I cannot thank SEAACA enough for helping me find Tobi! From the moment I walked in, the entire staff was incredibly welcoming, friendly, and genuinely supportive. They took the time to answer all of my questions and made sure the entire adoption process was smooth, transparent, and extremely easy. Thank you so much to everyone at SEAACA for everything you do, and for ensuring that all animals get the opportunity to find a loving, forever home. If you are looking to adopt, I highly recommend coming here! read more

Southeast Area Animal Control Authority - Tobi wrapped up in his blanket. - Animal Shelters Near Me - Downey, California

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Heartbroken by the lack of professionalism and compassion.** "I came to SEAACA today with a heart open and ready to adopt two cats and give them a forever home. Instead of a welcoming environment, I was met with extreme rudeness and terrible customer service from the front desk attendants. Adopting an animal is a serious and emotional commitment, and the staff should be there to facilitate that process, not hinder it with bad attitudes. As a local business owner, I am shocked that a facility meant to save animals would allow their staff to be so disrespectful to potential adopters. Because of the way I was treated, I did not feel comfortable moving forward here. It is heartbreaking that the animals are the ones who truly lose out when the staff is this unprofessional. I will be looking to adopt elsewhere where kindness and the well-being of the animals come first." read more

Southeast Area Animal Control Authority - Animal Shelters Near Me - Downey, California

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I am heartbroken and extremely upset with how SEAACA handled my dog after he was found following a vehicle accident. My 6-year-old French Bulldog was found on September 16, 2026 after being hit by a vehicle. He was taken into custody and brought to VCA Lakewood Animal Hospital. According to the veterinary records I received, he had bilateral displaced pelvic fractures and could not support his weight on his back legs. The biggest issue is that my dog was euthanized the same day he was found, before I knew that he had been located. I was actively looking for him. Had I known where he was, I would have gone to him and been willing to spend whatever I could to pursue treatment and give him a chance. I was never given that opportunity. I understand that seriously injured animals can have different rules regarding holding periods, and I am not claiming that I already know exactly what legal exception applied in this case. I am asking SEAACA to explain it. I have requested the complete records, including the exact times he was found, taken into custody, transported, examined, euthanized, microchip/owner-search records, communications with VCA, and the documentation supporting the decision to euthanize him before the normal holding period. What makes this especially painful is that the veterinary records say euthanasia was chosen because of a "high risk for healing complications." That is not the same thing as telling me that treatment was impossible. I would have wanted the opportunity to make that decision for my dog. I hope SEAACA can provide a clear explanation of what happened, what efforts were made to locate me, and why my dog was euthanized before I had any opportunity to find him. Me and my family all loved Him! He was another beloved family member, and I would have fought for him. I just needed the chance to know where he was. read more

I called them because a volunteer from here called ME asking if I was going to transport animals. I told her I knew nothing about that and that I wasn't doing that. I called receptionist to request they take my name and number off whatever list they had if I was even on there. The person I spoke to didn't seem to know anything. I asked for manager/supervisor Dawna, she told me she was supposed to be there but was a no-show and "didn't know when she'd be back". Place seems very poorly-run. read more

i couldn't even get the service i need. ive been stuck on a holding call for a 1hr 20mins. as i write this review i'm still on hold. i called a facility near me for 30 mins until i was finally my turn to speak to a customer service representative. she then transfers me over to another department that would try to help me. . been on this call forever with little to no help listening to this ridiculous auto generated messages. worst customer care service online. i shouldve drove my ahh to their nearest location so i can actually state my issue and request service from this company. you lost a customer because of your costumer care services. zero out of five stars!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! read more

How dare you euthanize Lucy after everything she was put through, she trusted you guys , disgusting. All you guys care about is the $$$ #JusticeforLucy read more

If you plan on adopting from here, please read. My original review was rough but despite that I gave this place another chance. My hubby saw a beautiful Corgi online from here and knew that I have been wanting one for so long especially from a shelter. I came the next morning, drove an hour and was the first one in line for this baby girl. Yes, I was the one who adopted Pip. We renamed her Pippy. Took her home the same day and we were in love. She is the sweetest but a very scared girl. Day 2 everything was normal. Day 3 she was coughing and refusing to eat. Took her to a veterinary in LB and found out she has kennel cough which led to bronchitis, potentially pneumonia. Day 4 took her to an animal hospital in Fullerton to run some tests. She definitely caught something from the shelter and is not her normal self. Our family is now stressing over all the vet bills and she has another appointment tomorrow. We will fight for Pippy and are hoping for a miracle. Overall I do not regret adopting her but be careful with bringing home a very sick dog. read more

