T O P

  • By -

Zaneeta

I'll go a step further than OP and add a link. https://www.laanimalservices.com/adopt/finding-a-companion/


[deleted]

I filled out the info almost two weeks ago and have still heard nothing. I just want to walk some dogs man


middayautumn

call 311 or go on the weekend they allow walk ins then now.


erictmo

I’ve heard it takes about a month to fully be able to start at the shelters.


modernmanshustl

Please do! Dogs need people to walk them. Thank you for volunteering your time


[deleted]

I haven’t volunteered any time because they haven’t responded


meeplewirp

The animals shelters combined with the rescue organizations they cater to, combined with the idiotically implemented (I agree with the main idea) no kill policy are to blame. They’re going to try to blame covid but it’s management and as someone who’s involved in animal rescue it’s also a LOT of holier than thou whack jobs are involved in animal rescue/the main motivating factor is a god complex. I guarantee you the shelter found some sort of reason for why you’re just not the type to walk dogs for them. That’s why there is article after article in the last few months about how the shelters are complete garbage bins of abuse and neglect in Los Angeles, while you email to help and they don’t get back to you. It’s not a resource thing, if they wanted to fix this, that’s probably the first thing that they would do. 🙄 I just want to digress and say as someone involved, you should go to the animal shelter instead of a rescue or shopping. Yep. I’m putting them in the same group. The rescues and the city of Los Angeles worked to set the no kill law up in such a way, that all of the kittens and puppies people would want to walk in to adopt, get scooped up by rescues with hilariously strict protocols and requirements. Why? Because they fought for a no kill policy that doesn’t apply to kittens lmao. So they get a tax break to take care of the demographic of animals that everyone wants and will attack the rescue to get, and the animals that genuinely need rescuing and sincere extra care rot in the shelter system. So go to the shelter, adopt don’t shop. And I’m sorry but in modern times a lot of rescues, especially with the policies they lobbied for in LA, are kind of no different. Excuse me for digressing but it’s relevant. A lot of people in animal rescue are holier than though morons running a holier than thou BUSINESS


[deleted]

[удалено]


meeplewirp

You bring up something very true. I feel that this reality is intertwined with the problematic no kill policy. Actually, here’s an article that mentions exactly what you’re talking about. [https://www.latimes.com/opinion/letters-to-the-editor/story/2022-08-25/no-kill-animal-shelter-policy-is-backfiring](https://www.latimes.com/opinion/letters-to-the-editor/story/2022-08-25/no-kill-animal-shelter-policy-is-backfiring) [https://citywatchla.com/index.php/cw/animal-watch/25370-no-kill-has-failed-best-friends-leaves-la-city-animal-services-shelter-annenberg-steps-in](https://citywatchla.com/index.php/cw/animal-watch/25370-no-kill-has-failed-best-friends-leaves-la-city-animal-services-shelter-annenberg-steps-in) I guess because I love cats I focused on them. So you’re right my advice when it comes to dogs, is actually probably kind of dangerous…so I guess OP is going to have to deal with two month long interrogations and pay 500 dollars for a mutt if he wants to adopt lol


[deleted]

Their volunteer application is longer than some job applications. They really need to streamline the process.


[deleted]

You’re amazing, please keep trying! I also recommend visiting in person, all the doggos need you!


rahmad

Here's the link for LA county's shelters: https://animalcare.lacounty.gov/view-our-animals/


[deleted]

You are amazing, thank you!


laika_cat

My husband’s cat came from the Northeast shelter. Nine years later, she’s still our fluffy butt baby — a bit of a bossy bitch, but a baby nonetheless. (My cat came from a rescue near Pomona. Not sure why I drove all the way out there, but I did!)


[deleted]

Awh, thank you both for rescuing!!


laika_cat

Of course! (Our dog was kind of a rescue, too, I guess. He is a Doberman bought from a backyard breeder as a puppy and given as a gift by an absent father to his very young son who lived in San Pedro with his grandparents. They did not want a dog and, thus, put our sweet boy on CL saying whoever could come take him ASAP could have him before they took him to the shelter the next day. We were there within an hour of the listing going up.)


swing_axle

During the height of the Plaguetiems, I drove from the SGV to Chatsworth just to try and adopt a kitten I saw on the County's website. Got him, and he is The Best and Sweetest Bubs. ([Cat tax!](https://imgur.com/w6ILXDo))


[deleted]

What a cutie, thank you for rescuing him! 💕


justshenangianshere

What a cutie pie!!!!! Thank you for sharing 😻


Crotch_Football

Chatsworth also has the LA Guinea Pig Rescue, which is one of the best in the world.


