Pet Gala confronts animal shelter overcrowding crisis in Los Angeles

New York City may have the Met Gala, but in Los Angeles Wednesday evening, the place to be was the inaugural Pet Gala.

The event, hosted by the Community Animal Medicine Project, raised about $100,000 for CAMP's efforts to create a new facility in South Los Angeles that will offer "low- and no-cost spay and neuter services, along with basic veterinary services to approximately 20,000 dogs and cats annually," the organization said in a news release.

The spaying and neutering services in particular could offer some much-needed help, as Los Angeles is facing a crisis with its overcrowded animal shelters.

The overcrowding has been a focus for Alya and Dr. Gary Michelson, founders of the Michelson Found Animals Foundation, a nonprofit focused on helping pets and pet owners, who were honored at the gala.

The Michelsons previously provided a $1 million grant to local clinics for World Spay Day.

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass was in attendance and took the time to thank CAMP and the Michelsons for their work providing accessible veterinary care in the area.

Together with CAMP Executive Director Zoey Knittel, Bass presented the Pioneer Award to the Michelsons and promised progress on shelter overcrowding, which she said extends far beyond Los Angeles.

"With a national overcrowding crisis across the country, Los Angeles Animal Services has been working with urgency to prioritize the safety of animals in the City’s care while protecting the public and the dedicated staff and volunteers who work in the shelters," Bass said. "This urgent work to develop and implement the most effective policies will continue in partnership with local and national animal welfare organizations as LA Animal Services continues to save lives and prioritize safety.”

The Michelsons were effusive in their praise for CAMP and noted that "without CAMP’s services, Los Angeles would be forced to grapple with an even greater crisis in our shelters and on our streets."

“We are proud to support CAMP and the critical work they do to address the lack of accessible veterinary care – and we are grateful to be a partner in their life-saving work," Dr. Gary Michelson said.