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Board proclaims April 11 National Pet Day and Therapy Dog Appreciation Day, highlights county animal services and volunteer programs
Summary
The Board of Supervisors approved a proclamation recognizing National Pet Day and Therapy Dog Appreciation Day and spotlighted county animal‑care services, fee waivers and volunteer therapy‑dog groups that provided disaster and hospital support.
The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors voted on Tuesday to proclaim April 11 as National Pet Day and Therapy Dog Appreciation Day in recognition of the role pets and therapy animals play in community wellbeing. Supervisor Hilda Solis introduced the item and the board adopted the proclamation by unanimous vote.
Supervisor Solis emphasized the mental‑health and community benefits of therapy dogs, and described county programs that reduce barriers to pet ownership, including vouchers for veterinary services, free microchip events, and waived adoption fees for seniors during April. She thanked volunteer organizations and county search‑and‑rescue teams that deploy animal teams during disasters.
Representatives from volunteer groups and animal welfare organizations addressed the board during the public comment period. Volunteers from Love on 4 Paws and Best Friends described regular visits to hospitals, nursing homes and evacuation shelters; an ASPCA representative said the group supported the proclamation and urged adoption from shelters. Several county fire search‑and‑rescue handlers and their canine partners were recognized during the presentation.
Why it matters: The proclamation is symbolic but draws public attention to animal‑care services, disaster response roles for search‑and‑rescue dogs and volunteer‑led therapy programs that county leaders said eased stress after recent wildfires and during hospital recoveries.
Votes at a glance: Motion by Supervisor Hilda Solis, seconded by Supervisor Lindsey Horvath. Vote: Solis — yes; Horvath — yes; Kathryn Barger — yes; Janice Hahn — yes. Motion carries 4 to 0.
Next steps: The board encouraged public awareness and use of county animal‑care services and recognized volunteer groups for continued outreach.
