spcaLA

Both when we chose our cats and, later, when we had to return one of them due to problems we couldn’t solve, spcaLA in Long Beach has been nothing short of amazing. The cats are obviously well-​cared-​for and well-​loved. The volunteers and staff know what they’re doing, and they’re awesome people who understand that life happens and you can’t always make things work.

So I actually had a really great experience with adopting my cat here. I only have one complaint. I think it’s very unprofessional and inhumane to have a vet come in and tell the front desk, in front of a person in the process of adopting, that they can’t neuter their animal that day because they have «too many euthanasia’s to do.» I understand this is not a no kill shelter but I was just so thrown off by how flippant she was about what she was saying. It just wasn’t a pleasant thing to hear, and it’s better left not said in front of people who aren’t staff.

I think this shelter is a lot nicer than other shelters. The dogs look like they are taken care of there.

Pretty disappointing experience. Committed and ready to adopt, I’d been following this dog for a week. Today was the date for him to be released for adoption, and we got there at 9:15am. Don’t expect the adoption to be a first come first serve. If there’s multiple families wanting to adopt, it becomes a lottery.
Well, we came with the entire family to ensure we all were a perfect fit for the dog, and vice versa, but because it was a lottery system, they picked names out of a hat and called out one party at a time. If the first party was not interested in the dog, they would notify the second party that was chosen. Unfortunately, we were the third.
Turns out, the first person chosen was by himself and I overheard his wife was not even there. If he was so committed in getting the dog, they should’ve at least taken this into consideration.
Well, in the end, I hope he does go to a good home, but the lottery system seems slightly unfair.

Two of my kitties came from spcaLA. I could not love them more. THANK YOU!!!

Really shady. A stray kitten wandered into my apartment and I thought I was doing the right thing by taking her to the spca. They took her in and assured me that she would not be euthanized unless she had a serious illness or was deemed «unadoptable». They assured me that she would be in good hands or I never would have left her there. Exactly 7 days later, I called to check in on her and to find out if she had been adopted. They informed me that she was scheduled to be euthanized the following day. They also said that there was nothing wrong with her but they just «didn’t have the room». When I asked if I could come to take the kitten back since I was the person who brought her there, they informed me that I would have to go through the entire adoption process as well as pay the adoption fee! So even though I am the person that took her there, they were about to euthanize her and they didn’t have any room, I still was going to have to pay. Unacceptable and frightening. Of course I paid the fees, took the kitten back home and she is doing very well. I would never take an animal back to this place. There are much better avenues to place a pet that needs a home.

I adopted dog with separation anxiety from here. First they said this dog was returned by the owner because he ran away from the fence. This dog tore up my car ceiling, couch and
blind. I called them and now they explain me that he also tore up door and run away, which I didn’t hear from them before.
However, I’m not mainly complaining about this issue, what I am mad about them is that they won’t let me adopt another dog for 3 months.(they said it’s their policy) They said I have to stick with him. I thought my anxiety dog needed company. He has separation anxiety, but he is a really good dog and loves playing with another dogs.
I think they are too strict and not flexible, too manual.
If human want to adopt 2 poor kids, do you think you can not get 2 kids unless they are
not bonded?

In response to the worker who commented on my post.
Funny, I never mentioned that they should be left outside, ignored. Not every outdoor dog is left «ignored» and cold and hungry. You need to try and think honestly and literally about the proper picture here. I have 2 outdoor dogs and they are spoiled rotten. Just because they dont live indoors because thy shed doesnt mean someone wont provide a good home. They get their daily exercise, have 2 dog houses outdoors and sleep in an indoor dog house every night. Treats, snacks, toys, big yard. I would rather leave my dogs outside to play and be happy with each other if i have to leave for work or something than to lock them up in a crate or confine them to a certain part of my home everyday.
i admire you guys watch who you adopt them out to, but loosen your reigns because although «3000 animals get good homes every year» there are many more that arent because of just how strict you guys are.

Please adopt a rescue dog.
Judge the dog by its personality, not its breed.

Despite some miscommunication and inefficiencies the SPCLA and LB ACS made good on our terrible experience, waiving the adoption fee and expediting the adoption of our sweet dog.

