A new Los Angeles Animal Services program allows people to temporarily keep found animals instead of turning them in to shelters. (photo courtesy of Los Angeles Animal Services)

Los Angeles Animal Services launched the new Shelter-at-Home program allowing community members to provide home care for dogs and cats they find instead of bringing them to animal services centers.

Los Angeles Animal Services authorities said there are many times when community members find dogs and cats in their neighborhoods and recognize them as a neighbor’s pet and return them safely. Other times, they do not know where the pet lives but would like to provide a temporary home care until the owner is found.

Under the new program, people can temporarily keep an animal they find but must notify the closest L.A. Animal Services Center within the first four hours, send two or more photographs and have the pet scanned for a microchip.

“Statistically, lost pets are often easier found the closer they are to home,” said Brenda Barnette, general manager of Los Angeles Animal Services. “With Shelter-at-Home, communities can come together to help bring four-legged family members back home by utilizing social media and posting flyers nearby.”

Shelter-at-Home aims to ensure lost animals receive home care and medical care if appropriate. The program also keeps animals out of the shelter system and provides much needed space in the facilities. Barnette also anticipates it will benefit animals taken in by residents who are concerned or refuse to turn them in to a shelter because they fear the animal will not be claimed or placed. The programs also allows animals to be held in less stressful environments.

For information, visit laanimalservices.com/found-pet.