Southern California animal lovers' calendar: Weekend of Oct. 30-31 and beyond

It's Halloween Weekend, and you know what that means: Dogs in costume! There are numerous events where you can gawk at spectacularly-outfitted canines over the coming days, as well as opportunities to learn about birds, party for a good cause, adopt a new pet or show your vegetarian pride. Think we're forgetting something or want to clue us into an upcoming event? Let us know by leaving a comment on this post or sending us a tweet @LATunleashed.

This Weekend:

Saturday, Oct. 30-Sunday, Oct. 31, the L.A. Zoo hosts "Boo At the Zoo," a family-friendly opportunity to celebrate Halloween alongside zoo animals. The event includes a "Creepy Crawly Encounter," where visitors can see snakes, spiders and insects up close; "Halloween Down Under," where kids can trick-or-treat through a ghostly graveyard to learn about extinct animals; an "Animal Stomp 'n Chomp" exhibit, where guests can see animals like otters, seals, a rhinoceros and a hippopotamus eat and/or stomp on a pumpkin; live entertainment; face-painting; pumpkin-carving demonstrations and more. For more information and a schedule of events, visit LAZoo.org.

Saturday, Oct. 30-Sunday, Oct. 31 and Saturday, Nov. 6, L.A.'s Audubon Society chapter hosts a three-day Introduction to Birdwatching class, which includes a workshop and two days' worth of field instruction. Cost is $30 for chapter members and $50 for non-members (non-member registration fee includes chapter membership). More information at LosAngelesAudubon.org.

Saturday, Oct. 30, Orange County rescue group Barks of Love hosts an adoption event and costume contest at Jabez Salon, 18513 Yorba Linda Blvd. in Yorba Linda, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Southern California animal lovers' calendar: Weekend of Oct. 23-24 and beyond

Whether you want to celebrate the humble pit bull, adopt a pet or party for a good cause, the coming weekend and the weeks and months ahead are full of events sure to appeal to you. Think we're forgetting something? Leave a comment on this post or send us a tweet @LATunleashed.

This Weekend:

Saturday, Oct. 23, ROVERlution commemorates National Pit Bull Awareness Day with a march through downtown Brea designed to draw attention to the issue of breed-specific legislation. March begins at Brea's Arovista Park at 9 a.m.; more information at ROVERlution.org.

Saturday, Oct. 23, spcaLA hosts a low-cost vaccination clinic and pet adoption event at Moorpark Park, 12061 Moorpark Ave. in Studio City, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Low-cost pet vaccination clinic runs from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.; adoptions begin at 10 a.m. and conclude at 3 p.m. More information at spcaLA.com.

Saturday, Oct. 23, OC Animal Care holds a special adoption event for its littlest dog residents, the Chihuahuas, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at its shelter facility, 561 The City Drive in Orange. The event features a parade of adoptable Chihuahuas, and all Chihuahuas adopted will receive free spay or neuter surgery, if applicable, and free flea treatment. More information at the shelter's website.

Saturday, Oct. 23, actor David Dayan Fisher ("NCIS," "24") reads from his new children's book "Puppy School" at Hollywood design store MUSH, 5651 Hollywood Blvd., from 6 to 9 p.m. The event includes a silent auction. Proceeds benefit In Defense of Animals.

Southern California animal lovers' calendar: Weekend of Oct. 16-17 and beyond

Whether you want to adopt a pet, party to help animals in need or just chow down on candy for a good cause, the coming days and weeks are full of fun opportunities to help animals. Think we're forgetting something? Leave a comment on this post or send us a tweet @LATunleashed.

Saturday, Oct. 16, spare a thought for cats in need on National Feral Cat Day, originated 10 years ago by the advocacy group Alley Cat Allies. Check out a list of events around the country and ways to help feral cats near you at the group's website.

Saturday, Oct. 16, the L.A. Department of Animal Services hosts mobile pet-adoption events at downtown pet store Pussy & Pooch, 564 S. Main Street, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.; and at the Canoga Park PetSmart location, 21311 Victory Blvd., from noon to 4 p.m. See photos of adoptable pets at LAAnimalServices.com.