I went here shortly after my divorce looking for a kitten to console my son after I divorced my ex husband. Out of spite my ex husband refused to visit with my son, his stepson. This was extremely devastating to my child. I went to this shelter with a good friend to find a kitten for my son’s birthday, hoping that would cheer him up. We spotted a small calico I wanted to I interact with. A friendly volunteer took the kitten out of her cage, and allowed us to hold and interact with this adorable cutie for a few minutes, and it was love at first sight.
After the volunteer put the kitten back into the cage she directed us to the counter for papers to proceed with the adoption. The paperwork was quite lengthy, and I turned it into the receptionist. I was told that I needed my entire family to meet the kitten. I lived with my parents and could not fulfill this request within the time frame to hold the cat. My parents also worked traditional job hours, and it would be hard to coordinate this. The weekend I was searching for a kitten they were away too. When I explained this to the receptionist she became irate and even rude. These were the rules, and if I did not like them, I could adopt elsewhere. I was devastated because the kitten was just what I was looking for.
I even tried explaining that the kitten was a birthday gift for my son, and the circumstances involved. She even sarcastically said that adopting a pet because of a divorce was not a valid reason to get a pet! It did not matter to her. She came loud and told me that I needed to leave or she would have security kick me out or call the police. She was smiling the whole time.
I wonder if these people who work at this facility even have a heart. I literally cried the whole way home. The next day another friend suggested I try Los Angeles Care and Control in Downey, California. I picked out a adorable Burmese kitten we named Keylala, gave the ID number on the kitten’s collar clerk in the office the number, and picked the kitten up the following day. No fuss, no drama, and she is still a beloved member of our family.
The goal of any shelter is to adopt homeless animals, but many, such as this shelter hinder this by rude employees and unrealistic expectations. This story could have been that sweet calico. Places like this I am sure choose not to adopt to certain families and the animals end up being euthanized. This is not a no kill shelter.

I was looking to adopt another furry family member last June. I tried a few other shelters and adoption agencies but didn’t find the right fit for my existing son, Jaxx. I adopted Jaxx two years ago and he had come from an abusive background so it took a lot of time to earn his trust and break him out of his fear of humans.
My husband and I made good progress over the years we have had Jaxx and it was finally the time to get him a little brother or sister.
I usually check out the website for available dogs prior to any visit but it never worked out as planned. So, I came to this location on a whim just to browse. That’s when I found my Cody.
He looked like a rag doll. He was welcoming but not overly hyper and excited. I observed how he responded to other dogs and me just quietly squatting by his kennel.
I found out when the available date he was to apply for an application and had my husband come to complete the application if he felt he was a good fit. After he applied, the shelter staff encouraged him to bring Jaxx later that afternoon for a meet and greet.
Him and Jaxx interacted and it was a good match. We finalized the adoption over the weekend. He was scheduled to be neutered on Sunday and pick up Monday at their contracted facility in Los Alamitos.
The adoption process was easy and everyone was very helpful.
This shelter maintains a clean environment, staff and volunteers are all friendly and helpful. I would highly recommend them if you are looking to add a furry family member to your family.
Thank you for our lovely Cody :)

I recently adopted Chester (now Chuba), a 6 year old Pomeranian mix. The process wasn’t difficult and a day after putting him on hold (so he could meet my roommate), we were able to take him home.
This is my first dog and this was my first time visiting an animal shelter. All the staff and volunteers were friendly and I was happy to discover that the cottages the animals were kept in didn’t smell. The staff was very good about answering all my questions, and I had a lot of questions since this would be my first dog.
I like that the SPCA vacccinates, neuters/​spays, grooms, and gives flea treatments to their shelter animals. I also like all the samples you receive from the marketplace next door if you adopt! It made my first adopting experience a breeze.

