Photos: Wuff Wuff! Need Some Love in Your Life?

Looking for some ever-lasting companionship this Valentine's Day?

The dogs and cats pictured above—gussied up in red and pink honor of the holiday—are up for adoption at the Santa Monica Animal Shelter.

They were photographed by Sharon Hardy of Sweet Potato Pet Photos. Hardy is a regular volunteer at the shelter who typically takes photos of the pets in a fenced-in yard.

“There are so many great dogs and cats at the shelter, and showing them in this light allows people to see them as wonderful pets—not just animals behind bars,” she said.  “These photographs make it easy to see that dogs and cats at shelters are kind, obedient, and adorable, and they can make someone very, very happy if given the chance.”

To adopt one of these loving pets, visit http://www.petfinder.com/shelters/CA1210.html.

The shelter is at 1640 Ninth Street and is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and from noon to 5 p.m. Sundays. For more information, contact (310) 450-6170 or email shelter@smgov.net.

It is operated by Santa Monica Animal Control, a full-service animal care and control agency that shelters stray and owner-surrendered animals from the community, which can include dogs, cats, rabbits, and an occasional bird or reptile.