Saturday, Oct. 16, Camarillo-based Animal Resources Inc. hosts a Champagne and Tiara Party to raise funds for its Animal Rescue Rig. The event is to be held at a private L.A. residence; location details will be provided with advance registration. Festivities begin at noon and last until 7 p.m. Guests are encouraged to wear a tiara; if you don't have one (and really, who does?) they can be purchased at the event for $25. A Louis Vuitton diamond bracelet, valued at $2,000, will be raffled. Tickets are $50; for more information or to purchase tickets, visit AnimalResourcesInc.com.

Sunday, Oct. 17, Farm Sanctuary hosts Walk for Farm Animals, a fundraising event, in Claremont. Registration starts at 10 a.m. at Memorial Park, 810 North Indian Hill Blvd.; walk begins at 10:30. Vegan cookies are provided. More information at WalkForFarmAnimals.org.

Culver City dog park the Boneyard closed following discovery of low levels of methane gas

Culver City off-leash dog park the Boneyard has been closed until further notice after the discovery of low levels of methane gas there.

A report last week of water seepage in the area of the park reserved for large dogs prompted the methane discovery.

The city's irrigation crew, Plains Exploration & Production Co. and the State Division of Oil, Gas and Geothermal Resources have investigated, but "a final determination of the cause of the seepage has not been made and the investigation continues," city officials said in a statement.

Outside experts "concluded that the very low concentrations of methane do not pose a risk to public health or safety," the statement continued, but the park is off limits to the public to allow for further investigation and any necessary repairs. The park's website now features a prominent notice of its temporary closure and notes that an announcement will be made when it is reopened.

The Boneyard has been a popular spot for Culver City-area dog owners since it opened in 2006. It is located on Duquesne Avenue in Culver City Park, south of Jefferson Boulevard.

RELATED DOG PARK NEWS AND INFORMATION:
Unofficial dog park in Playa del Rey locks its door, throws away the key
Reader videos: Off-leash dog parks and beaches in Southern California

-- Lindsay Barnett

Southern California animal lovers' calendar: Weekend of Sept. 25-26 and beyond

Animal lovers, have we got good news for you. This weekend and the weeks ahead are full of fun opportunities to help charities focused on everything from pet adoption to farm-animal welfare, events where you can meet your next furry family member and a whole lot more. If you think we're forgetting something, let us know by leaving a comment or sending us a tweet @LATunleashed.

Through Saturday, Sept. 25, Petfinder.com works to raise awareness about homeless animals that often fall through the cracks at animal shelters with its Adopt a Less-Adoptable Pet Week. (Examples of hard-to-place pets include senior pets, FIV+ cats, "bully breed" dogs and black dogs that are the victims of so-called "black dog bias.") "It breaks my heart to think that some pets are homeless for years when they are just as wonderful as the younger, fluffier puppy next to them. These overlooked pets often make great additions to a family -- but many people don't even realize they are discriminating when they begin looking to adopt," Petfinder co-founder Betsy Banks Saul says. "The goal of this initiative is to bring the issue to the forefront and help find forever homes for these special animals." That's a goal we can get behind!

Saturday, Sept. 25, animal lovers can support Farm Sanctuary by participating in Walk for Farm Animals, a fundraising event that begins at Santa Monica City Hall, 1685 Main Street, at 8:30 a.m. The Santa Monica event is one of over 70 similar events around the country to raise awareness about farm animal welfare and Farm Sanctuary's work. Though there are several Walk for Farm Animals events in Southern California over the next few weeks, the Santa Monica walk is extra-special because Farm Sanctuary co-founder and president Gene Baur will be in attendance. Registration on the day of the event for $20. More information at WalkForFarmAnimals.org.

Southern California animal lovers' calendar: Weekend of Sept. 18-19 and beyond

If you want to adopt a pet, help worthy animal-related charities raise funds and awareness or watch athletic dogs go surfing (and really, who doesn't want to watch surfing dogs?), this weekend and the coming weeks are full of events sure to appeal to you. Think we're forgetting something? Let us know by leaving a comment on this post or sending us a tweet @LATunleashed.

