PRESS RELEASE

Long Beach, CA – Long Beach Animal Care Services (ACS) has reached its highest adoption rate ever, increasing by 60% in the first three quarters of the calendar year over the last three years, from 471 adoptions in 2018 to 783 in 2021. 

“With pet adoptions increasing over the last few years, we’ve continued to see a positive downward trend in euthanasia rates,” said Mayor Robert Garcia. “This is thanks to the awesome efforts of our Animal Care Services team and our community. Together we will continue to strive for higher adoption rates and continue this great progress.” 

The increase in adoptions is largely due to ACS transitioning from walk-in adoptions to an appointment-based system, which allows those serious about adopting a pet the opportunity to schedule a convenient time to visit the facility and assigns a staff member or volunteer to exclusively assist them to ensure an informed adoption decision is made. The one-on-one experience has improved the quality of service patrons receive, reduces daily stress on the animals and nearly always results in adoption. ACS moved to the appointment system in 2020 due to public health restrictions from the COVID-19 pandemic and worked with other animal adoption organizations to learn best practices prior to implementation. Appointments account for over 90 percent of the adoption rate increase. 

“The appointment-based system creates a positive, seamless experience for patrons, staff and, most importantly, the animals,” said ACS Manager Staycee Dains. “Our staff and volunteers diligently work to ensure the animals coming into our facility end up in safe, caring homes and the appointment system helps facilitate that match-making.” 

ACS remains vigilant in navigating the regional and national conversations and direction of shelter operations both pre- and post-pandemic to ensure the most efficient and life-saving operations are being implemented. While walk-ins have historically resulted in lower adoption rates due to their competitive, first-come, first-served nature, ACS understands the value of allowing patrons to visit without an appointment. Three open house adoption events have been held in recent months, yielding 65 pet adoptions. ACS is working to establish regularly scheduled open house hours where no appointment is needed. 

Adoption appointments can be made Wednesdays through Fridays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturdays and Sundays, 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. To schedule an appointment to adopt or foster a pet, people can email PetAdopt@longbeach.gov or call 562.570.7387. 

More information about ACS is available at longbeach.gov/acs.