ANIMAL HOUSES : Ready for Adoption, By Right Owner

“People think they need to get a dog from a breeder and start fresh,” says Diane Monahan, founder of Friends for Pets in Sun Valley. “But pet rescuers have wonderful animals that are already obedience-trained, housebroken and altered. It’s sad that there are not as many good homes as there are wonderful dogs and cats.”

The San Fernando Valley is home to a myriad of pet rescue organizations with hundreds of cats, kittens and purebred and mixed-breed dogs ready for adoption. Many of the animals were bailed out of pounds; others were dropped off by owners who moved, divorced or simply didn’t want the inconvenience and expense of a pet.

Before releasing pets for adoption, rescuers spay or neuter the animal, and they provide any necessary shots and medical care. To help cover their expenses, rescue organizations request donations for pets, but fees are usually flexible depending on age, breed and condition of the animal.

To ensure a good match, pet rescue organizations usually inspect homes and carefully screen future owners. “We are real tough on who they go to,” said Beverly Burger, who rescues Rottweilers. “We put them through the wringer. I just don’t want the dogs being recycled again.”

Basenji Rescue: Karen Jones of North Hollywood lost her beloved pet basenji in 1988. She never found her dog, but her search led her to start a basenji rescue service. “Once you get a basenji in your life, you are hooked,” Jones said. Indoor dogs only. Donation requested. (818) 761-7668.

Boxer Rescue: Ursula Sauthier has about 15 purebred boxers in a Chatsworth kennel. Donation: $135. (818) 343-6244.

Doberman Rescue: Nina Culver boards about 80 Doberman pinschers in her Sun Valley kennel. Donation requested. (818) 767-1166.

English Springer Spaniel Rescue: Ellen Wetenkamp of Reseda has more than a dozen English springer spaniels, as well as a few other small dogs. Donations: $75-$100. (818) 343-0360.

Friends for Pets: Diane Monahan has 60 purebred golden retrievers and Weimaraners, ages 6 months to 14 years, at kennels in Sun Valley and Chatsworth. Donation: $150 (but prices are flexible, especially with older dogs). (818) 767-5919.

German Shepherd Rescue: Grace Konosky’s Burbank kennel is home to about 30 German shepherds, many registered with the American Kennel Club. Donations requested. (818) 558-7560.

Rottweiler Rescue: Beverly Burger has about 15 Rottweilers, most of them purebreds, in Sun Valley kennels. Rottweilers have a vicious reputation, but with training, they can be great family pets, according to Burger. “Most people are not prepared for a Rottweiler,” she warned. “What they want is a golden retriever in Rottweiler clothes. They want a dog that will get along with a 2-year-old child and kill the burglar.” Donations: $100-$150. Call (818) 765-5997.

Small Animal Rescue: Caroline Rose in Woodland Hills has been rescuing dogs and cats from pounds and owners for 59 years. She specializes in toy and miniature breeds. Donations requested. (818) 888-7613.

Mew for Help: Carol Winner, who has been rescuing cats and kittens for 19 years, cares for more than 200 cats and kittens in a Chatsworth kennel. Donations: $25-$40. (818) 886-2986. Wayfaring Felines: Sharon Goloskie of North Hollywood has 60 kittens and cats ready for adoption. Donations appreciated. (818) 505-8031.

Holiday Humane Society: More than 150 dogs and 50 cats are kept at this nonprofit, private shelter at 7301 Fulton Ave. in North Hollywood. Open 1 to 5 p.m. daily except Monday. Donations: $40-$150. (818) 765-8196.

Orphan Dog Placement: Leslie Kentor-Leaman cares for 30 owner-abandoned dogs in a Chatsworth kennel. “People board dogs in the kennel and never pick them up,” she said. “Some of the dogs have been here for eight, nine, 10, up to 15 years. But I know there are homes for these older dogs.” Donations: $50-$75. (818) 345-8210.

Pet Adoption Fund: More than 200 purebred and mixed-breed dogs and 100 cats and kittens can be viewed and adopted from this spacious facility at 7515 Deering Ave., Canoga Park. Donation requested. (818) 340-1687.

Pet Orphans: About 70 dogs, cats and kittens are ready for adoption. Pet Orphans hosts an open house 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekends, 6 p.m. Tuesdays, and other times by appointment. The shelter is at 7720 Gloria Ave., Van Nuys. Donations: $40-$100. (818) 901-0190.

Pet Rescue: About 125 dogs and cats are waiting to be adopted from this Sun Valley facility. Only indoor cats will be placed, according to the organization’s president, Annette Petelle. Open house hours are 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on weekends. The shelter is at 8906 Norris Ave. Donations start at $30. (818) 767-4400.