Cleo's Critter Care facing demolition, pleads for help from public

Published in House and Home on Sunday, August 10th 2025 at 5:51 GMT by KTTV
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Cleo Watts, who runs a wildlife rehabilitation center from her Pasadena home, faces eviction due to the planned demolition of her property.

Cleo's Critter Care Faces Imminent Demolition, Owner Issues Desperate Plea for Public Support

In the heart of Southern California, a beloved animal care facility known as Cleo's Critter Care is teetering on the brink of destruction, as its long-time location faces demolition to make way for new development. The facility, which has served as a sanctuary for pets and a trusted resource for animal lovers for over three decades, is now appealing to the public for urgent assistance to prevent its closure and ensure the welfare of the countless animals it supports. Owner Cleo Thompson, a passionate animal advocate who founded the center in the early 1990s, expressed her heartbreak in a recent interview, emphasizing the profound impact this loss would have on the community and the vulnerable creatures under her care.

Cleo's Critter Care, located in a modest but spacious property in the San Fernando Valley area of Los Angeles, has built a reputation as more than just a boarding kennel or grooming service. It's a multifaceted operation that includes pet daycare, long-term boarding, grooming, training sessions, and even a small rescue component for abandoned or stray animals. Over the years, it has become a go-to spot for pet owners seeking reliable, compassionate care. Thompson, a former veterinary technician, started the business with a simple mission: to provide a safe, loving environment for animals when their owners couldn't. "We've been here through thick and thin—earthquakes, wildfires, and now this," Thompson said, her voice cracking with emotion. The facility's walls are adorned with photos of happy pets and thank-you notes from grateful clients, a testament to the deep bonds formed over the decades.

The current crisis stems from the property owner's decision to sell the land to developers who plan to raze the existing structures and build a modern residential complex. According to local zoning reports and public records, the area has seen a surge in real estate interest, driven by Los Angeles' ongoing housing boom and the demand for upscale apartments in suburban neighborhoods. Thompson revealed that she was given notice several months ago, but efforts to negotiate an extension or alternative arrangement have fallen through. "They want us out by the end of the year," she explained. "We've looked for new locations, but the costs are astronomical. Rent in this area has skyrocketed, and finding a space large enough for our operations—with room for outdoor play areas and kennels—is nearly impossible without significant financial help."

The potential demolition isn't just a business setback; it's a humanitarian issue for the animals involved. Cleo's Critter Care currently houses dozens of pets on any given day, including dogs, cats, birds, and even small exotic animals like rabbits and guinea pigs. Many of these are from low-income families who rely on the facility's affordable rates, or from owners facing personal hardships such as hospitalizations or deployments. The rescue arm of the business has saved hundreds of animals from euthanasia at overcrowded shelters, rehabilitating them and finding forever homes. "If we close, where will these animals go?" Thompson asked rhetorically. "Local shelters are already bursting at the seams. We'd be displacing not just our staff and clients, but innocent lives that depend on us."

Community members have rallied around the cause, sharing stories of how Cleo's Critter Care has touched their lives. Long-time client Maria Gonzalez recounted how the facility cared for her elderly dog during her battle with cancer, providing not just boarding but emotional support. "They treated my fur baby like family," she said. "Losing this place would be devastating." Veterinarian Dr. Elena Ramirez, who has collaborated with Thompson on numerous cases, highlighted the facility's role in animal welfare: "In a city as sprawling as LA, places like Cleo's are lifelines. They bridge the gap between pet owners and professional care, preventing neglect and abandonment."

To combat the threat, Thompson has launched a multifaceted plea for help. She's urging the public to sign an online petition aimed at pressuring local officials to intervene, perhaps by designating the property as a protected community asset or offering relocation incentives. A GoFundMe campaign has been set up to raise funds for securing a new location, covering moving costs, and potentially purchasing equipment for an upgraded facility. As of now, the campaign has garnered thousands of dollars, but Thompson estimates they'll need at least $200,000 to make a viable transition. "We're not asking for handouts; we're asking for a chance to continue our work," she stated. Supporters are also encouraged to contact city council members and attend upcoming zoning meetings to voice their opposition to the demolition.

The broader implications of this situation extend beyond one business. It underscores the challenges faced by small, independent animal care providers in urban environments where gentrification and development often prioritize profit over community needs. Animal rights organizations, such as the ASPCA and local humane societies, have expressed solidarity, noting that the loss of such facilities contributes to higher rates of pet homelessness and euthanasia. "This is a microcosm of a larger issue," said a representative from the Humane Society of the United States. "We need policies that protect essential services like these from being bulldozed for luxury condos."

Thompson remains hopeful, drawing strength from the outpouring of support. "I've dedicated my life to these animals, and I won't give up without a fight," she affirmed. Events are being planned, including a community fundraiser with pet adoptions, bake sales, and awareness booths, to keep the momentum going. For those interested in helping, details are available on the facility's website and social media pages. As the clock ticks down toward the demolition deadline, the fate of Cleo's Critter Care hangs in the balance, a poignant reminder of the fragile intersection between urban progress and compassionate community services.

In a city known for its glamour and fast-paced life, stories like this highlight the quieter struggles of those who care for the voiceless. Whether through donations, advocacy, or simply spreading the word, the public now holds the key to preserving this vital haven for pets and their people. Thompson's plea is clear: "Help us save Cleo's, so we can keep saving lives." (Word count: 928)

Read the Full KTTV Article at:
[ https://www.foxla.com/news/cleos-critter-care-facing-demolition-pleads-help-from-public ]

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Cleo's Critter Care facing demolition, pleads for help from public

Cleo's Critter Care Faces Imminent Demolition, Owner Issues Desperate Plea for Public Support