A Home of Their Own

Pepsi, a 7-month-old Airedale and terrier mix, and Dena, a 2-year-old shepherd and collie mix, were two of the featured guests Wednesday at the opening of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Los Angeles’ first San Fernando Valley pet-adoption center.

“If there was one of these everywhere, a lot more animals would find a home,” said Madeline Bernstein, president of the local society, which is not affiliated with other cruelty prevention groups. “We felt that there was a need in this area. A lot of our clientele is from the San Fernando Valley.”

The Valley center is at 12749 Ventura Blvd. The society’s other adoption center is in downtown Los Angeles at Seventh Market Place.

Officials at the nonprofit organization expect the Valley location to get as many pets adopted as the downtown facility, which has found homes for about 100 animals since it opened three months ago.

Besides offering pets for adoption, the new facility also has a large selection of chew toys, pet food and other animal supplies.

“This will be a more comfortable atmosphere than a shelter to adopt a pet,” said actress Linda Blair, who was on hand to celebrate the center’s opening. “Places like this are necessary so we can end the large amount of animals we euthanize every year.”

According to figures released by the cruelty prevention society, about 175,000 animals are put to sleep every year in Los Angeles.

The Studio City center will be open Wednesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Cats will be available every day for $55 and dogs will be available on Saturday and Sunday for $75. Adoption fees include initial vaccinations, spaying or neutering, and a certificate for a free veterinary examination.

For more information call (888) SPCALA1 or the new center at (818) 766-7366.