Saturday, Sept. 18, Last Chance for Animals invites Southern California pet lovers to its Puppy Mill Awareness Festival at Hancock Park, 5801 Wilshire Blvd. (near the La Brea Tar Pits), from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event will feature educational speakers, animal advocacy and animal welfare information booths, adoptable pets from area rescue organizations and shelters, live entertainment, pet-themed vendors and activities for children.

Saturday, Sept. 18, the L.A. Department of Animal Services hosts mobile pet-adoption events at Centinela Feed & Pet Supplies' Rancho Palos Verdes location, 28901 Western Ave., from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m; and at the Canoga Park PetSmart location, 21311 Victory Blvd., from noon to 4 p.m. (The department will also have adoptable pets at the Puppy Mill Awareness Festival, above.) See photos of adoptable pets at LAAnimalServices.com.

Sunday, Sept. 19, Best Friends Animal Society hosts "Strut Your Mutt," a walk to raise funds for Best Friends and local animal charities and rescue groups, beginning at the Santa Monica Pier. The event includes pet-friendly vendors, a doggie massage booth, a canine cafe, training demonstrations, a pet psychic, games, contests, an after party and more. Registration begins at 6:30 a.m., with the walk beginning at 8:30. More information at Best Friends' website.

Southern California animal lovers' calendar: Weekend of Aug. 21-22 and beyond

If you want to adopt a pet, take advantage of low-cost veterinary care options, see a baseball game with your dog, drink wine (or mojitos!) for a good cause or shop for cruelty-free makeup while snacking on vegan food, we've got good news for you! All these activities and more are coming up in the coming days and weeks. Here's our rundown of upcoming animal-related events; if you think we're missing something, leave us a comment or send us a tweet @LATUnleashed.

Saturday, Aug. 21, Clinico hosts a grand opening event for its recently unveiled low-cost spay/neuter clinic at the L.A. Department of Animal Services' East Valley animal shelter, 14409 Vanowen St., Van Nuys, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event includes free vaccinations and microchipping services for dogs (while supplies last), live entertainment, giveaways and face-painting. Guests can also make an appointment to have their dog or cat spayed or neutered.

Saturday, Aug. 21, spcaLA invites potential "foster parents" to learn about its fostering program from 10 a.m. to noon at its South Bay Pet Adoption Center, 12910 Yukon Ave., Hawthorne. "Foster parents" are needed to care for puppies and kittens that are too young to be adopted, as well as older dogs and cats with special needs. More information at spcaLA.com. (The L.A. Department of Animal Services offers a similar program for underage puppies and kittens; more information on that program is available at the department's website.)

Saturday, Aug. 21, the Beauty Rebellion Project hosts a launch party and fundraiser for the Best Friends Animal Society at American Vintage, 1750 Hillhurst Ave., Los Feliz, from 2 to 9 p.m. Guests can enjoy vegetarian and vegan food, drinks and shopping for discounted vintage clothing and cruelty-free beauty products. The event also features pet adoptions, raffle prizes, free makeovers and more. For more information or to RSVP, visit Beauty Rebellion on Facebook.

Southern California animal lovers' calendar: Weekend of Aug. 14-15 and beyond

Whether you want to adopt a pet, learn how to protect animals in the event of an emergency, rub shoulders with other animal lovers or shop for vintage clothing and cruelty-free makeup for a very good cause, the coming weekend and the weeks ahead are full of events that are sure to appeal to you. If you think we're missing one or want to alert us to an upcoming event, let us know by leaving a comment on this post or sending us a tweet @LATUnleashed.

Saturday, Aug. 14, the L.A. Department of Animal Services hosts mobile pet-adoption events at Fred Hesse Jr. Memorial Park, 29301 Hawthorne Blvd. in Rancho Palos Verdes, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.; and at the Canoga Park PetSmart location, 21311 Victory Blvd., from noon to 4 p.m.

