From June 10 to July 17, a total of 28 pets have entered the Department of Care and Control Los Angeles Animal Care (DACC). The reason: their owners were arrested and deported by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents.

DACC member Christopher Valles explained in a Noticias Telemundo report that during that time, six cats and 22 dogs were registered. He also noted: "10 of the 28 animals have already been adopted" by other families.

"Ozzo" is one of the canines still sleeping at the pet shelter. His owner was deported and is now hoping to find a new caretaker. Although they are well received and have everything they need, volunteers are concerned about the new and unexpected challenge.

Animal shelters are overcrowded in Miami-Dade

At the Animal Services Pet Adoption and Protection Center, located in Miami-Dade, the situation is more delicate, since not only are they entering due to the deportation of their owners, but the place is overcrowded.

"We have about 525 dogs between two shelters and about 100 cats," said a volunteer at the shelter.

And although they cannot specify which pets were abandoned due to self-deportation or deportation, since it is not a record common, they are clear that the peak in income is much higher than in 2024. Most claim moving that prevents them from continuing to care for their furry friend.

From January to June 2024, 32 cases were reported, but in 2025 the number rose to 118. "This year the personal surrender of the owners has increased considerably. Many do not say that it is a deportation order, perhaps out of shame, but we have to ask if this is the case in order to better help that animal and so that it can be adopted," the volunteer stressed.

According to the Telemundo network, authorities ask those who choose to voluntarily leave the United States to include their pets. Otherwise, They recommend going to a relative or close friend, so that the animal has a permanent home.