Southern California animal lovers’ calendar: Weekend of Feb. 12-13 and beyond

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If you want to adopt a pet, learn about becoming a foster parent for needy dogs and cats, attend a pageant of the world’s most beautiful bulldogs, march to show your support for pet rescue or learn about love in the animal kingdom, this weekend is full of events sure to appeal to you. (If you’re feeling the Valentine’s Day spirit, we’ve also assembled this list of ways you can help animals while celebrating the holiday of love.) Think we’re forgetting something 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.

Through Sunday, Feb. 13, Much Love Animal Rescue celebrates the relationship between men and their cats during Los Angeles Cat Guy Week! Though dogs are typically considered ‘man’s best friend,’ Much Love aims to point out that cats are no slouches in the companionship department. Through Sunday, ‘cat guys’ can adopt a feline friend through Much Love for a discounted adoption rate of $50. The group holds two mobile adoption events over the weekend: on Saturday at 602 Venice Blvd. from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and on Sunday at 2515 Main Street in Santa Monica from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. (Discounted adoption rates for both cats and dogs are also available through the L.A. Department of Animal Services’ six shelters over the weekend; see below for details.) Learn more about how to be a cat guy and see photos of adoptable cats at MuchLove.org.

Through Sunday, Feb. 13, the L.A. Department of Animal Services hosts Valentine’s Discount Adoption Days, during which adopters can bring home a cat or kitten for a discounted rate of $50.50 or a dog or puppy for a discounted rate of $83.50 at each of the department’s six shelter facilities and mobile pet-adoption events. See photos of adoptable pets at LAAnimalServices.com.

Through Monday, Feb. 14, online clothing store Rock ‘n Roll Over Rover will donate 50% of its profits to Ventura County’s Doberman Pinscher & Little Paws Rescue.

Saturday-Sunday, Feb. 12-13, spcaLA hosts a Valentine’s Weekend event at its spcaLA Marketplace, 7700 East Spring St. in Long Beach, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day. Throughout the weekend, visitors can celebrate with free heart-shaped dog treats, prize drawings and 10% off any red or pink toy.

Saturday, Feb. 12, spcaLA invites potential foster pet parents to learn about its fostering program at its P.D. Pitchford Companion Animal Village, 7700 E Spring St. in Long Beach, from 10 a.m. to noon. ‘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. Potential volunteers must be over 18 and complete an application before attending a fostering class. More information at spcaLA.com.

Saturday, Feb. 12, the L.A. Department of Animal Services’ North Central shelter, 3201 Lacy St. in Lincoln Heights, invites potential adopters to a Valentine’s Day-themed adoption event from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Meet adoptable pets (dogs and cats are available at a discounted rate all weekend, and the first 25 adopters on Saturday receive a further $25 off their adoption fee), enjoy refreshments and games, check out pet-themed vendors, see a Dancing with the Dogs demonstration and win door prizes. MADtv actress and animal advocate Debra Wilson Skelton will make an appearance, and you can bring the dog or cat you already have to a discount microchip clinic ($25 per pet).

Saturday, Feb. 12, the Best Friends Animal Society’s L.A. branch invites animal lovers and their well-behaved, leashed dogs to its Valentine’s Day Walk of Love, an event to draw attention to the emerging trend of pet stores offering rescued pets for adoption instead of selling animals obtained from large-scale breeding operations. The walk begins at noon at Pets R Us, a breeder-supplied pet store located at 839 W. Glenoaks Blvd. in Glendale, and concludes at Pet Rush, a store that offers pets for adoption located at 1420 W. Kenneth Road in Glendale. The walk route is about a mile long and concludes with an adoption event at Pet Rush that lasts until 4 p.m. Participants are asked to wear pink or red. More information at Best Friends’ events page.

Saturday, Feb. 12, the L.A. Department of Animal Services hosts a mobile pet-adoption event at the Canoga Park Petco location, 6615 Fallbrook Mall Ave., from noon to 4 p.m.

