The two times I been here on purpose was to get myself a new kitty cat This was many years ago but I found myself ready to get a new cat after my previous cats passed away and I thought why not adopt? I've never adopted as I've always have been given a cat/kitten I went during black Friday of all days and I got Molly She was a tortie and tiny so tiny she couldn't be fixed yet so I had to come back to get her operated which was no problem and they did a great job! A year later I got pepper and he was also a small little kitten Both experiences were great and I had no issues Staff was always friendly and nice and I honestly tell people to come here read more

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I still strongly believe in adopting over shopping when it comes to dogs. I wanted to give an update on the dog we adopted from this shelter and how things have been going. He's an amazing cuddle bug who loves pets, car rides, and treats. We're still working on some toy possessiveness, but it has improved immensely from where it started. He's not a danger to anyone and has even been able to play with other dogs in small group settings a few times. We also fostered a dog for a weekend to help with potty training before it went to its new home, and our dog absolutely loved it. Scout has truly been the missing piece we didn't know we needed. He can be a little lazy at times, but he has so much personality packed into his small body. Adopting a shelter animal takes time, patience, and understanding--but time really does heal. Don't let initial behavioral notes or interactions at the shelter deter you from finding your perfect match--your fur friend, soul dog... or cat... or even a critter. We've even created a whole backstory for him, and we genuinely believe adopting him was one of the best decisions we've ever made. He gets so many compliments on how he looks, and he soaks up all the attention he gets from strangers. read more

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Review #909 2025-084 Harbor Animal Services Center is part of The Department of Animal Services in the City of Los Angeles that was established in 1863, saving & caring animal lives that make their way into their shelters. It's 1 of 6, with other locations in Chesterfield Square/South Los Angeles, East Valley in Van Nuys, North Central in Lincoln Heights, West LA, & West Valley in Chatsworth. They're one of the largest municipal shelters in the U.S. with a Specialized Mobile Animal Rescue Team (SMART), serving 60,000+ animals annually. The shelter has a team of animal care technicians who oversee the animals' care & enrichment with at least 1 veterinarian as well as registered veterinary technician who assists. The team has training & experience in orthopedic surgery, wildlife, high volume spay/neuter, etc. There's community resources like pets.findhelp.com, a free, first-of-its-kind website where people in L.A. can find & access free or low-cost pet services in their community. The shelter is usually clean but sometimes cluttered, either with food & other supplies/equipment. They're often overcapacity by 30% or more for dogs, but they don't keep track of kittens/cats or other animals. They hold a few adoption events throughout the year to encourage adoption so the adoption cost is discount by 50% from their already low fee. Adopted pets can join their new families already spayed/neutered, vaccinated, licensed, & microchipped, & new fur baby parents receive a VCA Healthy Start Certificate, which provides up to $250 of follow-up veterinary care within the first 14 days of adoption. And adopted canines are eligible for free dog training classes at the Paws for Life K9 Rescue People & Pet Innovation Center in Mission Hills, CA. I adopted my 1st fur baby (grey striped tabby) that was headed for this shelter. The owner's kitten was a stray that followed her home, escaped & got pregnant; her landlord allows pets but limited to a max of 2, so she had to give up the kittens. At the time, she claimed that if they were headed to the shelter, they would have 7 days to be adopted or likely euthanized due to overcapacity. Not sure if this claim is true, but that's how Pepper joined my family & lived with us for 18+ years. We've been back to this shelter many times, & the staff & volunteers are friendly, helpful, & knowledgeable. The volunteers are especially kind & caring, advocating for these fur babies to find permanent homes. There's been times I wanted to add another fur baby to our family, but either the temperament wasn't right or relationship concerns (like a dog getting along with my cat). I may come back to join Harbor Animal Services Center's volunteer program because I love animals & want to give back to the community that connected me with my fur baby. Or maybe join their foster team to provide temporary residence until they find their permanent family. read more

