LA Animal Shelters Face Overcrowding Crisis with 900 Pets Safe for Adoption

Los Angeles city animal shelters are experiencing a severe overcrowding crisis, with over 900 dogs in custody and the Chesterfield Square/South LA shelter housing nearly 250 dogs and puppies. Officials warn that without immediate community support through adoptions, healthy, adoptable pets may face euthanasia due to lack of space. In response, LA Animal Services has reduced adoption fees every weekend this month, with all adopted pets being spayed or neutered, vaccinated, and microchipped. The crisis coincides with the city’s $1 billion budget shortfall, prompting Mayor Karen Bass to propose restoring $5 million to the Animal Services budget to prevent shelter closures. These recommendations still require approval from the Budget and Finance Committee and City Council. Animal advocates are urging residents to help ease overcrowding by adopting pets and supporting local shelters.