We are very interested in helping
homeless animals find their "forever" homes. 
To this end, we offer FREE* pre-adoption counseling services to people who are interested in adopting a homeless pet from a rescue organization or
city or county shelter.

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The plight of homeless animals should be of concern to us all. 
Although many people may choose to purchase a puppy from a reputable breeder, still others will open their homes to a dog in need of a second chance.  There are so many wonderful animals who find themselves in need of a new home as the result of circumstances which are beyond anyone’s control. There will always be those people who simply "opt out" of their responsibility toward their pets: who get animals with little thought to the reality of caring for a pet and then simply discard them when they realize the scope of what
will be required of them.  

But there are also people who have been forced to give up their beloved pets because of their own unfortunate circumstances.  Whether because of an illness or a negative turn of financial fortune, sometimes people find themselves suddenly without the means to take care of their perfectly wonderful pets.  Especially in light of the recent turn of events in our economy, there are many amazing dogs and cats and even other types of animals languishing in
shelters and rescues, neither as a result of their own or their owner's misdeeds. 

Offering a second chance to one of these animals can be lucky for them and lucky for you.  But when choosing to adopt a “second chance pet” it is important to make decisions with our heads rather than our hearts, otherwise we may be setting everyone up for further disappointment. 

We can and will happily help you to choose wisely.

so Why would you want Pre-adoption counseling? 

Many people choose to adopt a dog merely by virtue of the way it looks.  But if you were to choose a
human partner in the same way, how likely would it be that you could form a lasting relationship?
Relationships require some level of compatibility in order to last.  Ultimately, finding someone who's personality
and core values are acceptable to you is more important to the long term success of a relationship than pleasing looks.

Choosing a pet to live with is a long term relationship.  Although they do not live as long as a human being,
bringing a pet into your home can be a 10 to 20 year commitment.  This makes it equally important
that you look further than skin deep when searching for a new pet.  This is where we can help.

Our Certified Professional Dog Trainer can put her years of experience and knowledge of animals to work for you.  

Kim can help you identify the characteristics and traits that a new dog would need in order to fit most comfortably
into your home.  She can also make suggestions that may help you recognize those traits when evaluating a potential adoption candidate.  It's also important that your expections of your new friend be realistic.  Kim can help you identify and possibly adjust your expectations, so you won't end up disappointed with what you might be tempted to see as the "short comings" of your new dog or cat.  It's always tempting to simply take that dog or cat that you feel sorry for.  But taking an animal home, only to realize that they have problems that you aren't prepared to deal with, does nobody any favors...
least of all, the pet.  Choosing a new dog or cat requires that you use your head as well as your heart, in order to make the best choice. Although all animals require an adjustment period and possibly even some behavior modification in order to be the type of pet you would like them to be, finding a dog or cat who's core personality traits are the most 
pleasing to you can increase the likeihood of having long term success. 

Kim will work to help you set things up for lasting success
...and to help that dog or cat find their "forever home" with you.  

 Please contact us for details.

(818) 890-1133

(oh, and don't forget, we can help with cats too!)

* Pre-adoption counseling for rescue or shelter adoptions is offered free of chage.  If you would like us to go with you to evaluate a pet, dependent upon the lodation, there may be a charge for travel expenses.  This is a mileage only charge. Our time spent counseling and evaluating is free of charge.