The Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care and Control is committed to improving dog behavior knowledge throughout the department and investing in its staff. Therefore, DACC is pleased to announce a new partnership with Dogs Trust USA and the implementation of their Professional Development Program.

Dogs Trust USA, Inc. is a 501©(3) drawing a long history of dog expertise and evidence based research. They are the affiliate organization of Dogs Trust, the UK’s leading dog welfare charity founded over 130 years ago. Dogs Trust USA aims to help as many dogs as possible here in the US to find loving homes and live happy and healthy lives.

“Many dogs that come through our doors either haven’t had a loving home in which to learn proper training, or are anxious in an animal care center setting,” said Marcia Mayeda, DACC director. “We’re so grateful to Dogs Trust USA for this partnership, which will help our staff master the skills needed to prepare dogs with behavioral foundations fit for forever homes.“

The Professional Development program will provide DACC staff and volunteers with additional behavior knowledge focusing on key fundamentals of dog behavior and learning related to the Animal Care Center environment. The goal is to empower staff, build their confidence in dog behavior, and be able to pass their knowledge via in house training to other staff and volunteers.

“Dogs Trust USA is extremely proud to partner with the L.A. County Department of Animal Care and Control. We’re committed to improving the dog behavioral knowledge of their animal care center employees and volunteers, which will in turn positively impact the overcrowding issues in L.A.,” said Steve Goward, Dogs Trust USA’s head of Professional Development in Canine Behavior. “The program will have an ongoing ripple effect, as these employees will then mentor other current and future employees and volunteers.”

The program will be starting in March 2023 and will be led by Gemma Smith, the Training & Behavior Project Manager of Dogs Trust USA and DACC department wide.

About DACC

DACC operates seven animal care centers throughout Los Angeles County, providing care to nearly 30,000 animals each year. The Department has been recognized by various animal welfare organizations and local agencies for its innovation and animal life-saving efforts.