Pet Adoptions

Our animals are shown for adoption seven days a week from 11:00 till 4:00. No appointment is needed. Prospective adopters come to us mainly through the website and advertisements we run in newspapers, referrals by alumni and other adoption groups. Our adoption process and policies are thorough and are designed to ensure that our orphans' new homes are secure, loving and permanent.

Pets are carefully matched with an individual adopters needs so that both pet and Guardian is happy. We believe the main problem concerning over population of unwanted pets is due to lack of correct matches and acclimation information. A good match starts with educated people placing animals into appropriate homes and then providing the new guardians with information & training to ensure a fun, happy relationship between the pets and their new family. At Pet Orphans much time and resources are put in place to make this happen. All of our animals are met by vets and highly skilled staff members upon arrival and immediately our rehabilitation starts. We have on site dog training through our volunteer program, which offers our dogs the chance to be introduced or reintroduced to behaviors that will assist them in a home environment. This will start our new adopters off with basic communication skills with their new companion animal. When we learn to respect pet guardianship as a lifetime commitment on behalf of the adoption facility which places animals and the adopters who share their lives with them, we will then begin to put a stop to unwanted animals in our world.

Pet Orphans is honest about all our animals’ behavioral and medical issues and never places aggressive animals. We believe we hold a responsibility to promote pet guardianship by placing healthy, well adjusted representatives into our communities. By doing this it will encourage more people to become pet guardians. After a pet has been placed in a loving home our efforts still continue, whether it be further training or help with medical expense, or simply referrals for your pets every day needs. We are there for our adopters and their pets. To learn more about our adoption process please look under adoptions on our homepage.

Phone Counseling

Pet Orphans of Southern California receives thousands of phone calls a year from the public on a variety of pet-related issues. Telephone counseling is available seven days a week from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m no appointment needed. The office staff provides information on: basic rescue and humane services available to the public; city- and county-licensed animal shelters; pet boarding facilities; low-cost spay/neuter and vaccination clinics; referrals to organizations which grant financial assistance for humane purposes; and behavioral and training assistance.

Lost/Found Service

A 24 hour lost and found service is provided for our pet orphans. Each pet adopted from our facility receives a Pet Orphans of Southern California tag with an emergency phone number on it. If a pet should become lost, the finder can call our facility at any time, day or night, and we will either locate the owner or ensure that the pet is kept safe until the owner can be notified.

Dog Training with J9's K9s Dog Trainers

Pet Orphans in conjuction with J9's K9s is holding dog training classes for the public. Open to all dogs over 16 weeks of age. Using positive reinforcement and motivational methods, Agility equipment and fun games, students improve their relationship with their dog and strengthen the dog's ability to focus and obey around distractions.

Volunteers

The Pet Orphans of Southern California volunteers are the heart and soul of our organization. A team of commited individuals contribute their time and energy to our dogs and cats, helping to keep them active, happy and healthy. Our volunteers assist with dog and/or cat socializing, dog walking, office services, counseling potential adopters, greeting visitors, animal bathing and grooming, and dispensing lots of TLC.

All volunteers attend an orientation session and are given basic training in the areas they wish to become involved. Our in-house email announcements keeps everyone informed and involved.

Rovers On The Road

This program was developed to assist Private Rescuers in their efforts to rescue a dog and find him or her a forever home. Pet Orphans applauds the efforts of individuals in our community who take it upon themselves to show commitment and passion towards animals in need.

Our Rovers On The Road program offers private rescuers a place to showcase their rescue’s to the public for permanent placement. Taking adoptions out into the public at our local Farmers markets, fairs, parades, coffee shops, schools, adoption festivals and anywhere else rover can find a home. Pet Orphans offers rescuers financial help for medical, spay/neuter, or training expenses to help get their rescue ready for adoption.

Humane Education Program

The classroom presentations focus on a variety of topics, including dog bite prevention, responsible pet ownership, the critical need for spaying and neutering, city wildlife, animal cruelty and careers with animals. Participants receive handout materials to take home and share with their families; younger grades receive a special English/Spanish educational coloring book and a Certificate of Achievement that includes a pledge to be kind to all animals. Adult presentations made to community organizations and clubs include an educational video with actress Alicia Witt.