When an animal is running loose and can potentially be killed by traffic, I'd expect you'd employ someone to pick up the phone so dispatch can be sent out. We spent an hour on the hold music today trying to save this poor muddy, matted westie in SF springs after LA county told us SEAACA is who handles our area. Never could get an answer. I've called in a lot of loose dogs and NEVER had this kind of issue. read more

Southeast Area Animal Control Authority - a life potentially ended by SEAACA's bureaucratic failure - Animal Shelters Near Me - Downey, California

Toto is scheduled to lose her life at SEAACA shelter on Friday, 6/26, at 2pm. ID: 26-12760 9 SEAACA Shelter - Downey, CA One thing I will never forget was seeing the exact deadline posted for Toto. Reading that she had to be committed by a certain hour and picked up by another specific hour was devastating. As someone who was desperately trying to save her, it felt like watching a countdown that I could not stop, despite doing everything I possibly could. have never been so heartbroken and disappointed by an adoption process. I sent four emails asking for help. I called repeatedly. I searched for rescue organizations across California and contacted more than 20 of them. I left voicemails, sent emails, and spent hours trying to find someone who could legally pull Toto for me. Not a single one of my four emails to SEAACA received a response. I was not asking for special treatment. I was not asking anyone to break the rules. I was simply asking for help finding a solution. I repeatedly asked if there was any way to save Toto. I even offered to pay for additional boarding time, medical treatment, or any reasonable costs that would give Toto more time and a better chance to reach her forever home. I was willing to financially support whatever was necessary if it meant saving her life. Unfortunately, I never received any guidance or meaningful assistance. What makes this even more heartbreaking is knowing that Toto was not a dog without hope. She already had someone ready to adopt her. She already had a loving home waiting. The only obstacle was navigating a process that, despite hours of effort, seemed impossible to complete in time. This experience has left me questioning whether the current process gives animals every reasonable opportunity to reach a permanent home. If someone is willing to adopt, willing to pay, willing to provide medical care, and willing to do everything possible to save an animal, there should be a practical path to make that happen. I sincerely hope SEAACA reviews these procedures and improves communication with potential adopters. Better communication, timely responses, and clearer guidance could make the difference between life and death for animals that already have people waiting to love them. I will never forget Toto, and I truly hope that future families will not have to go through the same experience that I did. If I could give a 0, I would give a 0--or a minus 5. read more

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This is not a shelter, we pay tax for nothing. They don't helpcommunity at all, they don't give you any help dog not being taking care or animals. Waste of tax payers money read more

Does not surprise me at all this place only has terrible reviews...I adopted a dog from SEAACA in Downey on September 20th, and the experience has been nothing short of a nightmare. My family and I were absolutely shocked and incredibly dismayed to discover shortly after adoption that our new dog was PREGNANT! When I went to the facility about this egregious oversight, I was told that if I had made the original spay appointment for October 30th (which I had to reschedule two weeks later due to a conflict), I supposedly "would not be in this situation." This is utterly ridiculous and frankly insulting, as the puppies were born just a few days later on November 2nd! This timeline clearly shows that the dog was already significantly pregnant at the time of adoption, well before the scheduled spay date. In which they told me they would have terminated the puppies! What kind of rescue does that!!! But the worst part was the reaction from the staff. When I expressed my frustration and shock at being put in this completely unexpected and overwhelming situation, they had the audacity to tell me to watch my language! Then, to add insult to injury, they shamed me, saying, "Well, sorry you didn't read the fine print." I was given a pregnant dog, putting an undue financial and emotional burden on my family, and their only response was to police my language and blame me for their massive mistake. This is unacceptable. SEAACA clearly failed in its duty to properly assess the animal's health and was completely unhelpful and disrespectful when faced with their own failing. If you are looking to adopt a pet, I urge you to look elsewhere. Save yourself the stress, the unexpected vet bills, and the sheer disappointment of dealing with a facility that fails its animals and then blames the adopter. They suck. Period. read more

I've been to this place a few times, and while they do a good job keeping it as clean as possible, there are a few concerns. On several occasions, the viewings have started late, which is frustrating, especially since many people are waiting right when it opens. Being more mindful of people's time would go a long way. Unfortunately, the few times I've visited, the staff has been too busy to help me, whether I had questions about the animals or wanted to get my pets vaccinated. It's disappointing given how many people work there, but there still seems to be a high kill rate. The limited animal viewing hours, just a couple of hours a day, also makes it unnecessarily difficult to adopt. It's surprising that there hasn't been an investigation into the practices here. Despite the challenges, the service itself could be much improved with better organization and attention to customer needs. A little more focus on providing timely help and value would really elevate the experience for both potential adopters and the animals in need. Also... they add dogs to the kill list the day of. Leaving nothing but a few hours for rescues or adopters to scramble in the middle of business hours and working hours to save these innocent animals.. read more

