The Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care and Control, which includes the Castaic Animal Care Center, has been awarded a $20,000 grant as part of an emergency relief fund provided by PetSmart Charities, officials said Wednesday.

In response to the coronavirus pandemic, PetSmart Charities is committing up to $1 million to animal welfare organizations across North America.

PetSmart expects the number of homeless animals to increase as a result of health and economic hardship caused by COVID-19, as well as the closure of many shelters to the public, according to officials.

“As an organization dedicated to supporting pets and the people who love them, PetSmart Charities remains committed to the health and welfare of pets during this unprecedented time, and our hearts go out to those impacted by COVID-19,” said Chris McCurdy, interim president at PetSmart Charities.

In an effort to suppress this, PetSmart Charities committed up to $1 million to support pets and people affected by COVID-19, according to an official statement Wednesday.

“These funds will support both the animal shelters caring for pets and organizations that are helping impacted people keep and care for their pets in the areas with the highest number of reported cases in the U.S. and Canada,” reads the official statement.

PetSmart locations are expected to remain open to provide food and veterinary care, according to officials.

Both Santa Clarita PetSmart locations are open until 7 p.m. nightly and offer curbside pickup for online orders.

For more information about PetSmart Charities’ emergency relief support, visit the site.

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