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...

For many years, the dogs cared for by the Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care and Control 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...

Dear Friend, I write to you today with deep concern as we face a critical crisis in our animal care centers. The number of animals in our care continues to climb, straining our resources and capacity to provide each one with the attention and care they deserve. Now, more than ever, we appeal to our community...

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...

By Director of Animal Care and Control Marcia Mayeda 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...

By Marcia Mayeda One of my favorite sites on social media is the site called WeRateDogs. WeRateDogs asks pet owners to send photos of their dogs, then posts selected photos with humorous comments. Dogs are rated on a scale of one to ten, but always get an above-ten rating. The posts are always enjoyable...

Several years ago, I was walking our three dogs at the time, Isabella, a Great Pyrenees, Rebecca, a Golden Retriever, and Lucy, a Bernese Mountain Dog. In the middle of our walk, Isabella began having difficulty breathing. Her gums turned blue, she began vomiting, and collapsed. I was several blocks...

L.A. County Animal Care and Control Director Marcia Mayeda has released the December Newsletter, looking back at 2023. By Marcia Mayeda.  As we bid farewell to another remarkable year at the Department of Animal Care and Control, I extend heartfelt gratitude for your support in promoting the welfare...

Being an animal lover from my earliest memories, one of my favorite childhood movies was Dr. Doolittle. As you probably know, Dr. Doolittle was a veterinarian who had the magical gift of being able to talk to animals. Oh, how I wished I was able to do so as well! Unfortunately, this ability doesn’t...

Walking your dog can be one of life’s simple pleasures, offering exercise, bonding time and a breath of fresh air for both you and your furry companion. However, safety should always be a top priority to ensure a positive and enjoyable experience for both you, your pet and other people and animals...