Sunday, Feb. 13, Haute Dogs hosts its annual Bulldog Beauty Contest and pet fair at Marine Stadium, 5225 E. Paoli Way in Long Beach. The event includes a Senior Dog pageant for dogs of all breeds and mixes aged 10 or older, beginning at 10 a.m.; the Bulldog Beauty Contest at 10:15; a French bulldog pageant at 11:30; and a pug pageant at 11:45. Sign-up begins at 9:30. A pet fair with vendor booths runs from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Spectators are welcome. Dogs in attendance should be at least 4 months of age. More information and registration forms at HauteDogs.org.

Sunday, Feb. 13, the L.A. Department of Animal Services’ East Valley shelter, 14409 Van Owen St. in Van Nuys, invites animal lovers to its ‘My Furry Valentine’ adoption event. The event includes refreshments, a Valentine’s Day card-making station, face-painting, an animal matchmaker and more -- plus, dogs and cats are available at a discounted adoption rate!

Sunday, Feb. 13, local rescue group the Bark Avenue Foundation hosts a Valentine’s Day-themed adoption event at L.A.’s Original Farmers Market, 6333 W. 3rd St., from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Meet adoptable dogs and cats, create a special Valentine’s Day card and, for a $1 donation, decorate a heart-shaped cookie with culinary experts from nearby Sur La Table.

Sunday, Feb. 13, the L.A. Department of Animal Services hosts a mobile pet-adoption event at Moorpark Park, 12061 Moorpark Ave. in Studio City, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Sunday, Feb. 13, the Stray Cat Alliance hosts a cat adoption event at Centinela Feed & Pet Supplies, 11055 W. Pico Blvd., from noon to 3 p.m.

Sunday, Feb. 13, the Greater Los Angeles Zoo Assn. presents ‘Sex and the City Zoo,’ a lecture about love in the animal kingdom just in time for Valentine’s Day, at its Witherbee Auditorium. The event begins with a wine-and-chocolate reception from 5 to 6 p.m., with the hourlong lecture to follow. This event is designed for adults only. Cost is $25 for zoo members and $35 for non-members. For more information or to register online, visit LAZoo.org.

Sunday, Feb. 13, local pet rescue group the Amanda Foundation hosts Martini Madness at Lola’s Restaurant, 945 N. Fairfax Ave., from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. The event features a silent auction, raffle prizes, a pet psychic (bring a photo of your pet if you’d like to do a reading) and snacks. The event’s signature Heartbreaker Martinis, wine and soft drinks are included in the $40 ticket price. More information at AmandaFoundation.org.

Throughout February:

It’s Adopt a Rescued Rabbit Month, and there are many needy rabbits waiting for good homes in shelters and local rescue organizations like the Bunny World Foundation and the Los Angeles Rabbit Foundation. Is a rabbit the right pet for you? Read up on rabbits as house pets at HumaneSociety.org.

Snack lovers can help needy animals by purchasing chocolate! Handcrafted vegan, kosher candy company Rescue Chocolate will donate 100% of its profits during the month of February to Furry Friends, which has saved more than 12,000 animals otherwise destined for euthanasia at municipal shelters in Northern California since 1998. Better still: Each candy bar flavor has special packaging that highlights an issue facing companion animals (example: ‘Peanut Butter Pit Bull’ aims to tackle ‘bully breed’ stereotypes, and ‘Foster-riffic Peppermint’ touts the need for foster homes to help rescue pets). Other charities that have benefited from Rescue Chocolate’s generosity include Farm Sanctuary, Austin Pets Alive, In Defense of Animals, United Animal Nations, Philadelphia PAWS and the Animal Relief Coalition for Haiti. More information at RescueChocolate.com.

February is Pet Dental Health Month! Lack of proper dental care for pets not only leads to bad breath -- it can also lead to periodontal disease, which has been linked to severe health problems like diabetes, kidney disease and stroke. Learn more at the American Veterinary Medical Assn.’s website.

Upcoming:

Monday, Feb. 14, spcaLA celebrates Valentine’s Day by offering special hours at its P.D. Pitchford Companion Animal Village & Education Center, 7700 East Spring St. in Long Beach. The facility and its accompanying spcaLA Marketplace store are typically closed Mondays, but they’ll be open Valentine’s Day from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Additionally, all pink and red toys at the Marketplace will be offered at a 10% discount. More information at spcaLA.com.

Thursday, Feb. 17, present this printable flier at Santa Monica’s Veggie Grill location, 2025 Wilshire Blvd., from 3 to 10 p.m., and 50% of your purchase will be donated to the Stray Cat Alliance.

