Thinking about adding a furry
new member to your family? Don’t buy, adopt
from LA Animal Services! There are hundreds
of great animals looking for a home at LA
Animal Services’ Animal Care Centers.
Everything from purebred dogs, cats, and
rabbits to fun-loving mutts of all kinds can
be found there. Many people assume that
these animals are in the shelter because
they have something wrong with them or
because they are “bad.” However, most of the
animals are just as confused why they are in
the shelter as you are!
In Los Angeles, the top 10 reasons pets are
relinquished to LA Animal Services are:
Dogs
1. Guardian moved
2. No time for the dog
3. Landlord or zoning issues
4. Too many pets
5. Guardian too ill to care for dog
6. Guardian died
7. Medical costs for sick/injured dog
8. Dog too aggressive with other animals
9. Dog too aggressive with people
10. Guardian homeless
Cats
1. Too many pets
2. Landlord or zoning issues
3. Guardian moved
4. No time for the cat
5. Allergies to cat
6. Guardian too ill to care for cat
7. Cat does not get along with other pet
8. Medical costs for sick/injured cat
9. Guardian homeless
10. Guardian died
What should you keep in mind
when looking for a new family member? First,
decide if you are ready for a pet. Is your
housing situation pet-friendly? Do you work
long hours or have frequent obligations
after work that would prevent you from
caring for or exercising your pet? Do any
family members have allergies to pet hair or
dander? Do you already have other pets? Can
you afford your new pets food, grooming
costs, boarding, and medical bills if they
get sick or injured? Do you travel a lot?
Dogs, cats, and rabbits can live as long as
20 years- are you prepared to care for your
new family member for the long haul?
If you have answered all the questions above
honestly and decided that you are ready to
adopt, the next step is to visit your local
Animal Care Center. Look for a companion
that will fit your lifestyle. Are you
looking for a jogging partner or would your
perfect companion be happy curled up on your
lap? Keep in mind that you may have to look
past the exterior of the animals in the
kennels to find your “diamond in the ruff”.
The shelter setting is very stressful for
lost and homeless animals, especially those
that have been abused, are sick, or who have
been abandoned. The new smells, strange
noises, and strangers looking into their
kennels every day can cause even the most
well adjusted animals to suffer anxiety.
Also, do not discount the dog with the
dreadlocked hair or the less than lustrous
fur. We all need a makeover now and then.
You would be amazed the difference a bath
and a haircut can make to any animals
appearance and disposition!
Every one loves a puppy or a kitten, but
they do not realize that caring for puppies
and kittens are not unlike caring for a
toddler. Consider adopting an older pet.
Older animals are often overlooked at
shelters, but they make great companions!
Their personalities are already developed,
so you will already know their quirks. Most
are housebroken and many already know basic
obedience commands. Older animals also tend
to be more calm and settled-perfect for
someone with a less active lifestyle.
Ready to adopt? Join us at the Grand Opening
Celebration of the West Valley Animal Care
Center on Thursday, November 29, 2007 from
noon-7pm. Activities include center tours,
adoptions, and a community fair. All
adoption fees include rabies vaccination,
spay/neuter surgery, and microchipping.
For more information, please visit our
website at
www.laanimalservices.com
LA Animal Services Animal Care Centers
located in the Valley
East Valley Animal Care Center
14409 Vanowen Street
Van Nuys, CA 91405
West Valley Animal Care Center
20655 Plummer Street
Chatsworth, CA 91311
Northeast Valley Animal Care Center (Opening
January 2008)
15321 Brand Boulevard
Mission Hills, CA 91345
Closed
Mondays and Holidays
Tuesday 8 am-7 pm
Wednesday 8 am-5 pm
Thursday 8 am-7 pm
Friday 8 am-5 pm
Saturday 8 am-5 pm
Sunday 11 am-5 pm.
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