PAWS/LA - Los Angeles, California

Stephanie

I love PAWS/LA and I help volunteer there. I believe is not the agency job to help with food or vet assistance. What would happen if PAWS LA didnt existed? People should be responsible for the pets as it when it comes in spending money on vet assistance, grooming or food. PAWS LA does more than what other people think. If they dont like the requirements that are in the website then dont apply. Thank you for the resources PAWSLA you guys are the best!!!!

CM T.

I’ve been a client of PawsLA since 2017 and initially had only positive things to say. They supported me during some of my lowest moments. But in 2024, my feelings have changed. PawsLA, like much of the animal healthcare industry, seems more focused on profit than on truly helping pets.

The animal healthcare system, much like the human healthcare system, thrives on keeping individuals dependent on treatments and medications. Some veterinarians and experts, like Dr. Judy Morgan, have revealed that certain procedures, like spaying and neutering, may actually harm pets. The 2013 UC Davis study also found increased risks of cancers, joint disorders, and other health issues from these procedures.

Consider these risks of spaying and neutering:

• Increased likelihood of joint disorders (hip dysplasia, cruciate ligament tears)
• Higher risk of cancers (bone cancer, hemangiosarcoma)
• Increased risk of endocrine disorders (hypothyroidism)
• Behavioral changes (fearfulness, anxiety)
• Obesity and urinary incontinence
• Changes in coat texture and delayed growth plate closure

Critics may argue otherwise, but often those critics are part of an industry that profits from these procedures. If you wouldn’t perform these operations on a child, why should it be acceptable for your pet?

PawsLA claims to help low-income pet owners by offering food and medical assistance but refuses to help anyone whose pets aren’t spayed or neutered. Their justification? They’re just following the rules set by the City of Los Angeles. This policy allows them to sidestep any liability for the potential harm caused to pets by these procedures.

I believe the people at PawsLA genuinely care about animals, but they’re unwilling to confront the moral issue that these rules may actually be hurting the pets they aim to help.

Recently, I lost my job and faced health challenges that prevent me from finding stable work. Without any form of income or support, I turned to PawsLA for help. They refused to assist me because I won’t risk my puppy’s health by having him neutered. How is this fair? PawsLA isn’t forcing the procedure, but their policies mean they won’t help unless it’s done. It’s heartbreaking that my pet might suffer because of these rules. PawsLA needs to take responsibility for the impact of its policies on the lives of pets and their owners.

SHURMSTICK

I called this place on the phone cuz my dog needed some help. Talk to them for a bit and then I was told I would have to be 65 or older to get assistance. They should put it in the website ahead of time so one does not waste your time on the telephone. Especially when my dog needed help.

San M.

What can I say about PAWS/LA ? Well I did found a whole bunch of good people willing to take over my sick dog veterinarian's cost in a moment when I needed it the most in search to cure my companion dog. My dog didn't survived her sickness but I still have a cat and another dog to which PAWS/LA supply food once a month. Omar is very professional, good hearted, and the courteous person in charge. The one that always take care of me is Stephany, a bilingual young lady willing to go the extra mile to help, she's also very professional. Like I said, everybody there is out to help us seniors. Two thumbs up PAWS/LA !!!

F H.

I am a veteran US ARMY, and this place has to be so unbelievably unorganized and disrespectful to a request of a veteran’s personal information, that I worry for the pets and service animals like my own they handle.

Be very careful because they will limit you to the information that you ask them for. And when you specifically say you don’t want your personal information emailed due to the risk of identity theft, they (Omar) will literally say that “you don’t have to email it, you texted it to us and then we emailed it to our computer”. Which literally means that it’s being emailed as I specifically said I would never want done. They don’t want to listen at all and then they hold over your head this, “Remember, you’re asking us for help“ and that was Omar that said that to me. Well Omar, you can take your help and stick it up your dogs ___!

I feel sorry for any animals that they own. I would rather panhandle or not eat for two weeks and make sure she gets the help which she needs, then to never use or recommend this nonprofit.

They had the audacity to email me after I hung up on Omar refusing their help when I’d obviously already expressed that they weren’t a choice at all anymore by disconnecting the disrespectful call from Omar.

Richard C.

Staff Omar Oliveres was absolutely informative, welcoming and went above and beyond to assist me with enrolling with paws LA. I am grateful for this organization.

Shanda J.

They haven't even responded to me and i asked for cat food. My cat's need some really bad. I'm not working I'm disabled and I'm trying to get things in order and I think that's very rude, at least respond to a text within forty eight hours. I'm gonna have to give my cats up because I can't afford to take care of them.

David M.

I have been a member since April 2003 and I have always received the best customer service as far as client provider relationships are concerned they have given both of the dogs I had under my care everything a dog or any animal for that fact could want Or need clothes food chew toys Veternarian services at one of the best animal hospitals in Glendale. So enjoy your 5 star review you guys earned it.