NKLA initiative gaining speed with new adoption center

Building on the momentum of a record-breaking super adoption in May, Best Friends' NKLA initiative is surging forward with the grand opening of an incredible new adoption center in the heart of West Los Angeles. One of the components of NKLA (No-Kill Los Angeles) is a coalition of animal welfare organizations, city shelters and passionate individuals dedicated to ending the killing of healthy and adoptable pets in L.A. city shelters, and this facility will be a boon to many of the city's pets-in-waiting.

Features of the NKLA Pet Adoption Center

Scheduled to launch the first week of August, the NKLA Pet Adoption Center is a striking new building with space for 60 large dogs in 10 soundproof areas, as well as room for 30 cats. All pet areas are equipped with an extensive air-exchange system to reduce disease transmission, and 50 percent of the kennel space will be available for NKLA Coalition members to showcase their adoptable pets.

Additionally, there is a gorgeously appointed reception area, a public meeting room, staff offices, a print and DVD library of animal care resources, and break rooms. The entire state-of-the art facility is wired for data and video and will be offered as a meeting, fundraising and training space for NKLA Coalition members to host events.

"People are going to be super impressed when they see this center," says Marc Peralta, executive director of Best Friends Animal Society in Los Angeles. "It's going to be a hotspot of activity for animal lovers across the city and help outreach our mission in a really world-class way."

Generous donors

The NKLA Pet Adoption Center was made possible by the generosity of real estate developer Ron Gershman and his wife, Catherine, who wanted to create a facility that will set a new standard for the adoption experience and serve as a vital community resource for advancing the no-kill movement.

"We are eternally grateful to the Ronald and Catherine Gershman Foundation for providing this fantastic facility to NKLA and helping us exponentially increase the likelihood of moving Los Angeles towards becoming a no-kill city," Marc says.

Location of the pet adoption center

Conveniently located near the 405 freeway in Santa Monica, within five minutes of the Century City Mall, the NKLA Pet Adoption Center is sure to become a dazzling destination to a city of pet lovers.

"We can't wait to be a part of this bustling community, to meet our neighbors, and get everyone involved in giving Los Angeles' shelter pets a second chance at a great life," Marc says.

To learn more about NKLA, including our coalition members and animals available for adoption, go to nkla.org.

Photos by Sarah Ause-Kichas