spcaLA Reopening

Since the onset of the pandemic most animal welfare organizations switched to a combination of appointment based interactions, managed intake procedures, online applications, and virtual services. Many of us did some of these things for the first time. Additionally, to protect staff, their families, members of the public, customer and vendors, adopting public health safety protocols and being vigilant about compliance was easier and safer in an appointment controlled setting.
That said, we learned something!

• Our pets were less agitated and therefore more receptive and responsive to visitors. This increased adoptions and reduced returns.
• Our pets stayed healthier as germs were not spread as frequently through visitors touching the pets.
• The reduction in stress seemed to strengthen the pet’s immune system and kept them healthier as well.
• Our visitors loved the one on one concierge service, the relaxed adoption counseling sessions and the use of convenient and expedited internet tools to conduct business!

Your spcaLA never stopped adopting, providing meet and greets, and personal interaction sessions to connect with pets. Classes, shopping, and programs such as Animal Safety Net and Behavior classes continued to thrive within the confines of state and local health orders. In other words, we were never closed and our employees, essential workers, continued to care for pets and conduct these programs.
With each improvement of the pandemic safety guidelines, spcaLA increased the number and purposes of appointments.
We will continue the practices that benefit our pets, and we are creating new practices to maintain our level of customer service while slowly starting to acclimate to a more robust and crowded shelter. Our new normal will adapt the adaptations made during the pandemic and not return to an unimproved normal. Thank you for your understanding, cooperation and feedback throughout this very trying year.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and the World Health Organization, while there have been instances of dogs and cats being infected, to date, there is no evidence that a dog, cat or any pet can transmit COVID-19. COVID-19 is mainly spread through droplets produced when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or speaks. To protect yourself, clean your hands frequently and thoroughly, and remember to wear a face covering and practice social distancing when in the presence of people outside your household.
Guidance for Pet Owners

• Maintain good hygiene practices by washing hands thoroughly with soap and water after touching pets, in keeping with CDC guidelines.
• Do not allow your dogs to play with other dogs or meet people during daily walks. Keep a six-foot distance between your dog and others, just as you would with other people. If dog parks are still open in your area, avoid them.
• Curb your dog’s interest in sniffing excrement of other animals, or picking up refuse on the ground.
• Before you come inside from a walk, wipe your dog’s paws with a sudsy solution of pet shampoo and water. When finished, discard the wipe and thoroughly rinse your pet’s paws with water to remove soap residue. If you have them available, you may consider having your dog wear shoes, socks, or booties outdoors.
• Keep your cats and other pets safely indoors. If you are unable to confine your cat, follow the wipe down procedures indicated above.
• Do not use Lysol wipes, bleach, or other harsh chemicals on your pets. Ask your veterinarian for additional safe options to clean your pet’s paws.

Adoptions are conducted by appointment. Please view our adoptable pets at spcaLA.com/adoptable. Then, please complete an application for a specific pet, and our counselors will follow-up.

LEARN MORE

If you believe your lost pet is housed at the spcaLA South Bay Pet Adoption Center, please call (310) 220-2978 to make an appointment. You may not visit without an appointment.

LEARN MORE

PET FOOD BANK

DISASTER PREPAREDNESS

PET BEHAVIOR

WILLS & PET TRUSTS

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

PET REHOMING

Pet Adoptions: Adoptions are conducted by appointment. Please view our adoptable pets at spcaLA.com/adoptable. Then, please complete an application for a specific pet, and our counselors will follow-up.
Lost Pets: If you believe your lost pet is housed at the spcaLA South Bay Pet Adoption Center,
please call (310) 220-2978 to make an appointment. Do NOT visit without an appointment.
spcaLA Marketplace: Shop in-store or schedule curbside pick-up, Wed – Fri 9am-5:30pm Sat & Sun 9am-4:30pm . Start shopping or call to place your order (562) 206-1376.
Donations: Online donations are most needed. Checks & money orders may be sent to spcaLA 5026 W Jefferson Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90016. Learn more about donating needed items.
spcaLA Facilities: Open by appointment only.
spcaLA Pet Hotel & Grooming Salon: Closed.
spcaLA Volunteers: Volunteers are returning in phases to in-shelter work, not currently recruiting new volunteers; more Foster Volunteers needed
spcaLA Dog Training: Online private training & in-person, socially distanced group classes may be available. More info
spcaLA Programs for Youth: Online courses available. More info
Volunteer Info Sessions: postponed temporarily

If you are enrolled in an spcaLA class or workshop, you will be notified by email of cancellations and schedule changes.