four days or more or adopting.

In Los Angeles, daily dog and cat admissions at the six LA Animal Services Centers increased by 5.1% from July 2 to July 6 in comparison to the average daily intake in 2017. The loud sounds of July 4th fireworks frighten dogs and cats. If they get out of the house or yard, they run in fear. Then these frightened dogs and cats can’t find their way home and end up at our City shelters. These pets are counting on us to help reunite them with their families.

We need YOUR help right now to create life-saving space in our crowded City shelters.

“While many people are out celebrating, the shelters will be flooded with scared pets,” said Brenda Barnette, LA Animal Services General Manager. “Our hope is that animal lovers in Los Angeles will open their home and hearts to help orphaned pets. If you aren’t ready to adopt, fostering is a great way to see what it’s like to have a four-legged addition to your family.”

We have hundreds of wonderful dogs and cats of all ages, breeds and sizes waiting to be your temporary companion or best friend forever. Adopt or foster a shelter pet today. By giving an abandoned pet a new home or letting them stay with you for a short time, you are saving two lives, the one you are caring for and the one who now has room at the shelter.

Every pet is spayed or neutered, vaccinated, microchipped and ready to be placed in a good home. Additionally, to help maximize space during this critical time, the Pet Care Foundation is helping us reduce $50 on our adoption fees this weekend, June 23rd and 24th, during their biannual CHI-PITTY-KITTY adoption event. Cat and kitten adoption fees are $26.00 and pit bull terriers and chihuahua adoption fees are $72.00 (includes $20 City license). Click here to view our adoptable pets.

To volunteer to foster, print your application at LAASFostering or go to your nearest animal services center and ask for a Foster Volunteer Application. Please drop off your completed form to your nearest center as soon as possible so we know we have you as a resource during our busiest time. You can pick up a pet to foster right away or we can reach out when we need the most help.

The shelters are open Tuesday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. We are closed on Mondays and the Fourth of July. To find the shelter nearest you, visit LAASlocator or call (888) 452-7381 .

Together, we can save more lives in the City of Angels! Our heartfelt thanks will be nothing compared to the lifetime of memories and unconditional love you will get from your furry friend.

Reprinted from LA Animal Services email.

Los Angeles Department of Animal Services  is one of the largest municipal shelter systems in the United States with six shelters serving approximately 60,000 animals annually and responding to 20,000 emergency calls involving an animal or person in danger. LA Animal Services promotes and protects the health, safety and welfare of animals and people.