Animal Shelters in Southern California

Behind every shelter is a team of people who chose the hardest job in animal welfare. They come in every morning knowing they can't save everyone - and they come in anyway. They learn the names of dogs they may only know for a week. They celebrate every adoption like it's the first one. They clean kennels that will be dirty again in an hour. They answer the phone when someone wants to surrender the dog they've had for ten years because "we're moving."

When you visit a shelter, you're meeting heroes. Not the Hollywood kind - the everyday kind who show up and do what needs to be done, even when it breaks their hearts. They remember the dogs long after they've been adopted. They know which ones loved peanut butter, which ones were afraid of thunderstorms, which ones would lean into you when you sat with them.

Municipal shelters are often the first stop for stray and surrendered dogs. These public facilities serve their communities and are usually open-admission, meaning they accept all animals regardless of age, health, or behavior. The doors never close. The work never stops. Your support - whether through adoption, fostering, volunteering, or donations - can save lives.

Los Angeles County

LA County Department of Animal Care & Control

Serves unincorporated LA County and 45 contract cities. The largest animal shelter system in Southern California.

Phone: South County: (562) 940-6898 | North County: (661) 940-4191

Website: animalcare.lacounty.gov

LA Animal Services (City of Los Angeles)

Serves the City of Los Angeles with six shelters. Operates as a no-kill model.

Phone: (888) 452-7381

Website: laanimalservices.com

Other LA Area Shelters

Orange County

San Diego County

San Diego County Department of Animal Services

Takes in nearly 7,000 lost, homeless, and abandoned animals each year. Strong foster and volunteer programs.

Phone: (619) 767-2675 | Emergency: (619) 236-2341

Website: sddac.com

Hours: Tuesday-Sunday, 9:30 AM - 5:30 PM (Closed Mondays)

San Diego Humane Society

Private nonprofit with multiple campuses. Extensive programs including wildlife rescue.

Website: sdhumane.org

Hours: Tuesday-Sunday, 10 AM - 6 PM (Adoptions until 5 PM weekdays, 7 PM weekends)

Riverside County

Riverside County Department of Animal Services operates four facilities. Currently offering free adoptions due to overcrowding - all adoptions include microchip, vaccinations, and spay/neuter.

Phone: (951) 358-7387 or 1-888-636-PETS

Website: rcdas.org

Hours: Tue, Thu-Sun: 10 AM - 4 PM | Wed: 10 AM - 7 PM | Closed Mondays

San Bernardino County

San Bernardino County Animal Care offers low adoption fees: Dogs $20, Cats $10. Free adoptions for veterans and seniors 65+.

Phone: (909) 386-9820 or 1-800-472-5609

Website: animalcare.sbcounty.gov

Ventura County

Ventura County Animal Services (VCAS) operates as a lifesaving agency with a 90%+ live release rate. Uses Socially Conscious Sheltering practices.

Phone: (805) 388-4341

Website: animalservices.venturacounty.gov

How You Can Help Shelter Dogs

The shelter workers you'll meet are doing everything they can, but they can't do it alone. They need you. Whether you can adopt, foster for a weekend, volunteer on Saturdays, or simply share a dog's photo on Facebook - it all matters. Every single action creates a ripple effect in the rescue ecosystem.