Beginning Friday, Feb. 18, animal lovers have the opportunity to be a celebrity for a day by bidding on a special Secret Room Events Red Carpet Style Lounge package through spcaLA Friends For Life’s eBay page. The auction winner will attend the Style Lounge event Feb. 26 in the ballroom of the Four Seasons Beverly Wilshire, where they can rub elbows with celebrities, take photos on the red carpet and be treated to gifts of jewelry, clothing and other swag. All auction proceeds benefit spcaLA’s work on behalf of needy animals in Southern California. More information at spcaLA.com.

In celebration of Spay Day USA, you’ll receive a free goodie bag if you schedule your pet’s spay or neuter surgery at spcaLA’s Specialty Spay/Neuter Center from Saturday, Feb. 19 to Friday, Feb. 25. The center is located at 5026 West Jefferson Blvd. in South L.A.

Saturday, Feb. 19-Sunday, Feb. 20, the Found Animals Foundation is funding up to 450 free spay and neuter surgeries for the pets of L.A. residents whose annual income is $40,000 or below. Appointment requests are being accepted now; interested pet owners are encouraged to make their request as soon as possible because appointments are limited and made on a first-come, first-served basis. The surgeries will be performed at three local clinics operated by local charity Clinico and at L.A.’s new mobile spay/neuter clinic, Spay4LA. Appointment requests can be made online or by calling (800) SPAY4LA. More information at FoundAnimals.org.

Saturday, Feb. 19, spcaLA hosts a low-cost vaccination and microchip clinic for dogs and cats at its Specialty Spay/Neuter Center from 9 a.m. to 1 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); deworming for cats and dogs ($25); and microchipping for cats and dogs ($25). More information at spcaLA.com.

Saturday, Feb. 19, Best Friends Animal Society invites cat lovers to an all-cats adoption event at Westwood’s pet-friendly Hotel Palomar, 10740 Wilshire Blvd., from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. More than 200 cats from local shelters and rescue groups will be on hand to meet potential adopters, and adoption fees for all cats will be reduced to just $60. All cats will be spayed or neutered prior to the event, and adoption agencies will even throw in a special bonus: Interested adopters can bring home two cats for the price of one! This Oscar-themed event will include a red carpet, statuettes for adopters and a special gift lounge filled with free cat food, litter and other necessities for newly adopted cats. The first 100 adopters will also receive free valet parking. More information at Network.BestFriends.org.

Saturday, Feb. 19, the L.A. Department of Animal Services hosts mobile pet-adoption events at Balboa Park, 17015 Burbank Blvd. in Encino, from noon to 4 p.m.; at the Canoga Park PetSmart location, 21311 Victory Blvd., from noon to 4 p.m.; and at the West Hollywood Petco location, 508 N. Doheny Dr., from 1 to 5 p.m.

Sunday, Feb. 20, the L.A. Department of Animal Services hosts a mobile pet-adoption event at Moorpark Park, 12061 Moorpark Ave. in Studio City, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Saturday, Feb. 26, spcaLA invites potential ‘foster parents’ to learn about its fostering program at its South Bay Pet Adoption Center, 12910 Yukon Ave. in Hawthorne, from 10 a.m. to noon. 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. Potential volunteers must be over 18 and complete an application before attending a fostering class.

Saturday, Feb. 26, the L.A. Department of Animal Services hosts mobile pet-adoption events at downtown pet store Pussy & Pooch Pet House, 564 S. Main St., from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.; at the Rancho Palos Verdes Centinela Feed & Pet Supply location, 28901 Western Ave., from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.; and at the Northridge Petco location, 8800 Tampa Ave., from noon to 4 p.m.

SpcaLA is taking registrations now for its two Friends for Life Spring Camp sessions -- Monday, April 4-Friday, April 8 and Monday, April 18-Friday, April 22 -- during which kids ages 9-12 will learn the basics of pet care and introductory dog and cat training at spcaLA’s South Bay Pet Adoption Center in Hawthorne. Cost is $250 per child. For more information or to register, visit spcaLA.com.