Southeast Area Animal Control Authority - Added animal to kill list a few hours before. People can't save this animal with just a few hours heads up - Animal Shelters Near Me - Downey, California

The worse place to go ,you stand up in front of 4 front office employees,and you approach them and ask a question to anyone there , no body look at you no body answer I was standing for 5 minutes and they don't even care ,don't go there please there is others places near by ...do not donate money to this places with a employees that they don't care if you are there or not read more

I've adopted a cat and dog from SEAACA, and both times the staff was very helpful and kind. They have so many animals that need homes and the staff has an enormous workload. They work hard do a great job. Thank you! read more

Every dog I've pulled from there had been sick. IF they are giving the dog anabiotic's for kennel, cough, and a rescue pulls the dog they will not send the remaining antibiotics that it needs to take home with the dog. Therefore, the dog goes without antibiotics and has to start all over again and that's just not what's best for the dog. read more

Other than being a kill shelter (gross), I would highly recommend thinking really carefully before adopting from here. We have a family member that adopted a puppy from here and the poor little baby has not even had a chance to enjoy life as a puppy in his new loving home, because he's so riddled with sicknesses. Worms, kennel cough, pneumonia.... The animals here deserve to be saved but it's also really important to remember the lack of care and attention they get. It's really a double edged sword situation. If you're going to be able to afford piles of vet bills, if you're willing to stay home from work for vet appointments and overnight stays, if you're able to handle the stress and anxiety of worrying about your new (probably sick) companion, then adopting from here is perfect for you. Really disappointing "shelter" which I say loosely since the animals are clearly not cared for properly. Would not recommend in the slightest. read more

SEAACA has some of the worst customer service I have ever experienced. The staff at the front desk are extremely rude and completely lack basic customer service skills. Instead of helping members of the community, they speak to you in a dismissive and confrontational way, almost like you're being interrogated just for asking questions. It felt very clear that the staff did not want to help or do their job. The attitude and lack of professionalism were shocking, especially for a facility that is supposed to serve the community and support animal welfare. Places like this should be welcoming and helpful, especially for people trying to care for their pets or animals. Instead, the experience was frustrating, disrespectful, and a complete waste of time. SEAACA needs serious improvements in staff training, accountability, and how they treat the public. The community and the animals they claim to serve deserve much better. read more

If I could leave 0 stars I would. I am disgusted, disappointed, and utterly horrified by the lack of professionalism that SEAACA showed today. I called at 8 AM SHARP, requesting that a deceased cat be picked up from my street and they told me they would take care of it by the end of day at the latest. I had already moved it from the street where it ACTUALLY died because I knew if no one did, it would be mushed to pieces and SEAACA sure as heck wouldn't have come pick it up in a timely manner. They proved that to me today. I put it in a bag and was told that this was okay, so I told them where it would be left and waited for them to do their job. I checked back on that bag every 30 minutes, hoping to see an animal control officer show up. Unfortunately, they never came. I even called TWICE after and each time, I was assured that an officer was already dispatched and that the animal would be picked up in 2 hours at the most. I kept checking and absolutely no one showed up. To my horror, during the last time I checked, I came across a man trying to make off with the bag, something that would have NEVER happened if SEAACA sent someone out in a TIMELY manner. So I pose these questions to SEAACA: Does a stray animal not matter to you all? Are they not included in your services? Do they not deserve a dignified ending, too? How disgusting is it that these animals have absolutely no value to you all that you don't even bother checking in and doing your job, even when we call in as early as you people allow it. I understand that servicing 10 cities is rough, but I cannot wrap my mind around the fact that doing something as simple as picking up a dead animal is hard when it's in the NEIGHBORING CITY. And if it's that hard, allow me to shadow you all for a day, so I can empathize with you. But until then, I hope SEAACA makes some serious changes and count roadkill like this poor cat as important and a priority that needs to be dealt with DAY OF, NO EXCUSES. read more

I called about a stray kitten in my yard after following the procedures listed on your website. I explained that I was worried about the kitten's safety around my dog, but I was told to "just leave it alone." No trap-neuter-return (TNR) resources or rescue referrals were offered. On top of that, the person I spoke with spoke down to me as if I were an idiot. I understand the shelter may be underfunded and short-staffed, but the way staff communicate with the public makes a difference. A dismissive or nasty attitude can truly affect someone's day, especially when they are calling with genuine concerns for animal safety and community wellbeing. read more

