ASPCA and Best Friends Animal Society announced a joint $14 million, multi-year initiative to support operational improvements and long-term transformation at Los Angeles Animal Services.
The collaboration represents the largest combined investment by the two national organizations in a single municipal shelter system and will provide both funding and hands-on operational support. The initiative is structured over an initial three-year period, with additional commitments to sustain improvements beyond the grant timeline.
The program focuses on three core priorities: reducing unnecessary shelter intake through community engagement, improving in-shelter care and operational efficiency, and increasing positive outcomes such as adoptions, fostering, and reunification with owners.
As part of the initiative, Los Angeles Animal Services will receive $7 million in grant funding from each organization to support more than 20 critical staffing roles, including expanded adoption and foster teams and specialized positions for community cat programs. The partnership will also embed experienced personnel within shelters to assist with training, program development, and animal health and safety.
Additional efforts include expanding foster care capacity, enhancing intake strategies, and strengthening return-to-owner programs through field-based reunification initiatives. Comprehensive staff training will cover areas such as animal care, shelter medicine, adoption services, data management, volunteer coordination, and community outreach.
Los Angeles Animal Services is one of the largest municipal shelter systems in the United States, serving approximately 50,000 animals annually and responding to more than 20,000 emergency calls. The department has implemented a range of programs in recent years to reduce overcrowding and improve placement rates, including adoption initiatives, partnerships with rescue organizations, and community support services.
The initiative builds on decades of investment by both organizations in Los Angeles. Since 2014, the ASPCA has contributed more than $16 million in funding and services in the region, while Best Friends Animal Society has invested over $80 million since 1992 to support lifesaving programs, spay and neuter services, and adoption initiatives.
By combining funding, operational expertise, and on-the-ground support, the partnership aims to create a more efficient, sustainable, and humane shelter system while improving outcomes for animals and the broader community.
KEY QUOTES:
“Animal sheltering nationwide has undergone a dramatic shift in recent years—from simply housing animals to prioritizing positive outcomes. 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. I’m grateful to the ASPCA and Best Friends Animal Society for these visionary grants, which will support the department’s dedicated staff, volunteers and New Hope partners as they advance humane care and help keep people and pets together.”
Karen Bass, Mayor, Los Angeles
“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.”
Matt Bershadker, President and Chief Executive Officer, ASPCA
“Through collaboration, we can create permanent, systemic change in Los Angeles. This will be a moment in history we look back on, knowing animal welfare in Los Angeles was forever changed by this groundbreaking partnership.”
Julie Castle, Chief Executive Officer, Best Friends Animal Society
“The combined support from the ASPCA and Best Friends extends beyond the immediate operations needs of LA Animal Services. It demonstrates a commitment to a renewed vision for animal welfare across the city to keep pets and people together, by providing support to shelter staff, and creating a faster, more efficient path for animals in our care to find loving homes.”
Annette G. Ramirez, Interim General Manager, Los Angeles Animal Services
