Assemblyman, radio personality tout Burbank Animal Shelter

The Burbank Animal Shelter not only received some help from an area radio station - but the state too - to fast-track adoptions for pets in need.

Assemblyman Mike Gatto (D-Silver Lake) and KFI AM 640 host Tim Conway Jr. teamed with the shelter Saturday for the “Adopt a Friend for Life” event. Until Aug. 31., pet adoption fees will be waived for dogs, cats and rabbits. The waiver includes costs of first-round vaccinations, spay/neuter surgery and microchips. Adoptions are open to local residents, not just those in Gatto’s district or the Burbank area.

Gatto, a member of the Legislative Animal Protection Caucus, owns two dogs with his wife. Gatto said there are many people who want pets, but may not be able to pay all the costs.

“There are so many wonderful companions in need of a good home,” Gatto said. “This shelter has so many beautiful cats and dogs.”

The event is part of the shelter’s goal to win the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Rachel Ray $100,000 Challenge. The contest asks 50 shelters across the nation to adopt more animals this year, between June and August, than last year during the same time frame. The partnership between ASPCA and the on-air cooking personality will provide the contest winner with several grants including one for $25,000 for community engagement.

For more information on adopting a pet, call the shelter at (818) 238-3340.