The city of Los Angeles received a $14 million grant from the ASPCA and Best Friends Animal Society to support its six animal shelters, officials announced Thursday. The City Council authorized the Department of Animal Services (LAAS) on Wednesday to execute the funding agreement, which provides $7 million from each organization to improve shelter operations and animal care.
How will the $14 million grant be used?
LAAS will use the funds to support more than 20 essential staffing positions. These include specialized roles for community cat programs and expanded teams for fostering and adoptions, according to the announcement.
Four consultants from the ASPCA and Best Friends will also be embedded in LAAS facilities. These experts will provide direct support for animal health and safety, program implementation, and staff training.
What are the primary goals of this initiative?
The program focuses on three core priorities: increasing operational efficiency and in-shelter care, expanding community engagement to keep pets with their owners, and improving outcomes for adoptions and reunifications.
Mayor Karen Bass described the investment as a “transformational moment” that will create more lifesaving opportunities for animals across the city. ASPCA President and CEO Matt Bershadker stated the approval makes a “powerful statement” about the importance of animals and their caregivers.
What happens next for LA animal shelters?
The ASPCA and Best Friends will provide support over an initial three-year period. Following this, LA Animal Services has committed to making best efforts to sustain the programmatic advancements and key positions for an additional three years.
This structure suggests the city may need to identify long-term funding sources to maintain these roles once the initial grant period ends. The 85% save rate for cats and kittens in 2025 could serve as a benchmark for the program’s success.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is providing the funding for the Los Angeles animal shelters?
The funding is coming from two organizations: The American Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) and Best Friends Animal Society, each contributing $7 million.
How many shelters in Los Angeles will be supported?
The grant is designed to support the city’s six animal shelters.
What specific staffing roles will the grant create?
The grant will support more than 20 positions, including expanded foster and adoption teams and specialized roles for community cat programs.
Do you think private-public partnerships are the most effective way to manage city animal services?