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Crazy wait times . I had to just pick up an anti parasite pill . Got here at 11:20 , was to fill out a form and that there was a wait . I said I'll come back in an hour . Got back by 12:30 . Then another wait for an hour . Just for a pill . Very understaffed and inefficient system - come only if you are prepared for extremely long waits read more

Harbor animal service center is such an amazing place if you're looking to adopt. Sally was a massive help as well as the rest of the staff. Thank you guys for everything read more

Wonderful, caring staff lots of doggies and cats and even rabbits ready for adoption low cost to spay neuter and care available. Also not open on Monday :-( but other shelters nearby are great having this here in San Pedro. read more

The people at the front desk have unwelcoming service they don't make eye contact with you or make you feel welcome. I'm surprised they're still working there as others have also said the same about the front end customer service, you would think a good manager or management team should take note of that. They also now ask every customer for a donation making it feel mandatory yet their service is very slow and unfriendly you'd think they treat their customers better after all because it's how they eat. Photo is the people angry because they made them wait so long for simple vaccinations. The two lady workers went to go hide in the back once they seen I pulled my camera out. read more

Harbor Animal Services Center - Animal Shelters Near Me - San Pedro, California

We got the IBD under control... finally. Not the institution's fault. It must be so sad working here. I can't say that I blame some of the staff for shutting down as a defense mechanism for what they have to deal with every day. My heart truly goes out to the animals still there and I humbly pray in ernest they find a home.. That being said.. the gurls.... They're not up for pictures right now, they just like relaxing this time of day... I'm sorry.. I know this job must be absolutely overwhelming and not all of the animals can be saved. I'm glad that I pulled these gurls (sisters) and I'd like to let you know that after a year we are doing well. read more

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The team here is awesome, and even though I don't live nearby they're definitely dedicated to the animals. Staff and volunteers both are majority friendly and helpful. Yes there are bad days sometimes but that's because it's animal care. I fostered a dog here and got a lot of support and follow up. Only reason one less star is because the parking is really difficult, and I've heard someone say their car was stolen parking it on the street because of that. I don't know if that'll get resolved unless they share the car wash lot or something. But I appreciate the smaller less-crowded shelters since I don't think they have to euthanize as much, which is more a privilege they have than anything in particular they're doing different to receive less dogs. read more

Rescued 2 pups from here. They were bonded pair, named Wander and Winston. They are now known as Missy and Elliot. They are a great addition to my family. originally went into Foster and came home with these two little guys. The first pic is them on adoption day and now after two months with me. read more

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I can't get even a single phone call through in a random Wednesday. Just wanted to see what exactly I need to bring for simple vaccines cause their website has nothing up today since January and it's the end of June. I don't know if I need physical copies of their vaccines, registration records or if they even check for it. Absolutely no one to answer my questions. I just want the best for my pets at an affordable price because everything is expensive nowadays. I can't even get a hello from a human. read more

Simple process, very nice workers, amazing pets that deserve homes. I was told one of the cats I got was returned multiple times but he just needed someone to be patient with him and that's what I did, he's now in a loving home who will never return him or hurt him. read more

Harbor Animal Services Center - I adopted both of these amazing cats from this shelter two years ago. Best thing I've ever done. Love them with all my heart. - Animal Shelters Near Me - San Pedro, California

We adopted a dog here on Easter Sunday. I cannot say enough about how wonderful everyone here was. We had visited the day before and everyone both days were soo helpful, friendly, and kind. The volunteers there are also fantastic! I had visited multiple shelters the week before and this one was by far the best! The girls at the front desk were great they knew the animals and loved them! read more

