Frequently
Asked Questions
If I see a dog on your site, does that mean the dog is definitely still at
the shelter?
No. It means that the dog was definitely at the shelter when I visited
the shelter and took the dog's photo. Dogs at North Central can be reclaimed
by owners, adopted or euthanized the second I walk out the door, and I have
no way of knowing! At the bottom of the North Central page, I note when I
last updated the site, but I cannot guarantee that any animal will still be
there even a short time later. This is why you should call the shelter before
you go, to confirm that the dog is still there.
If the dog I'm interested in IS at the shelter when I call, will it still
be there when I arrive?
I can't guarantee that. Once a dog is available, he may be adopted to
the first person who is willing to pay his adoption fees, or he may even be
euthanized. This is why it is so important to get to the shelter as soon
as possible when an animal's available date arrives.
I saw a dog I'm interested in, but can't get to the shelter for a few days
- can you hold it for me?
I am a volunteer, not a shelter employee, and cannot hold dogs for ANYONE
through this website. Furthermore, the six L.A. City shelters WILL NOT
hold dogs specifically for individuals. However, you may place an "adopter's
alert" on an animal to insure it is held over for 24 hours and not
euthanized. Again, the shelter will not hold it for you specifically,
and it may be adopted by another interested party within the "adopter's
alert" period.
How long do dogs stay at the shelter?
There is no definitive answer to this question. California state law provides
that incoming strays MUST be held for 4 working days once impounded, to allow
the pet's owner an opportunity to locate their dog. After that, it is left
to the shelter's discretion - if there's space in the kennels, a healthy,
adoptable (non-aggressive) dog can be kept indefinitely until adopted. Keep
in mind however, that this shelter is almost always full to capacity, and
available dogs that have not been adopted are routinely euthanized to make
way for incoming strays. If you are interested in a dog, please go to the
shelter immediately!
How reliable are your descriptions
of these dogs?
I try my best to provide reliable information. The information comes from
the dog's kennel card, and from my observations. I have alot of experience
working with dogs and in evaluating temperaments of various breeds. I am however,
visiting with these dogs very briefly, and in most cases, have not had an
opportunity to interact with them one-on-one outside of their cages. It is
impossible for me to know how a dog will react with a different person, around
different animals, or under different circumstances. Please take the time
to visit with the animal yourself, and make your own assessment of the animal's
health, age, breed, temperament, and other qualities.
What if more than one person wants
to adopt the same animal?
In the event multiple parties are interested in adopting the same animal,
an auction is conducted on the spot, once the animal becomes available. This
is a fairly rare occurence, yet if you really want that Yorkie puppy
(but so do 5 other people...), you should plan to be at the shelter no
later than 8 AM the day the animal becomes available, and be prepared
to bid.
Can I use my VISA or MASTERCARD to
place a deposit on, or purchase an animal over the phone?
YES!! Finally, the city shelters are accepting all major bank cards for
transactions! Hooray!! All transactions are still first-come, first served,
IN-PERSON at the shelter. Cash or personal check (with proper I.D.) are the
other forms of payment accepted by the shelter.
Does the shelter adopt or ship dogs
out-of-state?
NO.
Will my newly adopted animal be able to come home with me the same
day I pay for it?
Probably not. Every animal adopted from the shelter MUST be sterilized (spayed
or neutered) before being released to a new owner. This policy applies to
all six L.A City shelters. Since most of the animals impounded at the shelter
are unsterilized, this procedure will be performed before your newly adopted
pet goes home with you. Upon payment of adoption fees, your dog will be transfered
to the shelter's contracted veterinarian for sterilization. Generally, you'd
pick up your animal at the vet's office 24 hours later, but the clerk at the
shelter's front desk will give you the exact date. However, animals that
have previously been spayed or neutered CAN go home with you immediately after
paying adoption fees - at a reduced rate!
What if I don't want my animal sterilized?
Tough luck!! Sorry, but this policy is vitally important, and here's why:
Upwards of 10 million cats, dogs, puppies and kittens are euthanized in shelters
each year due to the pet-overpopulation crisis. Simply put, there are more
animals being born than there are loving homes to care for them. The benefits
of spaying or neutering your pets are innumerable. Spayed or neutered animals
live longer, healthier lives, have fewer behavioral problems, and are better,
more affectionate companions, to name just a few. L.A. Animal Services is
committed to reducing pet over-population through spay and neuter programs
and public education.
Can you contact me when you spot a
certain breed at the shelter?
No. Unless you are connected with one of the non-profit pure breed rescue
organizations I routinely work with, I will not be contacting you. I can direct
you to www.rescuers.com, where you can
look up the rescue organization connected with the breed of dog you're interested
in. You can also go to www.petbond.com
or www.petfinder.com and search their
database by breed.
I adopted a dog because I saw it on this site - do you want to know about
it?
YES!! If you adopt a North Central dog after seeing it on this site, please
let me know! I want to know if this site is making a difference - plus I love
happy endings. If you'd like to send me a photo and story about your new best
friend, I'll add it to the North Central Success
Gallery. It's a great way to encourage others to open their hearts to
shelter animals.
Still have a question?
contact me: devildogranch@comcast.net
ADOPT A SHELTER ANIMAL - SAVE A LIFE!