The ASPCA and Best Friends Animal Society, in collaboration with Los Angeles Animal Services, announced Monday a joint $14 million initiative to improve operations and outcomes at the city’s animal shelters, marking the largest combined investment by the two organizations in a municipal shelter system.
The multi-year effort will focus on reducing shelter intake, improving in-shelter care and increasing adoptions, fostering and reunifications, according to the organizations.
Officials said the ASPCA and Best Friends Animal Society will each provide $7 million in grant funding to support more than 20 staffing roles, including adoption and foster teams, along with operational support, including embedding staff within city shelters to assist with training, program development and animal care.
Mayor Karen Bass said the investment will help strengthen the city’s animal welfare system.
“This historic investment will enable LA Animal Services staff to place an even greater emphasis on those positive outcomes and position the department at the forefront of accountable, transparent sheltering — all with the goal of supporting pet owners and helping animals find loving homes,” Bass said in a statement.
The initiative is expected to span three years, with Los Angeles Animal Services committing to maintain key staffing positions and program improvements beyond the initial funding period.
“If we can help LA Animal Services — one of the largest shelter systems in the country — build a future where every animal receives the care, compassion and safety they deserve, we won’t just be helping transform one city, we’ll be showing communities across the country what’s possible,” ASPCA President & CEO Matt Bershadker said.
Julie Castle, CEO of Best Friends Animal Society, said the partnership has the potential to create lasting change in the city’s animal welfare system.
“This will be a moment in history we look back on, knowing animal welfare in Los Angeles was forever changed by this groundbreaking partnership,” Castle said.
Los Angeles Animal Services operates six shelters and serves about 50,000 animals annually, while responding to more than 20,000 emergency calls each year, officials said.