LA animal shelters drop appointment requirement on Tuesdays, Thursdays

Appointments will no longer be needed to visit Los Angeles animal shelters on Tuesdays and Thursdays beginning July 5, officials said Wednesday.

The shelter system has required the appointments on weekdays as a way to reduce crowding during the coronavirus pandemic, drawing criticism from some community members and animal rights advocates who complained that the rules made it harder for the public to adopt pets and relieve the shelters of overcrowding.

“In an effort to better serve our community and encourage more opportunities for the pets in our shelters to be adopted, we are pleased to operate without appointments on Tuesdays and Thursdays, joining Saturday and Sunday that welcome walk-in visitors,” said Annette Ramirez, interim general manager for LA Animal Services.

“This decision is made possible thanks to discussions between the Department, Labor Union partners, Personnel Department, supervisors, and staff, who provide input in modifying shelter hours,” Ramirez added.

Appointments for pet adoptions will still be required on Wednesdays and Fridays (the shelters are closed on Mondays). The shelters are open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. during the week, and are open without appointments on weekends from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Appointments may be scheduled by going online or calling 1-888-452-7381. Sick or injured animals are admitted without an appointment.

Visitors must show proof of COVID-19 vaccination or a negative COVID test within 72 hours of entry into the shelter.

The city’s six animal shelters can be found at the following locations:

— Chesterfield Square/South L.A., 1850 W. 60th St.;

— East Valley, 14409 Vanowen St.;

— West Valley, 20655 Plummer St.;

— North Central, 3201 Lacy St.;

— Harbor, 957 N. Gaffey St. in San Pedro;

— West L.A., 11361 West Pico Blvd.

More information can be found at laanimalservices.com. Pets available for adoption can be found at www.laanimalservices.com/adopt/.

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