Harbor Animal Services Center - Animal Shelters Near Me - San Pedro, California

An excellent place to come and save a life and add a fur baby to your home. If you're looking to adopt an a cat or dog please consider any of the conveniently located LA animal shelters. There are plenty of deserving critters in need of forever homes and the process of getting yours couldn't be easier. In these days of the pandemic, you simply go online...see what you like and call to schedule a pick up (if your selection is still available). That's it! And best of all they come with their shots, microchipped and are fixed. I was really impressed with the coordination of the staff at Harbor ASC. Super friendly, knowledgeable and following social distancing protocols as well as wearing masks etc.. Finally, we are super excited to have rescued a kitten and add him to our family! He's a real charmer and gets along great with our other rescue cat. Please consider using LA shelters for your next pet adoption. Cheers! read more

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This place is soooo dirty! Not even Carson or any other shelter is as dirty as this place! Poop everywhere, some lady gossiping in her office no one at the front desk ppl literally can come in and out without no one finding out! Terrible service ! read more

The supervisor in front is horrible. Terrible person that should not be working with animals. I brought In 2 dying kittens that were less than 2 weeks old. One was hardly breathing. I wanted to put it out of its misery. She said I needed to take them to Carson animal shelter stated I got them from a rescue. I did not get them from a rescue I said they were rescued. I live in San Pedro she would not even come talk to me. I rushed them the point Vincente animal Hospital. Point Vincente animal hospital was amazing. They were not able to save the one who was having trouble breathing but they helped its sibling with antibiotics and only charged me for the medication. When you have someone in your lobby crying trying to help helpless kittens you don't take them out of their hands and put them in a cage causing one of them to start crying for help. It was horrible I was asking for help to open the cage. They all just looked at me, as soon as I got the cage open and held the other sick kitten it stopped crying. Such a traumatizing experience. read more

I stopped by to donate dog beds and blankets, and a large white husky was lying in at least 3 days worth of poo, even in its water bowl! Desperate to get away from its own messes, it was eating them just so it could lie down. There were 4 staff members talking about where they were going to leave ch and when I asked if the dog could get a clean cage and water, they said they were "right on it"' I drove away, But was so disgusted by this dogs situation I came back and yet 30 minutes later nothing had changed. I'm still sitting here an hour later and no one has done anything! read more

Very friendly and helpful staff. We got a young dog that is so friendly. Very reasonable.

Please adopt it has been a year since I adopted buhbuh from Harbor! Big thank you to the volunteers and staff for helping me find my bestfriend read more

Harbor Animal Services Center - My dog - Animal Shelters Near Me - San Pedro, California

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Terrible experience here! No idea how their ratings are so high. My sister and I found a kitten (whom we found out later was 5 months old) in our front yard. The cat did not seem like a street cat and looked terrified of the outdoors he definitely seemed like he was a house cat due to behavior and appearance (he seemed like an expensive breed). After 1 week of feeding him and asking all our neighbors if he belonged to them we brought him to this shelter hoping they could scan for a microchip and possibly reunite with the owner. We brought him in a bassinet car carrier which I use for my own cats (which apparently is relevant). The moment we got there we were ignored as all the staff who just chit chatted and we were told to wait. When one of the women finally attended us she sat at her desk across the table and never even looked at the kitten inside the bassinet carrier. We tried explaining how we found the kitten and believed he was a house cat but she wouldn't even let us speak and chastised us telling us to leave the cat where we found him and that cats were free roaming and a bunch of other nonsense (including calling us cruel for bringing him there???). We tried again to explain that 1) he was a kitten and 2) he was definitely a house cat. She never even bothered looking at the kitten and said he wasn't a kitten but an adult and to put him back that unless he was injured he belong in the street and was free roaming. After essentially telling us they wouldn't help us and to leave she also bizarrely claimed we had been there before and done that before (I'm not sure what she meant by that??) because she recognized the carrier I was using ???? Apparently I'm the only one in the planet with that carrier despite being a best seller on Amazon. We stuck to our guts and took the kitten to the vet where not only did they verify he was a KITTEN but he also had a MICROCHIP. The experience here is extremely concerning as someone who lives in the area knowing if my pet got lost and someone brought it in to this shelter they would be told to toss it in the street where it could possibly be run over without even scanning for a microchip is appalling. If the person (middle aged/older African American women) who helped us was a volunteer she needs better and more extensive training if she's an employee she needs to be fired this is not the line of work for her. I would have taken him to get scanned at a vet in the first place but I was under the impression this type of shelter was there to help in these situations but apparently their recommendation is to toss lost animals out in the street. First and last time going to this place. P.S. kitty is reunited with his family (who were desperately looking for him). They recently moved to the area and poor baby ran out during the move. read more

