The County of Los Angeles is increasing its efforts this month to combat overcrowding at animal shelters by holding pet adoption events, increasing outreach via social media and providing resources and educational programs on pet care.
LA County Board of Supervisors Chair Lindsay Horvath announced that “Bark-tober,” an event organized by the Sylmar Neighborhood Council, will be held at El Cariso Park on Saturday, Oct. 19. There will be pet vaccinations, microchipping and wellness exams – all free for local pets. There will also be a petting zoo and resource information for adopting a new pet.
Horvath and Supervisor Hilda Solis adopted a motion proclaiming October as “Adopt a Shelter Dog Month” in the county.
“We are eager to connect dedicated individuals and families to amazing dogs while providing public education about the importance of being a responsible animal guardian,” said Horvath.
“During Adopt a Shelter Dog Month, we celebrate the unconditional love and companionship that shelter dogs bring to our lives,” Solis said in a statement.
The County Department of Animal Care and Control (DACC) has been faced with an increase in animals taken to county shelters and challenged even more by a shortage of veterinarians.
There are postings daily on neighborhood online sites of dogs and sometimes cats running loose throughout the county – most are not microchipped or even wearing an identifying collar. Those who post take photos hoping to locate the animal’s owner but when there is no response or someone willing to take in the dog or cat, they are oftentimes taken to a shelter.
Supervisor Kathryn Barger said out of 45 cities DACC is contracted to serve, only 27 have enacted spay-and-neuter policies. Only 28 have adopted mandatory microchipping and just 25 provide vaccination clinics.
Barger also said the high cost of living, housing challenges and a return to in-person work has made it more difficult for people to keep their pets, which has contributed to overcrowding in animal shelters.
Horvath encourages those contemplating taking a dog or cat to a shelter to first consider turning to the county’s resources.
“The county has programs to support new animal guardians, as well as those who already have a dog or cat and need assistance.
“Los Angeles County relies on the partnership of our communities to address overcrowding in our shelters,” said Horvath. “ We have many animals in need of loving homes.”
Anyone who is looking to adopt a dog this October or who is interested in learning more about how Los Angeles County can help with animal care can visit https://animalcare.lacounty.gov.
The Bark-tober event on Saturday, Oct. 19, will be held starting at 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at El Cariso Park, 13100 Hubbard St. in Sylmar.