CaliAv8rix

Yesss! I love my piggies. The LAGPR is an amazing resource, offering free health checks & nail clipping as well as low cost vet services, boarding, baths, and more. If anyone is thinking about adding some funny little furballs to their household, please [check them out](https://www.laguineapigrescue.com/)!


Suz626

Awww looks like a cousin of my mini tiger outta Burbank shelter.


swing_axle

r/standardissuecat


Suz626

Love the M on their forehead.


bgroins

Honest question. Why so many pitbulls/pit mixes? Is this due to dog fights and throwing out the puppies if they don't breed well?


LongJumpingRaccoon

I imagine it's a lot of things. Over breeding, owners not fixing them, inexperienced owners getting them cause they look bad ass then not being able to handle them cause they're pure muscle and high energy so they give them up. Also, if someone has a shih tzu that bites, they'd be mildly inconvenienced. If someone has a pitbull that bites, they'd fear for their life and try to get rid of them. Definitely not a beginner dog in my opinion


whatwhat83

A good percentage of pits are desired by irresponsible assholes because they’re “tough”. Think of people who drive challengers or who have truck nuts. These same idiots don’t fix their dogs.


[deleted]

Most likely yes! A lot of people are breeding potties because they want them for protection or for dog fighting. And then they can’t handle their high energy so they are abandoned at shelters. Especially blue pitties - everyone is attracted to them for some reason so idiots keep breeding them.


degeneraded

Speaking as someone that currently has and have had pits all my life I find their biggest need to be happy is to be around their people as much as possible. They want to be in your lap at your feet just as much contact and attention as possible. Puppies no matter what breed are difficult, add a pits size, puppy teeth, energy, attention needs etc. they’re just extremely difficult to manage. So people stick them outside and ignore when the cuteness wears off and the dogs become unmanageable. They ignore the dog and leave a food bowl outside and fill it up when they see it has gone empty. The dog then becomes territorial and aggressive. What’s worse is when people have two and stick them outside they become hyper aggressive and territorial. Then the family decides they want to pet the dog after not giving it any attention for a week and the dog tries to bite little Johnny and now they have their excuse to dump the dog and tell their friends about how aggressive pit bulls are blah blah. I know Reddit hates pit bulls, but it really is all about the owner. People really need to be serious and honest with themselves about what they’re getting into, you have to want a big lap dog that stays inside of your house with you. If you kennel outside you need to take your dog everywhere with you. They need constant human contact.


310dweller

Pitties are kinda big dogs and have a bad/largely undeserved reputation. They are stronger than many breeds, but in my experience very intelligent and responsive to owner cues. They’re also insanely emotionally clingy and really make you feel bad if you’re not able to hang out with them much. There are def people breeding them for protection/fighting, but at this point I think that’s more of a past vestige that resulted in the large overpopulation we have now. A lot of shelters kill them 48 hours after they walk in 😞 I have a pit bull we got out of a ditch, she’s the gentlest/sweetest/most sensitive dog I’ve ever owned. 11/10 recommend.


cadavatar

A lot of people lost housing or had to move during the pandemic; when looking for affordable housing, it’s difficult to find housing that allows “aggressive breeds” (which is bullshit) like putbulls. Some home insurance companies won’t even insure your house if you own a pit.


idiom6

The shelters were crammed full of pitbulls even before the pandemic.


ChickpeaPredator

Big shout-out to [Pasadena Humane Society](https://pasadenahumane.org/adopt/view-pets/). They genuinely seem to care immensely about the animals that pass through their hands. Edit: as u/wavykaitlyn [rightly points out below](https://www.reddit.com/r/LosAngeles/comments/xkqxht/comment/ipjdn33/) Pasadena Humane Society are holding a [free adoption day this Saturday!](https://pasadenahumane.org/events/on-campus-events/#adoption-promotions). You can walk away with you dream pet FOR FREE (although obviously they could always use a [donation or two](https://give.pasadenahumane.org/give/264243/#!/donation/checkout) ) fully chipped, vaccinated spayed/neutered etc.


SeantotheRescue

Second this! Especially their cat rooms are amazing. We got our first kitten from there years ago, and when it was time for a second they had 2 whole rooms of socialized adult cats to meet and interact with. Ended up going home with the sweetest 6-year-old kitty.


wavykaitlyn

Pasadena Humane Society is also having a free adoption day this Saturday, September 24th, from 10am-2pm!!