This center is one of six under the City of Los Angeles Animal Services Department. The other five locations are: East Valley (Van Nuys), North Central (Los Angeles), Chesterfield Square (South Los Angeles), West Los Angeles, and West Valley (Chatsworth). I came here on a Saturday in June with my sister who was looking to adopt a dog. Their website says that they are open without appointments Tuesdays and Thursdays 8:00a-5:00p, and Saturdays and Sundays 11:00a-5:00p. Appointments are necessary Wednesdays and Fridays 8:00a-5:00p. This info may change so best to check laanimalservices.com before visiting. The center is located off of N. Gaffey Street, near the 110fwy. We were coming from OC, so we took the 710fwy through the container terminals and onto Gaffey, so it was on our lefthand side. Almost missed it since it's not that big and noticeable. Their parking lot is pretty small and fills up quickly, but not sure where else you can park. We got there early morning so fortunately we found parking, but by the time we left, a few cars were lined up in the driveway waiting for others to leave. The office to see the animals is actually the building at the end of the parking lot. The building on the left when coming into the parking lot looks like the animal care center (maybe do vaccines, spay/neutering, etc.?), and behind that is the administration office where you pay the fees. At the time of our visit, we were required to wear a mask the whole time (even when outside looking at dogs) and show proof of COVID vaccination. Now, they may have dropped the mask requirement (but again, please check their website prior to visiting). I am aware that there is a staff shortage not just here but pretty much at every animal shelter, yet too many animals, so yes, there were poop in the kennels. I even found poop on the walkway, perhaps left from walking/transferring the dogs. Most big dogs were in their own kennel for obvious reasons, but the smaller dogs were kind of cramped into groups of 3~5 per kennel due to overflow. It's hard not to get emotional knowing that a lot of these dogs came from sad situations such as being abandoned, abused, and hoarded. With that being said, the staff we encountered were very nice and helpful, and seemed to really care for the animals (admin lady was all business though). Added note: Please check the available animals AND lost animals on their website. There are some available animals that are inside the building area not accessible to the public eye due to being new there, or their age, health condition, etc. Animals in the lost section can become available for adoption once the hold is up (unless owners or rescues pick up), so if there is one that catches your eyes, you can inquire about it. read more

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Current information needed! Not info that is nine years old! Dog info needs to be separate from cat information. Poorly organized. Website needs to be current if you expect animals to be adopted. read more

Got a new cat and is awesome. The volunteers and workers there are nice and easy to work with. My son and wife chose a cat that was already up taken care of for shots and all. Overall great experience and would recommend if you're looking for a pet. read more

This place is is pretty bias against bully breeds. My dog loves the vet, and here she was obviously barking bc other dog were barking and crying. I get told to have my dog wait outside bc she was making other dogs nervous and well defi don't recommend this place if you have pitts. I perfect my local vet where she is treated with love and is always greeted. it is a great place for ever other breeds. But I rather take my dog to a place where I know she get quality care. read more

This isn't about adopting... this is about my cats neuter appointment. I am not sure what happened to my poor cat while in the hands of these folks... $180 after.... plus a small donation.... they even asked.... I get home, and my cats squinting with his left eye. I don't think much of it, I thought maybe he was having a weird twitch post surgery and medications WRONG!! It looks as if my cat was attacked by another animal or injured under their care. I have photos from that day of him. (WHAT MAKES ME UPSET IS NO ONE SAID ANYTHING TO ME) Very dishonest. read more

