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LA Animal Services Faces Critical Overcrowding: Immediate Help Needed to Save Lives
05/01/2025
LOS ANGELES, May 1, 2025 – LA Animal Services is urgently calling on the community to help save lives as our shelters face a severe overcrowding crisis. More than 900 dogs are in our custody and the numbers continue to climb. The Chesterfield Square/South LA shelter is especially overwhelmed, housing nearly 250 dogs and puppies.
Without immediate help, healthy, adoptable pets are at risk of euthanasia simply due to lack of space. LA Animal Services has reduced adoption fees every weekend in May.
“Our Chesterfield Square/South LA shelter has already seen a 32% surge in dog intake compared to the same time last year,” said Annette Ramirez, Interim General Manager of LA Animal Services. “With nowhere left to house incoming animals, we are facing heartbreaking decisions for pets who deserve a second chance.”
Here’s How You Can Save a Life Today
Adopt
Give a pet a loving home! All six LA Animal Services Centers are filled with incredible dogs, puppies, cats, and kittens ready to be part of your family. Adoption fees are reduced every weekend in May. Adoptions are just $51 for dogs, $75 for puppies, $12.50 for cats, and $25 for kittens. Every adopted pet comes spayed or neutered, vaccinated, and microchipped. Come in to adopt or browse adoptable pets at LAAnimalServices.com.
Foster
Can’t adopt? Open your heart and home temporarily. Fostering even for a short time saves lives and makes critical space for others in need. Visit your nearest shelter to get started today.
Shelter Hours:
Tuesday–Friday: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Saturday–Sunday: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
(Closed Mondays and City holidays)
To view the amazing animals available for adoption or fostering, go to LAAnimalServices.com.
Every adoption or foster makes a difference. Your actions today can help save lives
2025-2026 Budget
During the Budget Meeting on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, the Mayor’s Office recommended that the $5M in the ‘unappropriated balance’ be put back into the Animal Services Budget, which would restore funding for the filled positions so that no shelters will close. The Mayor’s tweet also shows her support of the Department by tweeting ‘My budget contains funding for the department in two different areas – in the departmental budget but also an additional $5 million in what’s called the “unappropriated balance”. Combined, this means all 6 shelters will be able to stay open. We understand the need to continue operating all City shelters and will work with the City Council to assure that the priority for animal care and their wellbeing is reflected in the final budget.’
The Mayor's recommendations will require the approval of both the Budget and Finance Committee and City Council to be final.
For more information about LA Animal Services and how you can help the animals in our shelters, go to LAAnimalServices.com.
FAQ
How do I know what dogs and puppies are at risk of euthanasia?
Right now, adopting or fostering any dog or puppy will help save a life, regardless of whether that particular dog is at immediate risk of euthanasia. By adopting, you are freeing up kennel space for another dog that needs shelter and helping keep the shelter safe and humane for the hundreds of dogs housed at our facilities.
Why is LA City considering euthanizing for space?
We are committed to maintaining a safe, humane capacity in our shelters. Overcrowding leads to bite incidents, altercations between co-housed animals, and humane concerns. Our system was designed to house no more than 775 dogs and puppies at any time and we are currently above that capacity. By communicating transparently with the public that help is urgently needed, we are hoping to prevent euthanasia due to lack of capacity in our shelters.
