LAAS Transparency Report - 2024 Update
Executive Summary and Introduction
On March 22, 2023, our Office released a transparency report on Los Animal Services Shelter Operations and Animal Care. This report provided a detailed look and better understanding of the Department of Animal Services with a focus on shelter operations and conditions.
Since the release of the report:
- The new General Manager took office on July 3, 2023. However, as of August 2024, the General Manager is currently on leave. The department is currently being overseen by an Acting General Manager.
- The department’s operating budget for FY2023-24 was $31.69 million, an increase of 17.7% from last year (FY2022-23).
- With the increase in budget also came the increase in staff. The department received 393 authorized positions compared to the previous fiscal year with 371 authorized positions.
- The Volunteer Program underwent changes to allow for a faster onboarding process and an accelerated path for volunteers to become certified to handle animals.
- Major Policy Motions affecting LAAS are currently going through or have already been approved by City Council:
Despite these changes and improvements, the City’s shelters continue to suffer from an overcrowding crisis with no end in sight. Dogs still continue to be kenneled sometimes two to three large dogs to a kennel. Pop-up kennels are being used by shelters to house dogs in back hallways or in some cases community rooms.
The City’s current financial situation has also led to decrease in funding for the Department’s operational budget for Fiscal Year 2024-2025, which includes but is not limited to the elimination of vacant staff positions and a decrease in funding for animal food and medical supplies.
Scope
The scope of this report covers January 2023 through June 2024. The source of the data are as follows:
- Meetings with Management
- Woof Stat Reports
- Unannounced visits to each of the six shelters
- Interviews with shelter staff
- Board of Animal Services Commissioner meetings