Southeast Area Animal Control Authority - Call instructions found on their own website - Animal Shelters Near Me - Downey, California

The people there really care about the animals. It's a tough job taking care of animals discarded by their owners, strays and the injured. Bless you all ! It takes a toll on your heart. Linda Hicks read more

SEEACA is understaffed and underfunded. EVERY single person I dealt with on the phone, at the front desk, in the kennels, and the on-site vet was doing an amazing job under difficult circumstances. the staff is struggling to care for nearly twice the number of dogs the facility was designed to temporarily house. it hurt my heart to see so many pets (many mistreated and neglected and all of them abandoned) in puppy prison. SEEACA is a kill shelter. Scout, our Jindo-Husky mix, has a story with a happy ending. that's not always the case. when a lot more dogs come in than are adopted, some stories don't end as well. that's sad but be realistic about the options. don't be part of the problem. be part of the solution. the long-term answer is for pet owners to be responsible and spay and neuter (and properly care for) their pets. i saved one. what are you going to do? read more

Updating review as I just wanted to acknowledge and say THANK YOU to Kaitlyn who was extremely professional and reached out personally to listen and address my concerns and questions instead of ignoring them and moving on with the day as other management I had reached out to had done. Kaitlyn, THANK YOU very much for your professionalism in addressing this and making the situation right. I very much appreciate it! read more

I really wish this organization would improve in dealing with the public. The customer service is lacking and aren't helpful at all.

This is a KILL shelter. They EUTHANIZED my family cat after he'd been lost less than 24 hours- just cause he was older. We were given the run-around cause they mis-labeled his color and his breed. It was only after the neighbor who reported the missing cat filled in the details that we were able to trace it. I hope no one willingly has to come into contact with this facility. So much pain and suffering; so little resources or care. If you find a lost animal, you can do SEAACA and the animal a favor - do your research and find an alternative. You might save a pet's life and this organization some time and money - seems like they don't have the funding or bandwidth to do anything the right way. read more

Disappointed. Took my cat to get vaccinated. Unfortunately he was a bit skittish and scratched the vet. I was told he was not allowed back at SEAACA!!! HE IS A CAT! Cats get scared and that happens. Now, had he bitten her or worse, i would understand. read more

WORST hotline EVER! Last night I called twice so they can come pick up an injured dog I found in the street , the person they have answering their hotline did not send anyone the first time but had said she was going to. We waited for 30 minutes and when we realized no one was going to show up we called again and the same answered and asked us " wait was it a cat" when we clearly described to her that it was an INJURED DOG. She stated she was going to send someone else and again we waited for 30 minutes and no one showed up. Why have a hotline if they're not going to actually respond to the crisis. read more

really poor customer service. Auctioning off the dogs basically then they just euthanize them otherwise.

I called the morning of 1/6/26 because I had found a hurt cat on the street and wanted to see if I could get the cat some help. Some extremely rude and miserable lady picked up my phone call and basically just yelled at me telling me that I don't know what i'm doing and I shouldn't try to help. Literally just called for info and got scolded for doing the right thing. THESE PEOPLE DO NOT CARE ABOUT YOUR ANIMALS DO NOT BRING THEM HERE DO NOT ADOPT FROM HERE DO NOT CALL THEM FOR HELP!!!!! Ridiculous behavior and absolutely terrible horrible people. read more

Customer service is slow and horrible 30 minutes on hold over the phone and another 30 minutes waiting in line at seaaca.

Do NOT leave a pet you found injured or sick here! If you did, go back and get them ASAP. I say this from personal experience there. They kill the cat I sent because I thought they would help her but let did not treat her and in 2-3 days of being there she died because they did not treat her. If they would've disclose that they don't help sick kitties I would've search elsewhere but they did not. They will not care for animals adequately, if you want to give an animal a better chance of surviving please take them to a local vet and get them the care they need. There's also many Facebook pages that have groups of communities that help care for animals and provide resources. This shelter prioritizes their profits for themselves rather than the care for the pets. read more

I found a stray dog who seemed to well trained so after calling I dropped him off at SEAACA. They took well care of him and luckily his owners were able to come and pick him up. This instance caused me to see a puppy they had, and within a couple days I adopted the puppy. The staff members were kind and helpful, going into detail about his diagnosed kennel cough. They included medicine and resources upon adoption. This was my first ever experience adopting a dog on my own and I couldn't be happier, I love him so much. read more