Friday-Sunday, April 15-17, America’s Family Pet Expo returns to the Orange County Fair & Event Center for the 22nd consecutive year. The event includes demonstrations and exhibitions of more than 1,000 animals -- from dogs and cats to llamas and pot-bellied pigs -- plus pet-themed vendors, animal experts and pet adoptions. Tickets are $12; $10 for adults ages 60 and over; $6 for children ages 6-12; and free for children 5 and under. More information at PetExpoOC.org.

Ongoing:

The L.A. Department of Animal Services offers low-cost vaccination, microchipping and licensing clinics every first Thursday at its Harbor animal shelter; every second Tuesday at its North Central animal shelter; every third Tuesday at its South L.A. animal shelter; every fourth Tuesday at its East Valley animal shelter; and every fourth Thursday at its West Valley animal shelter. All clinics begin at 4:30 p.m. and end at 6:30 p.m. More information and pricing in PDF format at LAAnimalServices.com.

Every Thursday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., the L.A. Department of Animal Services hosts a mobile pet-adoption event at the Van Nuys Petco location, 5850 Sepulveda Blvd.

Every Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., the Volunteers for the Burbank Animal Shelter host a mobile pet-adoption event at Centinela Feed & Pet Supplies, 1505 W. Olive Ave. in Burbank. See photos of adoptable dogs and cats at the Burbank Animal Shelter’s website.

Every Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Much Love Animal Rescue hosts a mobile pet-adoption event at 602 Venice Blvd. (at the intersection of Venice Blvd. and Abbot Kinney Blvd. in Venice). See photos of adoptable dogs and cats at MuchLove.org.

Every Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Dawg Squad Animal Rescue hosts a mobile dog-adoption event at Centinela Feed & Pet Supplies, 7600 S. Sepulveda Blvd. in Westchester. See photos of adoptable pets at DawgSquad.org.

Every Saturday from noon to 6 p.m., Kinder 4 Rescue hosts a mobile dog-adoption event at Book Star, 12136 Ventura Blvd. (just west of Laurel Canyon) in Studio City. See photos of adoptable pets at the group’s Petfinder page.

Every Saturday from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m., Forte Animal Rescue hosts a mobile dog-adoption event at Centinela Feed & Pet Supplies, 3860 S. Centinela Ave. See photos of adoptable pets at the group’s AdoptAPet.com page.

Every second Saturday, spcaLA hosts ‘PAWS to Read’ at the Hermosa Beach Library, 550 Pier Ave., from 10:30 a.m. to noon. Through the program, young readers can practice their skills by reading to a decidedly nonjudgmental audience: certified therapy dogs. Due to limited time and availability of dogs, spcaLA recommends that parents or guardians register their children in advance by calling (310) 379-8475 to ensure a spot. More information at spcaLA.com.

Every fourth Saturday, spcaLA hosts ‘PAWS to Read’ at the Redondo Beach Public Library, 303 N. Pacific Coast Highway, from 10:30 a.m. to noon. Participation is free; sign-up begins at 9 a.m. at the Children’s Information Desk. More information at spcaLA.com.

Every Sunday, Animal Acres offers hourlong guided tours of its Acton facility at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Visitors can meet Animal Acres’ resident cows, pigs, turkeys, chickens and other animals and learn about the sanctuary’s work. Cost is $5 per person over age 3. More information at AnimalAcres.org.

Every Sunday, the Gentle Barn invites the public to visit the rescued horses, donkeys, cows, pigs, llamas, sheep, goats, turkeys, chickens and other animals that call its Santa Clarita sanctuary home. The rescue farm is open to the public from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (except in case of rain), and guests are welcome to bring a meat-free picnic lunch. A $5 donation per guest is requested. More information and directions at GentleBarn.org.

Every Sunday, Much Love Animal Rescue holds a mobile pet-adoption event from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at 2515 Main Street in Santa Monica. See photos of adoptable dogs and cats at MuchLove.org.

Every second Sunday, Evidence of Love Animal Care hosts a mobile pet-adoption event at the Van Nuys/Sherman Oaks Recreation Center, 14201 Huston St., Sherman Oaks, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. More than 130 dogs and cats from area animal shelters and rescue groups come out to meet potential adopters -- oh, and there’s a gourmet food truck, too. More information at EvidenceOfLove.org.

-- Lindsay Barnett