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Save a life. Adopt a rescued pet. Mixed breed and purebred pets are available from local rescue groups with an approved household application and lifetime commitment to provide for the animal's welfare.

East Baton Rouge Parish Animal Control, Cat Haven, Ascension Animal Advocates and other rescue groups encourage adoption application in advance of the holidays and provide gift certificates and guidance to help children (or adults) select their perfect pet. For information on breed-specific rescues (such as duck, horse, sugar-glider, ferret, rabbit, collie, poodle and others), visit petfinder.com and click local shelters. Adoption fees begin around $30 (for rabbits and smaller critters) and extend from $70 to $300 for kittens, puppies, cats and dogs.

Here are some animals available for adoption:

Snickers

Snickers is an 8-month-old American Eskimo with a sweet personality. Snickers and many other adoptable puppies, dogs, cats and kittens are available at Ascension Parish Animal Control.

Hallow

Max

Max is a 5-year-old, blue-eyed, blue-point Siamese/tabby mix. While he is a little shy at first, Max quickly warms up to his new surroundings and does well with other cats. Hallow is a sweet, shy 4-year-old. She is a playful girl that will come around for attention when she is looking for human companionship. Max and Hallow along with many other adoptable cats and kittens are available from Cat Haven.

Murphy

Murphy is a 1-year-old petit basset griffon vendeen (PBGV)/beagle mix. When his family moved, they left him behind. Murphy and many other adoptable puppies, dogs, cats and kittens are available at CAAWS.