When I saw some of the low ratings for this shelter I just had to post. First time here was almost 2 years ago to help a friend adopt a poodle mix. She found a dog she loves and it was a good experience for her.
When I lost one of our dogs in August I came on the «empty the shelters» day. Although I didn’t find a dog on that day I was impressed with how much help they had there. Although the line was out the door when I left it seemed well organized.
The husband and I came back on Saturday of Labor Day weekend and found Adele (now Tigger) a boxer/​pit (we think) mix. She was so sweet! We brought our other dog to meet her the next day and as expected they got along fine. We were told she needed to be spayed which would be done Tuesday and we could pick her up Wednesday. When my husband went to pick her up Wednesday it turned out that she had previously been spayed which was great!
They sent her home with a free SPCALA collar and leash, a free Nylabone toy and a bunch of coupons. When we did the paperwork on Sunday I used one coupon for a discount on getting her a bath at their grooming salon. The groomer said they would come and get her at 2PM. They called me when it was done to let me know how she did which was worth while to me because I’ll have that info to give my regular groomer (she did great!).
I can’t believe someone loved this dog, treated her well, got her spayed and didn’t come to get her. This dog loves everything and everybody. Four days after we got her we took her to Dog Beach in Huntington and she played in the water and with the other dogs. She in amazing. Cost was $ 140 (includes shots, microchip and voucher for free vet visit). I am a big believer in Breed Rescue groups but if $ is a factor for you be aware that they usually ask for more $ (often tax deductible) and require a home visit.
I don’t understand the comments about the dog being indoor/​outdoor. They didn’t ask me that. If it was on the application I would have said both which is correct (we have a doggie door so they can go in and out when they feel like it). Shelters need to be strict so the dogs don’t come back which is stressful for them.
Anyway, very nice shelter (I remember the old Long Beach shelter) and I recommend it.

Some of the rudest condescending people, I have ever experienced. And I’ve been a military policeman for 8 years…

We attended the Clear the Shelters event on August 15, 2015. It was chaos with people running to the kennels and we had no idea what to do or how to «claim» and dog by pulling the kennel card. Thankfully Julie and another male staff member saw us in our confusion and helped us out. We ended up getting our sweet little 4 month old Shepard mix that morning. The staff there were professional, wonderful and patient even with some impatient people and demanding people. It was craziness and we waited 2 hours in line to complete the process, but it was so worth it.
Thank you to all the staff and volunteers who helped make our family complete!

I am sad that I had to drop off some stray cats (mommy + 4 kittens). I wish I found homes for them but no one had the time or money to care for a pet. And it was getting overwhelmed with them running around our neighborhoods.
I really hope this place care for the cats and don’t euthanize them. I feel so heartbroken. The employees were really nice and said they are a no kill shelter. But reading comments on Unilocal isn’t convincing that the statement is true.

IF YOU WANT TO ADOPT A PET HERE, MAKE SURE YOU TELL THEM IT WILL BE AN INDOOR ONLY PET.
The shelter itself is very nice… clean and well organized. However, the SPCA staff leaves much to be desired. My daughter and I found a lovely dog that we wanted to adopt, only to be denied when we turned in our application. They told us that because our last dog (recently deceased, originally adopted at Long Beach SPCA) was allowed to be outdoors part of the time, we were BANNED FROM EVER ADOPTING AGAIN AT THEIR SHELTER. Never mind that he also spent plenty of time indoors with the family… because I admitted that he slept outdoors, we were now considered to be horrible people that would never be allowed to adopt again. Never mind that we took him for daily walks, played with him daily, etc. etc.; simply by admitting that he slept outdoors meant that we were banned from ever adopting another animal from this facility.
Note to SPCA staffers: how about you educate people about your philosophy of animals remaining indoors, instead of banning them for life? Your inflexible attitude is surely dooming some of your animals to death, which is a crying shame. SHAME ON YOU. We recently adopted another puppy at OC Animal Care, which was a very pleasant experience. Because of your poor attitudes towards humans, we will be taking our puppy elsewhere for obedience classes and are letting everyone we know about your inhumane treatment towards people who simply want to adopt animals in need.

