Longtime Animal Welfare Executive Named to Lead L.A.'s Animal Services

Gabrielle Amster, a 19-year veteran, will take over as general manager of the city's animal shelter system.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 2:26am

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A brightly colored, high-contrast silkscreen print of a dog bowl repeated in a tight grid pattern, capturing the pop art style and conceptually representing the everyday tools of animal welfare work.Amster's appointment to lead L.A.'s animal shelters aims to bring innovative approaches and improved services for the city's pets and their owners.Los Angeles Today

Gabrielle Amster, a longtime executive in animal welfare services, has been appointed by Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass to oversee the city's animal shelters as the new general manager of L.A. Animal Services. Amster's appointment must still be confirmed by the City Council.

Why it matters

L.A. Animal Services has faced criticism in recent years for issues like overcrowding and inhumane treatment of animals in its shelters. Amster's appointment is seen as an opportunity to bring steady leadership and a forward-looking vision to improve services and outcomes for both animals and the communities that care for them.

The details

Amster was previously the director of the Wallis Annenberg PetSpace from 2021 to 2025, where she is credited with increasing adoptions and improving access to spay and neuter services. Prior to that, she was the executive director of the Palm Springs Animal Shelter and served on the board of the California Animal Welfare Association. If confirmed, Amster will lead one of the largest shelter systems in the country, with six animal shelters and animal control officers who deal with roughly 60,000 animals each year.

  • Gabrielle Amster was named to the position on Friday, April 18, 2026.
  • Amster's appointment must still be confirmed by the Los Angeles City Council.

The players

Gabrielle Amster

A 19-year veteran of animal welfare services who has been appointed as the new general manager of L.A. Animal Services. She previously served as the director of the Wallis Annenberg PetSpace and the executive director of the Palm Springs Animal Shelter.

Karen Bass

The mayor of Los Angeles who appointed Gabrielle Amster to lead L.A. Animal Services.

Staycee Dains

The previous director of L.A. Animal Services who resigned amid criticism in 2024.

Annette Ramirez

The current interim general manager of L.A. Animal Services.

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What they’re saying

“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.”

— Karen Bass, Mayor of Los Angeles

“The people and pets of Los Angeles deserve every opportunity to thrive together.”

— Gabrielle Amster

What’s next

Gabrielle Amster's appointment as the new general manager of L.A. Animal Services must still be confirmed by the Los Angeles City Council.

The takeaway

Amster's appointment represents an opportunity to bring experienced leadership and a fresh perspective to L.A. Animal Services, which has faced longstanding challenges like overcrowding and inhumane treatment of animals in its shelters. Her track record of increasing adoptions and improving access to spay and neuter services suggests she may be well-equipped to address these issues and improve outcomes for both animals and the communities they serve.