Need a date for Valentine’s Day? You don’t have to swipe right to find your perfect match! His name’s Cosmo, and he’s a young, vibrant, affectionate Siberian husky, just 2 years old. He loves to ride in the car, especially if he knows you’ll make a stop at In-N-Out for burgers—he’s especially fond of double Pup Patties! Then, out for a walk, a little shopping, and maybe making some new friends. Cosmo’s nonreactive to other dogs and has made a few close buddies, canine and human, at the shelter. Ready to meet your Valentine? Speed the process to adopt or foster Cosmo or any of our other pets by emailing PetAdopt@longbeach.gov or petfoster@longbeach.gov. You can also call (562) 570-4925. Our shelter hours are Wednesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 7700 E. Spring St. at the entrance to El Dorado Park (no parking fee for shelter visitors. Ask for ID#A726780. 

Buster is an influencer! First of all, he’s pioneering the single-stocking look with his white knee sock. Then, he can play ball well enough for any league. He also has the unique skill of professional-level tongue roller! Look at that pink ringlet! Most importantly, Buster is one heck of a nice boi! He’d love to be your Valentine. Speed the process to adopt or foster Buster or any of our other pets by emailing PetAdopt@longbeach.gov or petfoster@longbeach.gov. You can also call (562) 570-4925. Our shelter hours are Wednesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 7700 E. Spring St. at the entrance to El Dorado Park (no parking fee for shelter visitors. Ask for ID#A730286.

Fostering a pet gives them a break from shelter confinement as well as time in a loving home! It also opens a kennel for a stray or surrendered animal or one who has been evacuated from a disaster, like the fires. Pepper is one of the lucky Long Beach Animal Care Services dogs who’s spending time with an amazing human foster! The foster says that she’s smart, sassy, playful, full of energy and affectionate. She was shy at first when she entered her barkly bed-and-breakfast, but she’s warmed up just great! Pepper loves to play in the water, play ball, and take hikes. She’s learning her leash manners and does well when meeting new dogs. All Pepper needs now is someone who wants spice in their life forever! Speed the process to adopt Pepper or to foster/adopt any of our other pets by emailing PetAdopt@longbeach.gov or petfoster@longbeach.gov. You can also call (562) 570-4925. Our shelter hours are Wednesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 7700 E. Spring St. at the entrance to El Dorado Park (no parking fee for shelter visitors. Ask for ID#A725680.

Did you know that you can foster a cat or a dog from Long Beach Animal Care Services? Fostering does so much good for our shelter pets. It gives them personal attention inside a loving home and a break from kennel confinement — even with the love that volunteers give shelter animals, there are still those lonely nights. They get accustomed to a home situation and learn trust. And in emergency situations like the Long Beach fireworks season or the wildfires, fostering a shelter pet makes room in a kennel for someone else’s displaced best friend. Paris, 4 years old,is one of the lucky dogs who’s spending some time in a home. Her family said that she’s easy to care for, is laid-back and calm, and loves belly rubs, hanging out, going for walks and just bonding. Paris was surrendered by her previous owner, so she knows what a home is like. Make an appointment to meet her, and give her forever! Speed the process to adopt Paris or any of our other pets by emailing PetAdopt@longbeach.gov or petfoster@longbeach.gov. You can also call (562) 570-4925. Our shelter hours are Wednesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 7700 E. Spring St. at the entrance to El Dorado Park (no parking fee for shelter visitors. Ask for IDA724668.

Thor desperately needs a loving, forever home. He came to our shelter at Long Beach Animal Care Services in mid-December when his owners were reported for possible abuse. Thor was observed to have discomfort and pain in his hindquarters and tail, and his owners had been shouting at him to stop whining. They told animal control officers that they didn’t seek veterinary help for Thor because they couldn’t afford it, and so they surrendered the senior dog to the shelter. Volunteers and staff are making up for lost time with Thor, but he so needs a permanent or at least a foster situation for his golden years. Can you help, or do you know someone who can? Long Beach Animal Care Services is over capacity with dogs, so speed the process to adopt or foster Thor or any of our other pets by emailing PetAdopt@longbeach.gov or petfoster@longbeach.gov. You can also call (562) 570-4925. Our shelter hours are Wednesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 7700 E. Spring St. at the entrance to El Dorado Park (no parking fee for shelter visitors. Ask for ID#A734281.

Add this to your New Year’s resolutions, or make a solo one: adopt or foster at least one cat in 2025! May we suggest Luke, a handsome gray-and-white tabby with expressive, large green eyes. Luke was recently surrendered to the shelter because the other adult cats in the house didn’t get along with him, although their kitten did. He’s 2 years old and loves cuddling, attention and humans in general. He’s healthy, and so is his appetite! He resolves to find a home where he’s the only cat. He’s currently holding court at the Paw Shoppe Pet Center, 6416 E Spring St., Long Beach. To adopt or foster Luke, email PetAdopt@longbeach.gov to speed the process, or call (562) 570-7387. Ask for ID#A731854.

(This rescue encouraged by the usual suspects.)

Gabe (left) and Gabi are exchanging notes about what they asked Santa for. Not surprisingly, they both asked for a forever home with loving, responsible humans. They’ve never known one, although they say plenty good about the shelter volunteers. The two were picked up by animal control officers from Long Beach Animal Care Services after multiple reports of a pair of dogs tied up in front of a public storage warehouse. Gabi, 3 years old, obviously birthed multiple litters before she was abandoned, and Gabe, at 10 months, might be her son. They love people and other dogs. Do you have room in front of the fireplace or wall heater for one or two good doggies? Long Beach Animal Care Services is over capacity with dogs, so speed the process to adopt or foster Gabe and Gabi or any of our other pets by emailing PetAdopt@longbeach.gov or petfoster@longbeach.gov. You can also call (562) 570-4925. Our shelter hours are Wednesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 7700 E. Spring St. at the entrance to El Dorado Park (no parking fee for shelter visitors. Ask for ID#A728907 for Gabe and ID#A728906 for Gabi.

Any guesses about what Lucas is asking Santy Claus to bring him? It’s nothing as grandiose as replacing Rudolph to guide the sleigh — it’s to wind up under the tree of some patient humans who understand the needs of this active breed. Lucas was picked up as a stray — or so his finders said — near a freeway exit; he had some broken teeth, moderate alopecia on his back, and dirty ears. His health is now great, and his ears are clean, thanks to the veterinary staff, but he’s 5 years old and deserves better. Lucas has spent a year lingering in a kennel, and even though the volunteers and staff take Lucas out to walk and play, it’s not enough — his spirit is diminishing. Someone, please grant Lucas’ holiday wish! Speed the process to adopt or foster Lucas or any of our other pets by emailing PetAdopt@longbeach.gov or petfoster@longbeach.gov. You can also call (562) 570-4925. Our shelter hours are Wednesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 7700 E. Spring St. at the entrance to El Dorado Park (no parking fee for shelter visitors. Ask for ID#A713619.