There are many situations a pet owner or anyone concerned with animal welfare may face.  Fortunately, in an era where pets are now commonly regarded as family by most people, there are an abundance of organizations, agencies and websites that can help.  They are identified in the column on the left.   

Pets are regarded under the law as personal property that, without prior planning, will pass to your heirs just like your your couch or your car.  The column on the right allows you to review the many California statutes that affect dogs, cats and other domesticated and non-domesticated animals.   It will also discuss appellate cases or particular code provisions that relate to the damages you may recover if your pet is killed or injured. 

If you have any questions, you can reach me through my Contact page.   I look forward to speaking with you if doing so can help you or your pet.  There is, after all, nothing more important than protecting a family member.   

Page: http://www.californiapetlawyer.com/Resources.html

National and International Organizations 

• Humane Society of the United States
• The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
• World Society for the Protection of Animals

California Animal Welfare Organizations

• Directory of Statewide Animal Shelters 
• General and Breed Specific Rescue Organizations

Greater Los Angeles Area Public Shelters

• Culver City Animal Care & Control
• Los Angeles City Animal Services 
• Los Angeles County Animal Care & Control
• Pasadena Humane Society & SPCA
• Santa Monica Animal Control Unit 

California Statutes Affecting Pets and other Animals

Specific code sections, a brief discussion of the areas with which they deal, and much more, can be accessed at:

• Pet and Animal Welfare Statutes

California Appellate Decisions and Laws Concerning Pets and Their Value

• McMahon v. Craig (2009)  No right to emotional distress or loss of companionship damages suffered by the devoted owner of her five year old Maltese due to veterinarian malpractice.
• Civil Code Section 3355:  "Peculiar value" of property unique to its owner does not include the sentimental feelings or emotional value an owner attaches to his or her pet.
• Civil Code Section 3340:  Punitive damages may be awarded for injuries to pets by willful or gross negligence in disregard of humanity.