If you’re searching for the best dog shelters in Los Angeles, we’ve featured 8 of them in the compilation below.
1. North Central Animal Shelter
The North Central Animal Shelter is located on Lacy Street in downtown Los Angeles. The shelter houses lost or abandoned dogs, cats, rabbits, and sometimes other animals. Currently, the shelter is open by appointment only, so you will need to schedule a visit to view the animal(s) you may be interested in adopting.
The North Central Animal Shelter has officers working throughout the city to identify lost and injured pets. These animals are housed at the shelter until they can either be reunited with their family, or adopted into a new home.
2. South LA Animal Shelter
The South LA Animal Shelter, also known as the Chesterfield Square location, is an animal shelter in the city of Los Angeles that houses dogs, cats, and sometimes other animals such as chickens, reptiles, and more. As well as offering adoptions for animals that have been brought in (usually strays that cannot be reunited with their families), the shelter has a spay/neuter clinic on-site to help reduce pet overpopulation.
If you’re interested in adopting a dog from the South LA Animal Shelter, you can view the available pets here. The shelter also relies on volunteers to foster dogs and free up space at the shelter – if you aren’t ready to commit to adopting a pet yet, fostering is a great way to gain experience and find out whether having a dog is right for you. You can also donate to the South LA Animal Shelter here.
3. West Los Angeles Animal Shelter
The West Los Angeles Animal Shelter is an animal shelter housing dogs, cats, rabbits, and other animals. Located on West Pico Boulevard in downtown Los Angeles, the shelter also has a spay/neuter clinic on site. The dogs available at the shelter have been brought in as strays – those that cannot be reunited with their owners are listed for adoption.
If you’re interested in adopting from the West Los Angeles Animal Shelter you can browse the available dogs here (please note that some animals can only be adopted by rescue organizations). If you find a dog that catches your eye, complete an application online and schedule an appointment to meet the dog. You can also make a donation to the West Lost Angeles Animal Shelter here.
4. Los Angeles County Animal Shelter
The Los Angeles County Animal Shelter has several locations across the city of LA. These shelters are run by the Department of Animal Care and Control, which provides animal control and rescue services 24/7 in their service areas. Most animals available for adoption at the Los Angeles County Animal Shelter have been picked up as strays or are surrendered by owners who are unable to look after them.
All animals listed for adoption have received initial vaccinations, and your adopted pet is also eligible for a free veterinary evaluation and spay/neuter surgery at a reduced cost. If you’re interested in adopting, you can view the many adorable and available dogs here. You can also donate to the Los Angeles County Animal Shelter here.
5. Los Angeles City East Valley Animal Shelter
Located in Van Nuys, CA, the Los Angeles City East Valley Animal Shelter is a shelter that houses stray or abandoned animals. While some are reunited with their families, many are not and are available for adoption. Some animals are also brought in by owners who are no longer in a position to care for their pets.
If you are considering adopting a dog, you can view the many available animals at the Los Angeles City East Valley Animal Shelter here. If you find a dog that catches your eye, complete an application and schedule an appointment to meet your potential new family member. The shelter relies heavily on donations – you can make a contribution here.
6. NKLA Pet Adoption Center
The NKLA Pet Adoption Center is run by No-Kill Los Angles (NKLA), an organization that strives to create a world where no dogs die in shelters simply due to not having a home. At the NKLA Pet Adoption Center in West Los Angeles, you can meet dogs that are ready to come home with you and complete your family.
To adopt an animal from the NKLA Pet Adoption Center, you must be 18 years of age and must meet the pet in person prior to the adoption. You can view the available dogs here – keep checking back as new animals are added regularly. You can also donate to NKLA here.
7. SPCA LA Pet Adoption Center
The SPCA LA Pet Adoption Center was first opened in 1949 in downtown Los Angeles and operated until the early 2000s. Recently, the original 1940s shelter was remodeled and is now the current Pet Adoption Center for SPCA LA, an organization providing care and shelter for abused or abandoned animals.
If you’re interested in adopting from the SPCA LA Pet Adoption Center, you can view their available dogs here. Adoption fees are $255 for puppies under 4 months of age, $155 for dogs between 4 months and 5 years, and $140 for older dogs over 6 years. Adoption fees include spay/neuter surgery, vaccinations and microchips, and a health examination. Donate to SPCA LA Pet Adoption Center here.
8. Harbor Animal Care Center
Harbor Animal Care Center is located in San Pedro, CA. This animal shelter provides care for abandoned, abused, or stray animals and also accepts dogs and cats that can no longer be cared for by their owners. There’s also a spaying and neutering clinic on-site. Currently, the shelter is not open to the public – view animals online and make an appointment for a meet-and-greet.
Dogs available for adoption can be viewed here – please note that some require minor medical care that their new owner will be responsible for. You can also apply to foster a dog – a great option if you’re not yet ready to adopt. To support the organization, donate to Harbor Animal Care Center here.