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HOW TO ADOPT

Our Adoption Process…and Why We Do It This Way

 

Please take a few moments to read the following explanations of our adoption policies and the steps that make up the process. You may be surprised to find that adopting an animal is a more involved process than you expected, or that it means you can’t have immediate access to an animal you are interested in. Therefore, it's important to understand two things:

1) the process is the same for everyone, and

2) it’s not our intent to frustrate you.

Rather, everything we do is for the best possible chance of finding a permanent loving home.

Here are the steps you’ll go through in the adoption process:

montana
FOREVER PLACEMENT - MONTANA

Before you can see (that is pet, cuddle, walk, and get to know) any animal in our kennel, we’ll ask you to complete a Short form. The Short form must be completed first in order to minimize stress for you and the animals. The Short form will allow the opportunity to tell us more about what you are looking for in a companion animal and what your current lifestyle is like. With this information we will then be able to better direct you towards the perfect companion for you and your family.

Once the Short form is satisfactorily completed, this is when the lovin’ hugs, kisses and play time begins with our four- legged friends. A knowledgeable adoption counselor will escort you through our orphanage while filling you in on the history and particular needs of the animals. At this time, you can ask our counselors any questions about spaying or neutering, housetraining, obedience training, veterinary care, how to deal with fleas and ticks, and anything else you can possibly think of.

Other places were very rude, not helpful, made me feel very unwelcome- Pet Orphans was great! All my questions were answered, everyone was very friendly, very helpful and very knowledgeable!
Alyssa Colme

 

Note if you currently have a dog we require that you bring the dog with you so we can do a companionship match in one of our yard areas. All of our dogs are cat tested in our Cat Habitat. This will give us a preliminary idea if we will try the dog in a home with cats. Often dogs in a new environment will not display a prey drive towards cats during the first couple of weeks of acclimation. This test is only meant to indicate to us immediate failure if the dog shows aggression.

Once a companion match has been made, you will then fill out our application (if you have not already submitted one online), and this will be reviewed by one of our staff members. We require the entire family that will be living with the animal to meet the animal prior to adoption. We do not adopt out animals as gifts or to anyone under the age of 21. After going over the application, a Home Check may or may not be required. Each adoption process may vary due to the needs of the animal and background of the applicant. If a home check is needed, a volunteer will contact you and set up a time to meet with you at your home at your convenience. If you rent, we will require written approval from your landlord that you are allowed to share your home with a furry friend. Also note: Size, Breed and Age Restrictions.

mariah
FOREVER PLACEMENT - MARIAH

Taking the animal home: After all previous steps in the process have been completed, you will then meet with an Adoption Manager to go over the things you will need for a successful acclimation period after you bring you new friend home. We strive to educate our adopters on everything from diet, training, healthcare and easy management programs to make pet guardianship an easy, fun lifetime experience. In today’s society of disposable pets, we take our placements very seriously, to ensure a good outlook on pet guardianship. We believe keeping the animals in the home through education is the answer to the overpopulation of unwanted animals.

We came back to you after visiting other shelters because we felt the best and so comfortable with your process. It felt great that we were hand interviewed to make sure we were ready and picking the right dog.
Kent Zimmerman & PJ Terranova

Minimum Donation For Adoption:

Dog & Puppy donation fee: $200 covers the cost of DHLPP & Bordatella, Rabies, Deworming, Flea Control, Spay/Neuter, Tracking Tag for 24 hour Lost & Found Service, Microchip, Leash & Martingale Training Collar, Canidae Dog Food, " Urban Puppy Tool Kit" and DVD on Training & Acclimation Information.

Cat donation fee: $100 includes FIV /FELV Test, FRVCP, Deworm, flea control, Spay or Neuter, Micro Chip, Pet Orphans Tracking Tag, Bag of Chicken Soup for the Cat lovers Soul (food), Breakaway Collar and Card Board Transport Box, "Your Out of Control Cat" book, and Cat Acclimation DVD.

Cash, Check or Credit Cards accepted
Visa/MasterCard/Discover/American Express


If you can increase the donation fee for the dog or cat you are adopting, please do so, if you cannot, please remember us during the holiday gift giving season and for donations of dog and cat toys, cat beds, old blankets and towels and other items all rescue groups need. But most importantly PLEASE remember to tell your friends who FALL IN LOVE with your dog or cat (because they will) to ADOPT, don't breed or buy.

Please Note: As a general rule, we do not hold animals for anyone. Unfortunately, because of the tremendous demands on our kennel space, most adoptions must be done on a first-come, first-serve basis, and the first properly qualified prospective home will be approved to claim guardianship.

Everyone at the facility, showed how much they cared and loved the animals. As well as this they showed great concern for the future welfare of the animals.
Catherine Donnelly

Let Us Repeat: Our goal at Pet Orphans of Southern California is to provide all of our animals with loving, permanent homes. Please know that our goal is not to be frustrating or evasive to you. We want you to understand that it is stressful and upsetting, in fact, downright devastating for the animals, for our staff, and most importantly for you, when adoptions don’t work out and pets have to come back to us. We do not partake in irresponsible placements. You can be assured that all steps are taken from the point of rescue intake to the point of placement in a new home to ensure and encourage positive relationships between animals and people. So please bare with us and be patient and understand that going through the process the way we do really is the best policy for all of us.

Before you fill out an application to adopt, Pet Orphans believes you have a BILL OF RIGHTS as an adopter. Please Read

cat application dog application
PLEASE NOTE: After filling out an online application, please feel free to come into the shelter and meet the orphans, your application will be kept and referenced at the time of your arrival. Applications filled out online, will not hold an animal for adoption. All applicants must meet the Adoptee for a companionship match.

Hours & Address:

Pet Orphans is open to the public seven days a week
from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Our address is 7720 Gloria Avenue in Van Nuys.
NO APPOINTMENT NECESSARY

Directions:

From the West Valley-Ventura area, take the 101 South to the 405 North, exit at Sherman Way West. You will pass a large post office on your right. The next intersection is Gloria, turn right. You will be in a residential area until you reach the cross street of Saticoy. Once you have crossed Saticoy, you will enter a light industrial area. Pet Orphans is on your right side.

From the East Valley, North Hollywood, Burbank areas, take the 101 North to the 405 North and follow the previous directions.

From the West LA area, take the 405 North and follow the previous directions.

From the North Valley - Santa Clarita area, take the 405 South and exit at Roscoe Blvd. Make a right on to Roscoe Blvd., a left on to Woodley Avenue, a left on to Saticoy, then a left on to Gloria Avenue. Pet Orphans is on your right side.


7720 Gloria Avenue Van Nuys, CA 91406   phone: 818.901.0190   fax: 818.901.0011