The dog (and cat) days of autumn

A recent adoptee looks forward to a great holiday season with a new family.

With the air getting colder and holiday season approaching, there’s no better time to help out homeless pets. Los Angeles Animal Alliance, a non-profit group that assists animal shelters, is teaming up with racecar driver Ryan Newman for “The Fall 5000 Super Adoption,” an effort aimed at placing 5,000 homeless, lost or abandoned pets in homes within 30 days.

This weekend, Los Angeles County Animal Care and Control centers and other local shelters are kicking off the adoption drive with discounted fees and one-on-one training advice. Personal matchmakers will be on hand to ensure you end up with that perfect partner for long walks on the beach. The shelters also are offering free adoptions to veterans through the end of December, courtesy of the “Pets to Patriots” program.

Show up at a participating shelter from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on November 4 through November 6 to take advantage of this program. Animals up for adoption include dogs, cats, bunnies and possibly the occasional guinea pig. Click here to find the shelter closest to you, and take home a new friend to help keep you warm in the months and years ahead.

Posted 11/1/11