Perhaps more than ever, we could all use more love in our lives, and there’s no better love than that exuded by our four-legged companions. Say what you will, whether you’re an animal lover or not, it seems as though sometimes dogs and cats are more loyal, understanding and humane than many people in today’s society…a problem that appears to be getting worse with each passing generation.

If you’ve been looking for your forever friend that will be with you, by your side, through thick and thin, there are a multitude of pet adoption centers and shelters around the Woodland Hills area in which you can begin your search.

Man’s – and woman’s – best friend is just a short ride away.

AGWC Rockin’ Rescue, located at 19855 Ventura Boulevard, will truly have you understanding that adopting a pet is a win-win situation – not only do you help an animal feel loved and needed again, you also make a true friend for life. Even if adoption is too much of a commitment, you can consider fostering a pet for a limited time. There are a plethora of dogs and cats waiting at Rockin’ Rescue for homes…and they need all the help they can get. Open by appointment 10 am to 5 pm.

L.I.F.E. Animal Rescue of Agoura Hills, has brought new life to thousands of animals since 1992, from the last days at the shelter to starvation and injuries on the street – indeed, L.I.F.E. has turned tragedy into triumph. The mission here is to rescue homeless or abandoned dogs and cats and place them in permanent, responsible and loving homes, the staff at L.I.F.E. Rescue always promoting and practicing an aggressive spay/neuter effort to help resolve the pet overpopulation problem. Visit the weekly adoption location at PetSmart in Westlake Village every Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm, located at 5766 Lindero Canyon Road.

Best Friends Adoption Center, located at 1845 Pontius Avenue in L.A., brings together animal rescue groups, city shelters and passionate individuals to save the lives of homeless pets in the city. The facility also hosts adoption and fundraising events while providing help and services to the community via the KNLA (No-Kill Los Angeles) Coalition. The West Los Angeles location includes a kitten care center and a pet adoption center with adoptable dogs and cats from the L.A. city shelters, as well as regionally in California. Best Friends remains committed to changing the euthanasia situation for millions of dogs and cats while bringing the entire country to no-kill awareness by 2025.

Pet Adoption Fund, located at 7507-7515 Deering Avenue in Canoga Park, is a private 501(c)(3) all-breed, non-profit, no-kill dog and cat rescue organization and adoption center operating since 1983 as a team of volunteers. Since its inception, PAF has helped shelter, rehabilitate and find happy homes for the thousands of dogs and cats rescued from high-kill shelters and from owners who could no longer care for their companion animals. All of the dogs and cats in PAF’s care are spayed or neutered, bathed, microchipped and vaccinated before being placed in their adoptive new homes. By appointment only Friday and Saturday 1 pm to 5 pm.

Lange Foundation, with two setups in California, one at the Halfway Home Kennel at 2106 South Sepulveda Boulevard in L.A. and the second at St. Bonnie’s Sanctuary at 27567 Oak Spring Canyon Road in Canyon Country, works with city and county shelters, rescuing those animals on the euthanasia list that may have been victims of abuse or neglect, or that may be starving strays. Founded in 1993 by Gillian Lange, recipient of the 1980 City of Los Angeles St. Francis of Assisi Award for her rescue work with impounded animals since 1974, the Lange Foundation has rescued and placed, to date, over 27,000 cats, dogs and horses that would have otherwise been destroyed in overcrowded public animal shelters; Lange and a group of dedicated staff and volunteers work – and will continue working – every day to help homeless animals. The Halfway Home Kennel is open every day from 11 am to 5 pm and St. Bonnie’s Sanctuary is open every day by appointment.

Dogs and cats are loyal companions and can even improve your mental health, so if you’ve been thinking about adding a furry friend to your family, or just want to support a local shelter, check out the aforementioned spots around town.