Animal Services Urges Use of Gift Certificates

Rather than giving animals as gifts, Los Angeles Animal Services is urging residents to present pet gift certificates instead. In addition to decreasing the number of animals returned or abandoned after the holidays, officials say the certificates allow recipients to pick animals compatible with their lifestyles.

“The Christmas season is so hectic,” said Dan Knapp, general manager. “It’s just like bringing on a child--you don’t want to have a baby in the middle of the holidays.”

The certificates cost $59 to $89, depending on the animal’s age and species, and cover the adoption fee, initial vaccinations and spaying or neutering, Knapp said.

The certificates, available since 1996, can be purchased locally at the East Valley shelter in North Hollywood and the West Valley shelter in Chatsworth.

After holidays, especially Christmas, the number of pets brought to shelters increases, he said.

L.A. struggles with a huge population of abandoned animals. “There are 44,000 dogs on our streets,” Knapp said.

Another gift idea is a tax-deductible donation on the recipient’s behalf to the Animal Welfare Trust, which funds supplies, medical equipment, shelter improvements and LAAS’ drive to buy a mobile spay/neuter van, Knapp said.

For information or to reach a local shelter, Animal Services has established a toll-free number, 1-888-4LA-PET1.