PET ADOPTIONS PART OF ANNUAL FALL FESTIVAL.

Byline: Holly Edwards Staff Writer

SAUGUS - A variety of cats, dogs, kittens, puppies - and maybe even a few rabbits - from the Castaic Animal Shelter will be up for adoption Sunday at the annual Fall Festival at Lombardi Ranch.

The homeless pets will be selected and groomed by shelter volunteers, who say the annual pet adoption is their most successful event of the year.

Purebred animals as well as lovable mutts are usually available at the shelter, said Marla D'Antonio, volunteer coordinator at the shelter.

``I happen to love mixed breed mutts because they have more character,'' she said. ``The main thing is to pick the pet that's right for you and allow yourself time to get to know each other. There's always a period of adjustment with any new pet.''

D'Antonio urged prospective pet owners to check the shelter first before making a decision to purchase a cat or dog.

As in other areas, irresponsible pet owners in the Santa Clarita area often dump their animals along the roadside or allow them to breed uncontrollably, creating an overpopulation of cats and dogs, said Lt. Rosendo Perez, supervisor of the county-operated Castaic Animal Shelter.

``A lot of people want to breed their animals so their children can experience the miracle of life, but those kittens and puppies end up at our shelter,'' Perez said. ``It's the animals that end up getting hurt.''

A total of 1,567 dogs and 826 cats were killed at the Castaic shelter last year, far more than were adopted, officials said.

By adopting a pet from the shelter, area residents can help save an animal's life, D'Antonio said.

``Rescue something that's already there, don't go creating more,'' she said. ``I talk to a lot of people who feel secure by placing a litter of kittens or puppies in a home, but I tell them that almost every animal in this shelter once had a home.''

D'Antonio added that a local volunteer program called Pet Assistance will help area residents find homes for unwanted pets or obtain low-cost spaying and neutering.

Cats and dogs will be available for adoption at the Fall Festival for $27 each, which includes the costs of spaying or neutering, the first series of vaccinations and a checkup by a veterinarian. Rabbits will cost $5 each.

A goody bag filled with pet treats and information will also be sent home with each new pet owner.

Charla Provencio, a shelter volunteer, said her group is always seeking additional volunteers.

``We can always use more help,'' she said. ``For people who love animals, it's a great thing to do.''

The shelter volunteers will hold the Fall Festival adoption event from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 29527 Bouquet Canyon Road.

For information about becoming a volunteer, contact the shelter at [phone].

CAPTION(S):

2 photos

Photo:

(1) The Castaic Animal Shelter hopes to find homes for some of its dogs and cats, such as this short hair domestic, during Sunday's Fall Festival.

(2) For $27 each, prospective pet owners can take home a cat or dog, such as this terrier mix puppy. The fee includes costs of spaying or neutering, the first series of shots and a check-up.

Shaun Dyer/Special to the Daily News