The County of Los Angeles Department of Animal Care and Control has received a 2019 Achievement Award from the National Association of Counties, which recognized DACC in the category for Community and Economic Development for the “Pawsitive Steps” program.

The L.A. County Department of Animal Care and Control was honored for its eight-week program that focuses on the human-animal bond. (photo courtesy of the Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care and Control)

Pawsitive Steps is an innovative eight-week program that emphasizes the importance of the human-animal bond and its impact on both emotional and mental well-being. The first-of-its-kind approach teaches probation youth new skills pertaining to animal care, as well as an appreciation and understanding of animal behavior.

The program pairs kittens in need of foster homes with probation youth to care for them. The youth provide kittens with the nurturing they need until each kitten (and youth) has graduated from the program. At that time, a forever home can be found for the kitten.

Pawsitive Steps is a collaboration between the Los Angeles County departments of Animal Care and Control, Probation, Mental Health and Public Health, as well as the Los Angeles County Office of Education and Juvenile Court Health Services.

“The Department of Animal Care and Control thanks NACo for recognizing this L.A. County collaboration to provide a life-saving program,” DACC Director Marcia Mayeda said. “The Pawsitive Steps program saves the lives of vulnerable kittens while teaching valuable skills to young women in an educational and supportive environment.”

“Counties seize opportunities to deliver services more efficiently and build stronger communities every day,” NACo President Roy Charles Brooks said. “Achievement Award-winning programs are examples for counties that are determined to enhance services for our residents.”

For information, visit animalcare.lacounty.gov.