Mayor Karen Bass Appoints New General Manager of Los Angeles Animal Services

LOS ANGELES – After a comprehensive search process, today Mayor Karen Bass announced the appointment of Gabrielle Amster as the new General Manager of Los Angeles Animal Services, where she will lead efforts to further strengthen lifesaving, humane care, operational excellence, and community engagement across the City’s animal shelters. A photo of Amster is available here.

Amster brings more than 19 years of experience advancing innovation, collaboration, and life-saving outcomes in animal welfare, along with a deep personal commitment to the city she calls home. A recognized leader across both municipal and nonprofit sectors, she is known for her diplomatic leadership style, her ability to build and sustain high-performing, mission-driven teams, and her use of technology to deepen and expand the human-animal bond.

Her track record includes building impactful programs, partnerships, and organizational cultures that drive lasting change for animals and the people who care for them. During her time at Wallis Annenberg PetSpace, she significantly increased adoptions, improved staff retention, expanded access to spay/neuter and veterinary services, and strengthened ties to the broader Los Angeles community.

“Ensuring the highest standard of care for animals in Los Angeles requires experienced leadership and a clear commitment to progress,” said Mayor Karen Bass. “Gabrielle Amster has spent nearly two decades advancing innovative approaches in animal welfare, building strong teams, and improving lifesaving outcomes. I am confident she will bring steady leadership and a forward-looking vision that strengthens the department and improves services for both animals and the communities that care for them.”“I feel honored by the confidence that Mayor Bass has shown by entrusting me with this vital work,” said Gabrielle Amster, Animal Service General Manager Appointee. “It will be a privilege to support and collaborate with the skilled and dedicated team in the department. I look forward to supporting and harnessing the considerable talents and energy of our essential volunteers, and I am eager to work closely with New Hope rescues and other valued partners to provide the highest standard of care and best positive outcomes. The people and pets of Los Angeles deserve every opportunity to thrive together.”

Jill Tucker, CEO of CalAnimals, noted, “We appreciate the City of Los Angeles taking this important step in leadership. We have known Gabrielle Amster to be dedicated to the well-being of animals and the people whose lives they touch, and we wish her every success in this role.”

“The City of LA will be lucky to have Gabrielle as the new GM of Animal Services,” said Nikole Bresciani, President and CEO of Inland Valley Humane Society & SPCA. “She is dynamic, collaborative, and cares deeply about pets and people. I look forward to her driving positive change for the organization and the community.”“Gabrielle is one of the most passionate and effective leaders I’ve had the privilege of working alongside,” said Jennifer Wong, Principal Consultant at JLW Consulting & Advisory. “She has a rare ability to unite veterinary teams, animal care professional staff, community members, and partners around a shared commitment to animal well-being. Her leadership is grounded in deep expertise and compassion, and she consistently translates strategic vision into meaningful impact. Los Angeles Animal Services will benefit tremendously from her collaborative approach and unwavering dedication to improving animal welfare across the county.”

“We look forward to working with Ms. Amster, an established leader in animal welfare who has demonstrated a passion and commitment to improving the experience and outcomes for sheltered animals,” said Aimee Sadler, Founder/CEO of Dogs Playing for Life. “We anticipate all good things for LAAS under her leadership.”

The appointment will now be referred to the LA Arts, Parks, Libraries, and Community Enrichment Committee, and other committees of jurisdiction, followed by a vote of approval by the Los Angeles City Council.

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