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if you ever find a stray dog or are a person with a good heart, don't ever go to SEAACA . I called them because I found a stray dog at 3 AM and was hoping that they would be able to come and pick up the stray dog since the dog wasn't gonna get into my car their advice was to let this dog wander into traffic and get hit by a car. if you are OK with dogs getting hit by cars I would suggest adopting from this agency. if you are a good person, do not go here. read more

I have lived in the area for over 25 years and have adopted and unfortunately needed services to place pets for adoption or final care. I had the good fortune today to recover my dog who was recovered within a day. I was able to identify pet with online image and called staff to retrieve my dog. Fees are understandable and needless to say my dog is home. Thank you Wendy and staff. Hopefully more people can support this place as many pets need help. read more

I am giving SEACCA a score of 1 because the animals are not on the street, they are fed and the facility is air conditioned past that I have nothing good to say about them. The staff knows almost nothing about the animals, they are rarely walked and they euthanize the animals very quickly. Please don't relinquish your pet to them or take a stray there. Please contact a no kill group. read more

Customer Service 3/5 Some* really great volunteers wondering around . Other ones at the front particularly one was so cold and short, it made getting any answers so difficult. at times they didn't even wantto have the dog adopted. Any questions asked would be given like a 3 word response It's like the DMV Efficiency 1/5 Getting answers from the desk is very difficult. You guys need to streamline your efforts. I drove everyday 2 hrs... I would have happily paid at the time I placed the hold if it meant getting the dog sooner. You guys said this dog was sick and needed to go but the process took 3 DAYS. ... ALSO I was told adopting appt would be the next day. My kids and everyone took off work bc we assumed that meant we could take him home, no one said other wise. That's what "adopting appt" sounds like. Called the next morning to confirm, a nicer lady said maybe and to call back in an hour to check with the vet. I did. The other lady sounded mad that she said that and wouldn't tell me until I paid LoL, so I drove 2 hrs to sign a paper that I could have signed the day before when I was there. Then I had to drive the next day in rush hour bc they are so inflexible (exactly Only at 4pm) with releases so we could finally pick up our SICK dog days later. Your process needs to be managed more efficiency and streamlined. You could easily offered an option to sign and pay the first day when I placed the hold. And let the sick dog get out quicker, not 3 days later at only 4pm. You just get the vibe they don't care at all about you or the dog. P.S. I've been to this shelter 2 times prior in the last few months plus this time... out of those times I've heard them whispering about parvo . One of the times the whole male section was closed due to a massive outbreak .and again I heard them talking to a rescue lady this time about it. happens here all the time it seems like. Wash ur hands between touching each dog . You know they just put all those dogs down too. read more

No service provided! Called 4 times to have a dead cat picked up across warren high school. They never showed up. now there's a vulture pecking at the cat! seaaca sucks! This "non-profit " needs to be doged! read more

B This place is in the business of making money, not animal care. Our dog (16yo blind and deaf) got out and ended up here. After being closed for two days with no way of being able to get him, they gave us what I thought was the total bill for taking care of him. However, after "looking further into it" there were suddenly more fees associated with his stay. I understand this was our fault for him getting out but, a better system could be in place here for helping owners who are trying to rescue their pets on days where the "shelter" is closed. Here's hoping we don't get charged more once the remainder of the bill is transferred from them. Too bad zero stars is not a thing. read more

On the phone for over 50 minutes to report an injured animal and I was finally number 1 and they hung up on me. How are animals supposed to get help. I'm sure they're understaffed but something needs to be done. read more

This is a HIGH KILL shelter!!!! No one cares about the animals or the process of adoption here. Despite what all their expensive signs and framed photos show on their walls. We adopted some bunnies on the kill list for that day and each staff member we interacted with was detached, uncaring, confused and provided conflicting instructions. None could care less that the animals we picked up were on the kill list for the day, neither did they care they were being saved. They tried telling us baby bunnies could be spayed right away (they can't), and refused at first to check when they could. Three staff members told us we would talk to the vet directly about our adoptions, and the fourth let us know the vet never comes out to talk to clients. Incredibly disorganized, very uninformed. The woman at the front desk with glasses and long gray hair is incredibly rude every interaction we've had with her. Every other staff member isn't much better. The friendliest people here are the volunteers, and they seem to be the only ones who care about the animals too. Maybe they should have spent budget on the animals instead of putting signs about Kindness and Care everywhere. read more

I went in to seaaca to adopt a cat. However, their adoptions hours are during normal people's work schedule, which was disappointing. I decided to take time to still go. I found this cat i was interested in, and asked if I could interact with it. Staff said they do not all animal interactions, and if I'm interested that I could call & place a hold. I will not adopt an animal I can not interact with, and the staff was not helpful or friendly. Very disappointing read more