FAQs

Questions about the Application process.

Am I eligible for services?

If you are disabled by a life-threatening illness, or are over 65, reside in Los Angeles County, consider yourself to be low-income, and your companion animal is at least 6 mos. old, you may be eligible.

How do I document that I am disabled by a life-threatening illness?

We request that you provide a physician’s statement attesting to your disability.

How do I apply?

If you are a person living with a life-threatening disability, you can apply for the PAD program online here. You can download the PAD application forms here. If you are age 65 or older, you can apply for the PACE program online here. You can download the PACE application forms here. Or, to request an application to be sent by mail, email or call 213-741-1950 ext. 106.

What if my animal is over 8 years old and has not been spayed or neutered?

Generally, you will not be required to alter an animal over 8 years old.

What constitutes low-income?

The income threshold is 165% of the federal poverty level.

Can you find a home for my animal if I can’t care for him/her?

PAWS/LA is not an animal adoption agency. Visit our Links page for animal rescue and adoption agencies in Los Angeles County.

What if I move out of Los Angeles County?

Los Angeles County residency is required for eligibility. Check our Links page for other PAWS-type agencies throughout the U.S.

Questions about Services provided.

What type of animals are eligible for services?

We provide assistance to domesticated companion animals, including dogs, cats, birds and fish.

What help can you provide to me and my animals?

Assistance includes pet food, vet care, grooming, and in-home support. Assistance is provided as resources and dollars are available.

How do I access the pet food bank?

Eligible clients may access the pet food bank once a month, at our main facility at 1150 S. Hope St.  It is open each Wednesday and Thursday from 2 pm to 5 pm, and Fridays from 10 am to 1 pm, and 2 pm to 4 pm. In addition, clients may pick up food at Plummer Park, 7377 Santa Monica Blvd., West Hollywood, on the1^st Wednesday of each month from 1 to 2 pm, and the 2^nd Monday of each month from 12 to 1 pm. If you are clinically homebound, you may receive a delivery once monthly.

What if my animal needs to go to the vet?

If you are a registered client of PAWS/LA, contact the Client Services staff at 213-741-1950 ext. 106 during normal business hours. If you are not a client of PAWS/LA, view our links page for other programs that might be able to help you. Unfortunately, we are unable to provide for emergency services after hours or on weekends.

Are there other sources of financial assistance for my animal?

Check the Links page for other resources that may be available to you.

Questions about Housing Rights for animal guardians living with a disability.

What are Service Animals, Assistance Animals, and Companion Animals?

An animal that provides service or assistance to a person living with a disability is referred to as a Service, Assistance or Companion Animal. Examples include Seeing Eye Dogs, Hearing Dogs, Seizure Alert Dogs and Emotional Support Companion Animals. Most of these animals have received specialized training, and some wear special vests or collars. However, federal law does not require the animal to wear any identifying items.

If you are a person living with a disability, and your medical provider prescribes an animal – including dogs, cats or other domesticated animals – to assist you in living with your disability, the animal must be accommodated in any apartment or condo, as long as it is reasonable to do so. You must submit a Request for Reasonable Accommodation to your landlord and provide a copy of your Physician Letter of Prescription along with the Request form.

My apartment building doesn’t allow pets. Will I have to get rid of my animal?

No. From the State of California Department of Fair Employment and Housing website:

“At the request of a person with a disability, a housing provider must make reasonable accommodations in rules, policies, practices or services when these accommodations may be necessary to afford a disabled person equal opportunity to use and enjoy a dwelling.

This includes, but is not limited to:

Making an exemption to a “no pet” policy to enable a disabled tenant to have a service animal.

A housing provider may ask a tenant for medical verification of the need for reasonable accommodation. This is limited to verification that the person is disabled within the meaning of the law and that there is a need for the requested accommodation. However, the housing provider is not entitled to any information about the nature of the disability.”

My landlord wants to charge me a Pet Security deposit. Can she do this?

No. From the State of California Department of Fair Employment and Housing website:
Guide, Signal or Service Dogs or Other Animals

Persons with disabilities have the right to use the services of a guide, signal or service dog or other such designated animal and to keep such animals in or around their dwellings. Landlords may reasonably regulate the presence of the animals on their premises but may not impose any extra charges or security deposits. Tenants, however, are liable for any damage caused by their animals when proof of such damage exists.

My dog barks a lot, and my landlords says I have to move. But my dog is a prescribed assistance animal. Can he evict me?

No. From the State of California Department of Fair Employment and Housing website:

Guide, Signal or Service Dogs or Other Animals

Persons with disabilities have the right to use the services of a guide, signal or service dog or other such designated animal and to keep such animals in or around their dwellings. Landlords may reasonably regulate the presence of the animals on their premises but may not impose any extra charges or security deposits. Tenants, however, are liable for any damage caused by their animals when proof of such damage exists.