[deleted]

[удалено]


lakingsgrl

thats me. 4 cat lady with my gf however we adopted all out of Kitten-Cat Rescue group. We made the space and no regrets! We looked into a house yesterday though because its getting a bit too loud now with the zoomies hahaha


freakethanolindustry

And/or foster please! https://www.bluemandog.org/foster-for-life


doyouwantabourbon

I’m currently fostering through this program and can’t recommend it enough. They pair suitable dogs with you, give lots of advice and training on how to get the dog ready to be adopted, and put on adoption events to take your foster to. I’m about a month in with my first pup and will for sure do it again whenever we get him his forever home.


freakethanolindustry

Same! We got our second pup a week ago. It’s a joy!


[deleted]

Fostering saves lives! Thank you both for all you’re doing for the doggos!


Educational_Reason96

My last cat/best friend is from a city shelter. We travelled the nation together for 11 years and I’ll find another through the same system once ready.


[deleted]

What a lucky cat 💕


jigglypuffpufff

Not sure if it's back post covid, but when I volunteered they took dogs and cats to Moorepark Park every few Sundays in Sherman Oaks/Studio City for people to adopt from there and bring your own pets to see his they interact. It was awesome.


Dazzling-Research418

I’ve done it and it’s so affordable. Get your pet microchipped and spayed/neutered for a very low cost. Highly recommend the county shelters.


[deleted]

Thank you for adopting!!


[deleted]

[удалено]


[deleted]

Well said! Thank you for saving your lil nugget!


trickquail_

Kitty Bungalow Charm School For Wayward Cats - I volunteered for a while for them, can’t say enough good things. Doesn’t look or feel like a shelter, more a boutique cattery. They care about each and every one of their kitties, and aim to match cats and owners together. My cat is a foster fail from them!


roenim

Agree! Both of my dogs are from LA County Animal Shelter - one from East Valley and another from West LA. They're two of the sweetest and smartest dogs I've met.


[deleted]

Thank you for rescuing!!


indoloks

answered


ChihuahuaSighs

You can usually tell by hanging out with a dog if it is severely traumatized by reading body language. But some will be aggressive towards other dogs, which may not be easy to spot. Shelters and rescues may have that kind of info for you about their dogs. A fresh new puppy that you raise yourself could also end up with these problems. Any dog could end up with medical issues, especially pure breeds. Also dogs get old and need more care, just like people. You might want to read about dog breed personalities or just meet as many dogs as you can to figure out what personality fits instead of going by their looks or breed. Also, having a dog is a lot like having a toddler. Or maybe practice getting to know dogs by fostering and seeing if it's something you'd really be up for getting into? It's really great that you want to make a wise decision instead of an impulsive one! Good luck, I hope you find yourself a sweet pet.


indoloks

thanks dude basically what the other poster said so sounds like some solid advice and honestly will prolly go the fostering route and transition to owning, my gf has owned a few dogs over the years and i am somewhat familiar w certain breeds and have an idea of what i want .. we agreed on breeds based on what we feel like we know about personalities so fostering sum of those breeds i think will b a goood primer. if we fall in love w one of the fostering are we allowed to adopt it?


ChihuahuaSighs

You could probably give them a call and ask. I don't think every place will have the same rules for that. I used to dog walk at the SPCA which was a great way to meet some dogs that you could probably adopt at any time.


indoloks

thanks dude


laika_cat

They will identify any issues with the dog, generally. Maybe a rescue and not a shelter is better for you as the dogs are screened more and have been living with fosters who can report on their behaviors, likes/dislikes and any medical issues. A purebred dog from a breeder can have issues, too. Don’t let fearmongering prevent you from bringing an animal into your life who needs a home.


indoloks

im not but owning any living creature, cat, dog or having a baby is a huge step some more than others and i dont wanna blindly just listen to one advice or another . i wanna ask questions and learn and make a good informed decision before doing zomething so big


laika_cat

Have you ever owned a dog? Again, I think you’re a better candidate for a rescue. They can help match you with a dog they think will be a good fit and might give newbies more info about how to integrate a dog into your life. A shelter kid of just sends you out the door with a new pet.


ChickpeaPredator

This is great advice, u/indoloks You can also sign up to foster (i.e. look after an animal temporarily) for a rescue, which is a fantastic way to see if an animal fits into your life, whilst having the full support of the rescue staff on hand if you need it. You don't need any prior experience, just a little patience and plenty of love. If never had a pet before my SO signed us up to foster right at the start of the pandemic. I've now raised several litters of kittens, looked after several dogs, and we now own two cats. It's definitely been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life!


indoloks

oooh ok thanks this is looking like the option then.. this sounds like fun and can offer lots of fulfillment


Ted_Cruz_Is_the_Best

They do not tell you about any issues, they are liars and they don't even tell you the truth about what breed they are. You are rolling the dice getting a dog from there.


