Dogs in L.A. shelters being euthanized at historic rate, audit shows

Dogs at Los Angeles shelters are being euthanized at a historic rate, according to a new report from the City Controller’s Office.

L.A. City Controller Kenneth Mejia released a new interactive dashboard Friday that showed the current status of LA Animal Services shelters, including the euthanasia rate of dogs, cats and kittens.

In August, the most recent available data set, 226 dogs were euthanized in L.A. shelters — the highest total since at least January 2022. More than 250 cats were euthanized in July of this year, also the highest since then.

In August, 250 kittens were euthanized across L.A.’s shelters, which was actually the lowest total since April. In May, June and July, city shelters euthanized more than 300 kittens each month.

The rate of cats “saved” in August remained in line with historic numbers, the dashboard showed, but reached a new low for dogs at only 86%. The save rate for kittens reached its lowest point back in July with only 69% saved.

While discouraging, the data provided by Mejia does show some positive trends as the total number of dogs adopted in August reached a new high with 861 finding new homes. There were 746 cats adopted out in August also, the highest total since July 2023.

The number of cats and dogs being fostered, however, significantly falls short of the number of animals in need. Only 22 cats and 47 dogs were fostered in August.

Los Angeles is currently facing unprecedented levels of capacity at its six animal shelters, with each shelter reporting more animals than they have room for.

Los Angeles Animal Services reports that its shelters are currently housing 1,270 dogs, more than 170% of its overall capacity.

As of September, all six shelters had more dogs than kennels and cages available, with the worst overcrowding in the East Valley and South L.A. shelters. Five of the six shelters had more cats than kennels available, and the West Valley shelter was the only one left with space.

The sobering numbers highlight the breadth of the overcrowding crisis happening at Los Angeles-run animal shelters.

Mejia encouraged readers on social media to contact the Los Angeles City Council and Mayor Karen Bass to bring the starting numbers to their attention.

In the meantime, those who are interested and able to foster or adopt are urged to contact LA Animal Services to find a pet in need. Officials say the rate of dogs arriving in city shelters is outpacing those leaving the shelter by one dog per day.

“An average of 47 dogs enter the shelters each day, and 46 leave,” LA Animal Services said. “If just three additional dogs left the shelters each day, LA Animal Services would get down to within its built capacity in under nine months.”

For information regarding adopting or fostering, click here .

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