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Customer service and this place is disgusting and rude. First off you can't even call them directly which is ridiculous, i was transferred three different times to try and help save this dogs life. Checko was a dog that I was trying to save, he has been at this shelter for over a year with no interest. One of my friends had posted online saying that it was not fostered he will be euthanized this week, turns out if I don't get ahold of someone by 5pm today he will be euthanized tomorrow. So as I'm calling and getting all the information I found out he needs to be taken out by a 501 organization and then transferred to a family who is interested in adoption or fostering for the time being. I gather all the information as fast as I could, called so many organizations and found one! They needed to push back the date bc they are located in Coachella valley and need time to come down and asses him. They were willing to save this dog and doing everything they can but nope I was put on a 30 min hold! Bc they transferred me to kennel and of course no answer. If anyone is looking for a organization that helps recuse dogs, please look up https://thearc-ca.org they answer and are super helpful. Let's help save a life and not end one! The photo below is the precious baby that could have been saved! He never got the loving home he deserved read more

Harbor Animal Services Center - Animal Shelters Near Me - San Pedro, California

Casey the vet tech working there should not be working with animals or be dealing with general public. She is a tech not a vet and acts like she is a dr by diagnosing the animal. She can't do that. She then will treat people like they are beneath her and she is in total control. Does not care about the welfare of the animal Should not be working in this profession or at this place read more

I cannot speak for the shelter it self but their staff is very unfriendly and unwelcoming every time I donate. I wish I could say it's only been once or twice but every time we go and we have been donating for months their staff cannot be bothered. It's been several times where they don't even want to make eye contact or acknowledge your presence as if you're bothering them by even walking in there. Really makes me question how they treat the animals that they take care of. read more

It's a great and a wonderful day when you can go rescue or adopt a pet at your local animal shelter at San Pedro Harbor Animal Care Center they have a variety of pads on the internet to look at and then make the call for an appointment to visit the animal you are inquiring about. So if you see a fur baby that you want go to San Pedro animal shelter on North Gaffey they are a non kill animal shelter unlike Carson they are a high kill animal shelter I've been trying to find a new friend mine passed away 3 weeks ago now we have a new addition to our family at home and his name is Lakota rocket. The people that diss shelter it was very friendly and helpful explained about the pet when you visit behind a wire fence due to the pandemic when you look online write down the number under the picture description of the animal for example A1952942. So when you call you will give them your pet number and the pet name if any and call for an appointment so I highly recommend Harbor Animal Control Center you will get more results than you would if you called Carson shelter. My wife and I would like to thank the shelter for our (new buddy my pal my friend) this shelter gets a 5*****.... good luck with your new family fur baby pet read more

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LAAS; You had no right to kill a 10 month old pup named Molly. You don't know what was wrong with her if anything. Did a veterinarian evaluate her before she was euthanized? If not then your practices are negligent. With all the money the GM makes you should be able to hire a couple more vets who can actually look at and treat these animals entrusted in your care. read more

Harbor Animal Services Center - Animal Shelters Near Me - San Pedro, California

Paid under $100 for all 3 shots for 2 dogs. No where is beating that unless you wait for a free or discount pop up. It was kind of a long wait but it saved me some good $$$ so it is what it is. read more

Harbor Animal Services Center - Help them out ! - Animal Shelters Near Me - San Pedro, California

I was donating a few months ago and noticed as well several staff members just sitting around while one particular dog in his cage barking excessively and seemed unhappy. I only bring this up now as a previous post stating staff leaving husky to sit in his own pooh longer than necessary. Must not be walking them. I also don't see any responses from management on these threads. It appears to be poor management as well as lazy employees. Very sad. Maybe they need to hire people that love or at least like animals. read more

oh good another terrible experience. a SECOND appointment to get our cat checked so he can get neutered. we drive all the way there and wait half an hour to be told they somehow without telling us cancelled the appointment. all they had to do was check to see if his heart murmur had been corrected..... would've taken 30 seconds. but no.... they want us to waste more of our time. I will NEVER adopt from or donate a dime to the place again read more