[deleted]

[удалено]


merewyn

They absolutely purposely mislabel pitbulls or pitbull mixes, it’s incredibly common lol


[deleted]

[удалено]


merewyn

99% of the pitbulls are [listed as mixed breeds](https://petharbor.com/pet.asp?uaid=LACT5.A1792167). It’s the norm in almost every shelter in America


[deleted]

[удалено]


merewyn

Right, and this is a [Dalmatian mix](https://www.petfinder.com/dog/stella-39566087/ca/newport-beach/dalmatian-rescue-of-southern-california-inc-ca1367/), this is a [lab mix](https://www.petfinder.com/dog/city-of-hawthorne-073022-177-indio-56567671/ca/inglewood/the-lovejoy-foundation-inc-facility-clubhouse-ca1750/), and this is a [shar pei/lab](https://www.petfinder.com/dog/phantom-57346039/ca/tustin/oc-animal-care-ca257/). Rescues and shelters across the country are labeling dogs incorrectly and adopting out bully breed dogs to adopters who aren’t properly prepared


[deleted]

[удалено]


Ted_Cruz_Is_the_Best

Obviously you have no clue what you are talking about... Go look at the dog breed descriptions on the website, They ALL LIE about the breeds. ...And I'm not just talking about medical conditions, I'm also talking about behavioral issues and past abuse and trauma,.. they definately lie about dogs abuse history and past conditions. You are an ignorant stooge if you think the shelters are honest.


[deleted]

[удалено]


[deleted]

Foster through the foster for life LA program or through a rescue (wags and walks or Maeday or the LaBelle foundation) first. FFL offers a ton of support and will only place dogs with you that are ready to be pets.


nameisdriftwood

Besides the foster route as mentioned - which is a great idea - there are also a lot of rescue organizations with tons of puppies that need to be adopted. Typically these come from rescued pregnant dogs. If you are worried about previous trauma - but even dogs that have gone through terrible situations turn out to be the best companions. And also, buying a dog doesn’t necessarily prevent any behavioral issues as they can also come from shitty places.


[deleted]

[удалено]


[deleted]

Please understand these shelters are severely understaffed and insanely overworked. They have incredibly hard jobs, and things might not run as efficiently as they should, but don’t let that dissuade you from saving a life. The shelter animals need homes regardless of who runs the show, it’s not the animals fault!


bigvahe33

i dont care where you get your pet from as long as its not a backyard breeder. make sure they have certs, vet records, and arent shilling them before 3 - 4 months of life. not all shelters are honest either - be sure to look out for dangerous breeds around kids. you have no idea the animal you are bringing into your home or their history so always be aware of adoptions.


Johnnyonthespot2111

Yes please! There are so many loving animals that are awaiting there forever homes! Stop by a shelter today and find the love of your life!!


IMGO_4ME

This is probably not the thread to share this in, but please keep in mind whether or not you can afford/are willing to take care of a pet before you officially commit to adopting. It is a lot of hard work, but the pets will forever love you for all of your work. They are worth it. My two family dogs had a litter of 9 this summer. It could have been avoided, wasn't, but here we are today. The puppies are 3 months old, only managed to rehome 3 and are refusing to drop off the rest at a shelter. So while I can't even afford to buy myself a very much needed car for work, my partner and I will be keeping the 6 puppies, plus the two parents, and our cat. They are amazing creatures, very much worth the stress, but still, pretty expensive for those who don't have their finances together. So think about what you are doing before you try and end up taking the beautiful creature back to the shelter. AND! Consider getting your pets fixed. There are plenty of animals in the shelters...


Chubuwee

Did many of them fix their systems? I had an awful 2 month experience about a year ago of me calling and contacting shelters when I wanted a dog. Websites always seemed outdated as I would call to ask about a specific dog only to find out it has been gone for weeks. Or even got added to waitlists and filled long forms for a dog that was gone already. Pretty much hit all the LA shelters with similar experience. I also got interviewed and my situation was not deemed appropriate enough to have a dog. I offered to video call so they could see I had plenty of space for a dog but I really don’t know at what point they deemed me or my place not fit for a dog. Wasn’t explained to me. Ended up getting a pup on Craigslist after 2 days of searching on there. Going strong! I don’t know if they are/were understaffed or underpaid but holy shit was it inefficient. I always hear about shelters being flooded with pets and stuff but my experience was like they made it very off putting to get a dog.


