LAKEWOOD, Calif., April 14 (UPI) -- An animal adoption agency in California says it is bringing the pets to the people with a unique outlet located in a Los Angeles-area shopping mall.
The Adopt-and-Shop center opened for business this week at The Lakewood Center Mall and has its official grand opening at the end of the month, the pet adoption group Found Animals said in a statement.
Adopt-and-Shop is a cooperative effort with animal shelters in the L.A. area. It has an upscale look that is pleasing to the eye and certain to encourage shoppers to make an impulse rescue of a dog or cat that needs a home.
"We always encourage people to visit shelters to meet a great pet, but the sad reality is that many shelters aren't conveniently located and are perceived as negative places, which can often be intimidating," said Found Animals Executive Director Aimee Gilbreath.
Gilbreath said that while rescuing pets from the pound is a noble idea, only about 18 percent of pets are adopted at shelters. Her group hopes to find homes for at least 600 animals this year.
Adopt-an-Shop takes up more than 1,000 square feet at the mall and also offers a full line of pet supplies
