Big Hearted Owners Needed For Big Dogs

LOS ANGELES, CA — When the shutdown orders took full effect, it became nearly impossible to find a small dog available for adoption as Southlanders sought furry companions. In many Southland shelters, only larger breeds remained available for adoption.

Now Los Angeles Animal Service is touting the joys of big dogs while offering discounted adoption fees for larger breeds of dogs through Oct. 18. The fee to adopt larger-sized dogs is $25, not including license, during the Big Dog Adoption Event which began Thursday.

"We have a lot of amazing dogs in our centers who would make great workout partners, couch potato buddies and who can bring a lot of love into your home," LAAS General Manager Brenda Barnette said.

"Don't rule out a larger-breed dog when looking to adopt a four- legged friend to be a part of your family."

Thanks to the coronavirus, adoptions are being handled by appointment. People can begin the adoption process by visiting laanimalservices.com/adopt to find a dog to adopt, then call 888-452-7381 with the animal ID number.

Animal Services employees will take the person's information and schedule a pick-up appointment. People will be able to interact with the animals before selecting them.

Adoption appointments will be scheduled from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily at service centers to comply with social distancing requirements.

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals has designated October as Shelter Dog Adoption Month.

Animal Services is asking people who adopt from the shelters to share a photo of their new pet on social media using the hashtags #AdoptaShelterDogMonth #LAcitypets #LAanimalservices and tagging the shelter in the post.

City News Service and Patch Staffer Paige Austin contributed to this report.