I adopted 2 kittens. One 2 months and one 4 months old. The adoption process went well but im finding that my 4 month old has worms. Also my 2 month old has bad diarrhea. It got so bad that i took her to the emergency vet. The vet said it could be something from the shelter since theyre housed around so many other cats or the pain med that i opted in to get after their spay since i thought itd make them more comfortable. Turns out the med is way too strong for my tiny 2 month old who weighs just over 2 lbs.
Id recommend that you ask them how theyve been pooping before you pick them up and to opt in on the med if you see youre cat is uncomfortable

SPCA-​LA is a great place to get a pet
Ok I’m a pet lover. I guess animal lover would be more correct, but I’m NOT all PETA-​fied cuz I will wear leather, suede, fur, kill a spider or bug in my house because if you don’t pay rent you can’t stay here, and eat meat! But I have two fur babies that I rescued me and I LOVE them! They can be a handful at times but are so LOVING and sometimes can be WAAAY better comfort then PEOPLE at times! Those with fur babies I’m sure can and will agree that it’s your fur baby that knows when your upset, feel bad and just need them to lay close because it’s been ONE of those days!
So yesterday I stopped by here to drop off some cat food I wanted to donate that I had bought the day before! I figure they could use it since the government has taken a CHAINSAW to everyone’s budget EXCEPT their own in the form of CUT BACKS for ALL GOVERNMENT funded things such as schools, parks and recreation facilities, senior services, cities, ANIMAL SHELTER, etc! The funny or maybe NOT so funny thing is that the ONLY people I see having to cut back or being CUT BACK ON is YOU and ME and everyone in between! For the last few months or maybe years now in California there has been this HUGE…“SAVE WATER” campaign. So I like some of you try to do my part and conserve. And WHAT HAPPENED my bill went up. So I went to the city and because I KNEW there must be a mistake. I was told that the city got an increase so they parsed it out to all the residents in the city. WHAT, WHAT! That is BS. Here I am conserving up the WAAA-​ZOO and my bill increases anyway. So now I water my lawn when I feel l like it. If I’m gonna pay for it I might as well have a green lawn and pretty flowers in the yard.
Anywho, I’m over my little rant FOR NOW. I went on-​line earlier to make sure they even had cats because I didn’t remember seeing cat’s years before when the facility was first built and YES they did have them there. I decided to take my lunch and go make the donation.
This place is across from El Dorado park on the Nature Center side! You just follow the signs to the back. Once I was there I was TOTALLY IMPRESSED by the facility. PLENTY of parking. BEAUTIFUL grounds, they had a CAMP for kids so they could interact with the animals there… AWWWESOME. I even saw that they had their own store where you can buy pet supplies. All proceeds go to helping the SPCA-​LA facility run. There is also a building to get you pet lic, make a donation, bring a pet you have found or are searching for that got lost and pay citations. Yes citations for ALL you BAD NO LEASH and NO LIC HAVING, fur baby owners!
The last building houses the fur babies. You can hear all the doggies barking. You can even see a couple from the outside as your walking in! THAT WAS HARD to see those little furry faces behind bars! I’m not a cat person so I knew if I saw cats I would be ok, but the doggies are A-​NOTHER situation entirely. I knew if a saw them I would end up bringing a couple home or 3, and I am NOT opposed to crying! Neither was an option so I was trying to be strong.
I had 150 cans of cat food and when I walked in and was greeted very warmly before I even before I told them my intentions. It was smiles all over! The NUMBER ONE thing that I noticed RIGHT OFF was NO ANIMAL SMELL! This is a shelter with tons of animals both inside and out. It was TOTALLY CLEAN! The staff was UBER FRIENDLY, NICE and HELPFUL. They offered to give me a receipt for my donation for tax purposes and they offered to have someone help me get all the cans of food from my car! TO see a government facility that was organized and on the ball was MIRACULOUS!
On the way out to the car I asked the young lady if people could also just come by and donate their time and she said YES, AB-​SO-​LUTLY! You start off as a general person and if you decided to move up and have more responsibility they will give you classes so that you KNOW how to handle the animals, and the reason some may act a certain way. IE: aggressive or shy!
I GET IT! Times are FRICKIN TOUGH! Maybe even more so for some people than others. SO WHY NOT help out where and when you can! It’s NOT always about MONEY! It’s about HELPING OUT organizations and people in YOUR OWN community! YOU live there so why NOT make it better INSPITE of all the HACKSAW CUT BACKS! Instead of getting a PURE BREAD dog or cat come here and ADPOT a fur baby! They have a ton of fur babies that need GOOD homes and families. Everything to puppies and kittens to older dogs and cats. There is something for every family situation or preference!
Let’s ALL try and help out at our local ANIMAL SHELTER… the fur babies need us!