Heartless, extremely let down due to poor rude staff. ⁉ I didn't have appointment to drop off the stray dog I found so I was leaving. When middle age women tells me she really likes the dogs and wishes to take her. ( dog has no chip). They denied me taking the dog to another shelter but they told me I couldn't leave it their bc no space, told me "Either take it home with you (which I can't have animals bc of living status) or back to the streets." ⁉I'm thinkings what's best for the animal. She asks if she can keep it so I hand over the dog. Staff from inside the building seen the exchange and proceeded to cancel the appointment she had 1 week before taking the pregnant cat she found on the street, told her "We have no space, you'll have to take the cat with you home." And then pulled out "if you can take the dog in, you can take the cat" And after that, they also told her to just leave it back where she found it, which is the streets. read more

The staff was very helpful and came home with a few goodies for one of our pets. Thank you

Great people! All very friendly and helpful. The animals are clean despite the horrendous overcrowding. I donate supplies regularly. All of my dogs were shelter dogs. They are the best! GRATEFUL DOGS. Please consider Harbor Shelter on Gaffey in San Pedro. Your new best friend is waiting for you! read more

I recently took in two cats from this shelter. However, I had to temporarily leave one cat behind as they informed me that she hadn't been spayed yet. The following day, after they had administered drugs to her, I received a call informing me that she had already been neutered, although inexplicably, they did not have any records indicating that the procedure had already been done. So when to pick her up and after a few days I had to rush both of my cats to the emergency. They both had a viral infection that spread to their lungs. I can't believe that the animal shelter gave me two sick cats. If you get an animal here make sure they check them. I was told that they did, apparently not good enough. read more

I have had several homeless cats get treatment here, and also 2 of my own, adopted from the shelter right next door. I have been coming here almost 20 years, I adopted my first cat before they even moved the shelter here, from next to DMV down the street. They are wonderful here always. Best prices for spay and neuter, compassionate, fast, efficient, never had one single problem with them. Our latest homeless cutie pie is now in a new home, we are very happy with his recovery, they always do a stellar job. The read more

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Everyone tries their best even under pressure. This includes patrons and Employees as well. Its a sad state of affairs when the animals have to suffer so much read more

I've been a volunteer here for a few years, and can still rate this place 4 stars (even after being "behind the scenes"). This is a pretty neat shelter compared to others. The layout is simple and easy to figure out (which helps when you're looking for a lost pet, or a specific size of dog). The commodities here are also better compared to other shelters. There are misters installed in each dog cell which is great for hot days. There are beds and blankets in the hidden area of most cells (except for the ones where specific dogs are destructive to them). When it's cold, it's pretty common for the little dogs to be dressed in cute little sweaters thanks to some caring ACTs and volunteers. This shelter accepts donations of all sorts of things by the way, so if you have extra blankets, beds, towels, or anything, please do think of them. The dogs, cats, and rabbits here all get treated well. They all get exercise time and cuddles (which helps for transitioning to a home environment). If an animal needs extra care, they're even put in isolation. All animals here have little cards that specify if they have particular needs or behavioral issues. Some animals even have stories about where they came from, which tug at your heartstrings even more. For example: One of the young bunnies came in with an exposed broken leg (the bone was sticking out, but around it all was healed). She was a young rabbit and ended up having that leg amputated. Despite having a painful start, she was the happiest tripod when adopted. This place may seem understaffed at times, but you have to think about how many volunteers they rely on, so please do be patient. I'm particularly a fan of their specials and events. For example: In the summer months, they encourage adopting two cats out as "summer buddies." They usually have a pet of the month who gets featured here as well, so do keep an eye out! read more

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