Sunday, Aug. 15, the Surf City Animal Response Team invites Orange County pet lovers to its Pet Fair in the Park event at Mile Square/FB Sports Park, 16400 Brookhurst Ave. in Fountain Valley, from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Guests can learn about disaster preparedness for pets, visit animal-themed vendors and take advantage of the event's low-cost vaccination and microchipping services. More information at SurfCityAnimalResponseTeam.org.

Sunday, Aug. 15, the L.A. Department of Animal Services hosts mobile pet-adoption events at the Torrance PetSmart location, 3855-59 Sepulveda Blvd., from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.; at Moorpark Park, 12061 Moorpark Ave. in Studio City, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.; and at West Hollywood pet store Healthy Spot, 8525 Santa Monica Blvd., from 1 to 5 p.m.

Southern California animal lovers' calendar: Weekend of Aug. 7-8 and beyond

If you want to adopt a needy pet, help area rescue organizations or meet like-minded animal lovers in Southern California, the coming days and weeks are full of events sure to help. We've got the details on a number of them; if you think we're forgetting one, let us know by leaving a comment or tweeting the details to us @LATunleashed.

Saturday, Aug. 7, spcaLA offers a low-cost vaccination and microchip clinic for dogs and cats at its South Bay Pet Adoption Center, 12910 Yukon Ave. in Hawthorne, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The clinic will offer rabies vaccinations for cats and dogs ($5); DHPP vaccinations for dogs ($15); bordetella vaccinations for dogs ($10); FVRCP and FeLV vaccinations for cats ($15 each); and microchipping for cats and dogs ($25). More information at spcaLA.com.

Saturday, Aug. 7, the L.A. Department of Animal Services hosts a mobile pet-adoption event at the West Hollywood Petco location, 508 N. Doheny Dr., from 1 to 5 p.m. See photos of adoptable pets at LAAnimalServices.com.

Saturday, Aug. 7, the Voice for the Animals Foundation presents a night of entertainment from comedians Lily Tomlin, Elayne Boosler, Bruce Vilanch, Rick Overton and Orny Adams, as a fundraiser for the campaign to remove Billy, the L.A. Zoo's lone Asian elephant, from the zoo and "retire" him to animal sanctuary P.A.W.S. The event, to be held at a Beverly Hills mansion, begins at 5 p.m. and ends at 8 p.m. Tax-deductible tickets range in price from $100 to $200 and can be purchased through Voice for the Animals' website.

Southern California animal lovers' calendar: Weekend of July 31-Aug. 1 and beyond

If you want to adopt a pet, visit with native Southern California butterflies, attend an art show or meet like-minded animal lovers, this weekend and the days and weeks ahead are full of events you're sure to enjoy. Think we're forgetting something? Let us know by leaving a comment on this post or sending the details to us in a tweet @LATunleashed.

Through Sunday, Aug. 1, Claremont's Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden invites Southern California residents to its temporary Butterfly Pavilion exhibit, which features hundreds of butterflies native to the area. Admission to the exhibit is an additional $2 with paid Botanic Garden admission, which is $8 for adults, $6 for adults over 65 and students with a valid student ID, $4 for children ages 3 to12 and free for children under 3. Exhibit hours are 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. More information and directions at RSABG.org.

Saturday, July 31, the L.A. Department of Animal Services hosts mobile pet-adoption events at Centinela Feed & Pet Supplies' Rancho Palos Verdes location, 28901 Western Ave., from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.; at downtown pet store Pussy & Pooch, 564 S. Main St., from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.; and at Northridge's Petco location, 8800 Tampa Ave., from noon to 4 p.m. See photos of adoptable pets at LAAnimalServices.com.

Saturday, July 31, more than 60 fine artists will present their work at an art show and silent auction at the Riverside Municipal Auditorium, 3485 Mission Inn Ave. in Riverside, with proceeds benefiting the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society. The event also features a special appearance by Sea Shepherd leader Paul Watson and guest DJ sets by the Crystal Method and DJ Diabetic (aka artist Shepard Fairey). Cost is $20, payable at the door. VIP admission is also available for $110 per person. More information at SeaShepherdArtShow.com.