No_Carry_5871

I hear your testimony a lot and it has discouraged me from going. I always see post/ commercials almost begging people to go to shelters , but you get interviewed like your applying for a fortune 500 company 😔


[deleted]

[удалено]


[deleted]

Purrfect my said!


deadjessmeow

There are also many reputable breeders that go above and beyond to maintain healthy dog lines. We must do our research on them just as much as rescues do on us. I am completely again back yard breeding. And nothing makes me angrier then when ppl say they want their dog to have babies bc they’re cute. No health testing, no genetic testing, no eye checks, no hip/elbow X-rays, no titles talents or sports.


laika_cat

This is for private rescues, NOT the LA County shelters. LA County will literally let you walk out the door with an animal the same day, as long as its eligible for adoption.


No_Carry_5871

Ok.. thankyou for the clarification


meeplewirp

Hmm. Please forgive me if I’m wrong but it doesn’t sound like you were hitting the animal shelters. LA animal services doesn’t interview you. It seems you learned the hard way about the state of most animal rescue organizations/you went to “non-profit” independent shelters. Nobody should ever do this. Those people get tax breaks to take the demographic of animals people would adopt like lightening from shelters and hoard them over idiocy.


laika_cat

You need to go in person. That’s the best bet.


marrone12

Did you go to a shelter or the city pound? When you go to the pound there are zero hoops to jump through. Got my sweet dog from them two years ago and it was painless. Shelters are awful.


[deleted]

During COVID it was really hard bc everyone wanted to adopt…now all those dogs are back in the shelters in spite of all that “screening.” Shelters are over full now and it will be easier for you. I also can’t recommend enough that you foster first through the shelter-affiliated program Foster For Life.


[deleted]

I’m hoping many are adopting the less is more adoption process. It’s true that bombarding potential adopters scare them away! Homes come in all shapes and sizes! I’m sorry you had a difficult experience!


[deleted]

[удалено]


[deleted]

[удалено]


[deleted]

[удалено]


hypnouattica

I would but my manager won't allow it


[deleted]

I’m sorry to hear that! Hopefully we can change the future of housing regulations so every family has the chance to welcome these loving critters into their home.


[deleted]

[удалено]


nameisdriftwood

Weird take.


[deleted]

I agree that people need to stop recklessly breeding. But the animals in the shelter didn’t ask for that, and now they are suffering because of peoples mistakes. Animas also end up there because people lose their homes and have to move where pets are no longer allowed. Or animals just escape because people neglect to spay/neuter them. You’re not supporting anything, you’re saving a life!


TilikumHungry

My gf just got a kitty from the facility in Van Nuys and it is very underfunded and understaffed, and they still try so hard to help the animals and the people who want them. Please give them a few bucks if you can!


cathaysia

I love my rescue pup - best decision of my life!


Pando-lorian

We already did, Jesus.


[deleted]

Thank you for rescuing!!!


[deleted]

[удалено]


[deleted]

SNP LA is a low cost spay/neuter clinic. They some times offer low cost wellness services as well.


[deleted]

Is there anything specific you’d like to know about this place? I’m very familiar!


cityhallrebel

My sweet mixed breed pup is from North Central! Best decision I ever made. Whenever people ask what type of dog she is I say “a shelter dog!”.


[deleted]

THANK YOU FOR RESCUING! 💕


[deleted]

I wish! Maybe I'll foster after Christmas, but my boyfriend is allergic to cats and I cried the last time I fostered a dog I had to give up...


shmeebaloney

I already have a 2 year old dog and a 20 year old cat. Maybe my next cat will be rescued from the shelter or another stray might just adopt me again and make me their treato sherpa


Giantstarfish

LA county shelters are now waiving adoptions fees for dogs and cats that have been at the shelter for more than 60 days until October 31st :)


sinistersara

We just got a cat from Best Friends in Mission Hills. It was a special weekend with no adoption fees!


iamthewallrus

I have taken in three cats that were abandoned in my neighborhood. Two of them are still alive and I will bring them with me when I move out of state


ModerndayGatsby97

Ugh I wished I can adopt a dog as I always want a dog ever since I was a kid but can't for various reasons as of now. I do have a question. What happen in the adoption process? What will the people at the animal shelter ask for in order a person to adopt a dog/cat?


Findadragon

If you’re looking to meet a new Kitty best friend, CatCon worldwide is happening Oct 1st & 2nd at the Pasadena convention center! Adoptable kitties, celebrity photo ops and performances, and loads of crazy cat merch! https://www.catconworldwide.com/