What did you do this weekend? On Sunday, I headed over to the bi-annual NKLA Pet Adoption Fair held at the La Brea Tar Pits. Hundreds of adoptable animals including dogs, cats and even hamsters from over fifty local rescue organizations and city and county shelters were in search of forever homes. At the end of the weekend, 472 adoptions (285 0n Saturday and 187 on Sunday) occurred on site, and many other pets were in the process of being re-homed. A huge success for NKLA and its parent organization, Best Friends Animal Society, who had hoped to adopt out 400 animals. At the last adoption fair, 396 pets founds homes, so they far exceeded their goal this time around.
The hubby and me finding wonderful, adoptable animals looking for forever homes
The adoption fair has been going on for over a decade in the LA area, and the goal of NKLA is to make Los Angeles city shelters “no-kill.” And what does that mean? That a shelter would have a 90% or greater save rate. Just a couple of years ago, over 23,000 dogs and cats were euthanized at LA city shelters (this number does not include the county shelters.) And just this past year, the number was brought down to 14,000. Thanks in part to the efforts of NKLA and similar organizations. The key, according to NKLA Executive Director, Marc Peralta, is to understand the problem and be proactive about working to fix it. “Adopting from shelters and rescue groups, spaying and neutering your pets, and being educated about the problem of pet over-population are all things we can do do save lives.” He continued, “LA is the second largest market in the country. People in other parts of the country look to us for popular trends and to be on the pulse of what is now. So why not set the trend for animal welfare?” I couldn’t agree more.
Lassie at with NKLA volunteers at the adoption fair
And by the way, even if they weren’t adopted at the adoption fair, not a single dog or cat went back to the high-kill shelter where they came from. They were either rescued, went to Best Friends Animal Society or placed in foster care. That is great news, indeed. Click here to learn about how you can help NKLA’s efforts to make Los Angeles a no-kill community. #SaveThemAll
