Bass Appoints New General Manager for LA Animal Services

Gabrielle Amster, with nearly 20 years of animal welfare experience, aims to improve crowded shelters and services.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 2:34am

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A brightly colored, high-contrast silkscreen print of a dog food bowl repeated in a tight grid pattern, conceptually representing the challenges facing LA's animal services department and the need for innovative solutions.A pop art-inspired celebration of the new leadership and vision aimed at improving LA's crowded animal shelters.Los Angeles Today

After a lengthy search, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass has appointed Gabrielle Amster as the new general manager of the city's beleaguered Animal Services department. Amster, who previously led the Wallis Annenberg PetSpace, is tasked with addressing longstanding challenges like overcrowding and improving services for both animals and the community.

Why it matters

Los Angeles Animal Services has struggled with leadership and operational issues for years, leading to chronic overcrowding at its shelters. Amster's appointment represents a chance to bring stability and a fresh perspective to the agency, with the goal of increasing adoptions, expanding access to veterinary care, and strengthening ties to the local community.

The details

Amster has nearly two decades of experience in animal welfare, including previous roles at shelters across the country. During her time at Wallis Annenberg PetSpace, she increased adoptions, improved staff retention, and expanded access to spay/neuter and veterinary services. Mayor Bass praised Amster's lifesaving efforts and expressed confidence that she will provide steady leadership and a forward-looking vision to strengthen the department.

  • Staycee Dains resigned as general manager in December 2024 after being on paid leave for three months.
  • As of December 2024, the dog population at the city's six shelters was 1,175, or 159% over capacity.

The players

Karen Bass

The mayor of Los Angeles who appointed Gabrielle Amster as the new general manager of the city's Animal Services department.

Gabrielle Amster

The new general manager of Los Angeles Animal Services, with nearly 20 years of experience in the animal welfare sector, including most recently as the director of Wallis Annenberg PetSpace.

Staycee Dains

The former general manager of Los Angeles Animal Services who resigned in December 2024 after being on paid leave for three months.

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What they’re saying

“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.”

— Mayor Karen Bass

“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.”

— Mayor Karen Bass

What’s next

Amster's appointment will require an approval vote by the LA City Council, though it is unclear when the council will vote on the matter.

The takeaway

Amster's appointment represents a critical opportunity to address the longstanding challenges facing Los Angeles Animal Services, including chronic overcrowding and limited access to veterinary care. Her experience in increasing adoptions and strengthening community ties suggests she may be well-positioned to turn the agency around and improve outcomes for both animals and the people who rely on its services.