SpcaLA Urges Community to Donate Food Amid Sudden Pet Shortage

SpcaLA’s urgent plea for food donations has taken center stage in Los Angeles this week. The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Los Angeles (spcaLA) announced on Monday, December 8, 2025 that a sudden shortage of pet food is leaving shelter animals hungry and malnourished. The nonprofit, which has long served the community by rescuing and caring for animals in need, says the shortage is the result of a combination of factors, including a surge in puppy adoptions, increased intake of animals from hoarding situations, and a rise in dogs surrendered by their owners.

Why the Shortage Matters

Madeline Bernstein, spcaLA President, emphasized that hunger is a pressing issue for both people and animals in the community. “Hunger is a topic front-of-mind for many in our community. Animals are not immune,” Bernstein said in a statement released by the organization. She added, “Shelter pets come here hungry, malnourished, and often injured or sick. An essential part of their recovery is proper nutrition and feeding. We need help to keep them well-nourished and healthy.”

The organization’s statement made it clear that without adequate food supplies, the animals’ recovery process is compromised. Proper nutrition is not only vital for immediate health but also for long‑term well‑being, especially for pets that have been neglected or abused before arriving at the shelter.

How You Can Help

SpcaLA is calling on the public to contribute in two primary ways: monetary donations and pet food donations. The nonprofit has provided specific locations where pet food can be dropped off, ensuring that donations reach animals quickly and efficiently.

Pet Food Drop‑Off Locations

• South Bay Pet Adoption Center – 12910 Yukon Ave., Hawthorne, CA 90250

Wednesday to Sunday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

• P.D. Pitchford Companion Animal Village & Education Center – 7700 E. Spring St. (in El Dorado Park), Long Beach, CA 90815

Wednesday to Sunday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

• Pet Adoption Center & Administrative Office – 5026 W. Jefferson Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90016

Wednesday to Sunday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The organization also welcomes corporate contributions. Pet food brands or stores that wish to arrange a company donation can contact spcaLA directly at [email protected] or call 323‑334‑4485.

Monetary Donations

While the article does not list a specific donation link, spcaLA encourages financial contributions to help purchase more pet food and cover other operational costs. Monetary donations are essential for covering the cost of high‑quality, nutritious food that meets the dietary needs of a diverse animal population.

The Role of the Community

The video that accompanied spcaLA’s announcement was broadcast during NBC4 News at 4 p.m. on Monday, December 8, 2025, reaching a wide audience across the city. By featuring the nonprofit’s message on local television, the organization hopes to mobilize residents who may not otherwise be aware of the urgent need for pet food.

The call to action highlights the importance of community involvement in animal welfare. When residents donate food or money, they directly influence the health outcomes of shelter animals. Even small contributions can make a significant difference in an animal’s life.

Key Takeaways

• SpcaLA is experiencing a pet food shortage due to increased intake from puppies, hoarding situations, and owner surrenders.
• President Madeline Bernstein stresses that hunger is a critical issue for shelter pets, impacting their recovery and overall health.
• Donations can be made in person at three designated drop‑off locations or via monetary contributions to support food purchases and shelter operations.

Moving Forward

The nonprofit’s appeal is a reminder that animal welfare is a shared responsibility. By stepping forward to donate food or money, Los Angeles residents can help ensure that shelter animals receive the nutrition they need to heal and thrive. The organization’s leadership, led by President Bernstein, remains hopeful that community support will bridge the gap caused by the current shortage.

SpcaLA’s request underscores the shared responsibility of the Los Angeles community. By donating food or money, residents help ensure that shelter animals receive the nutrition necessary for recovery and eventual adoption. Each contribution directly supports the animals’ well‑being and the shelter’s capacity to care for them.

The organization’s appeal was amplified through a broadcast on NBC4 News at 4 p.m. on Monday, December 8, 2025. The video, produced by NBC Universal, Inc., brought the urgency of the situation to a broad audience, encouraging residents to act promptly.

SpcaLA remains committed to transparency and accountability. The contact details provided—email and phone—allow donors to verify the use of their contributions and stay informed about the shelter’s needs. SpcaLA’s leadership expresses gratitude for any assistance, emphasizing that every donation makes a tangible difference.

As the shelter continues to face a critical shortage, the community’s generosity becomes vital. SpcaLA urges anyone who can help to act now, ensuring that the animals in its care receive the nutrition they need to thrive.