Today, there is no single state agency charged with licensing, inspecting, collecting data from, or providing consistent oversight of the thousands of entities involved in companion animal care throughout California. That needs to change.

The California Animal Welfare Association (CalAnimals) today announced the launch of "It's a Sign," a new public awareness advertising campaign designed to encourage more Californians to adopt pets from animal shelters.

February 13, 2026 Dear City Leaders, On behalf of the California Animal Welfare Association (CalAnimals), the state association representing and supporting more than 300 shelters, animal control agencies, private humane societies, and other animal welfare organizations, we are writing to encourage cities and municipalities to carefully evaluate the standards, oversight, and accountability measures in place for animal services providers that you contract with to meet your legal...