Pet Orphans has rescued and placed thousands of deserving dogs and cats in new homes since its founding in 1973. Most of the animals we help are transferred from over-crowded City and County shelters where they are often destined to be euthanized; others come from individuals who are forced by circumstances to give them up. These are animals that do not deserve to die, but desperately need a home and a second chance at a happy life. Once in our care, each and every animal receives an abundance of TLC in our immaculate Van Nuys facility. This includes any necessary medical care, vaccinations, spay/neuter services, and microchip identification, before being placed into carefully screened new homes. We also provide post-adoptive counseling and other services for the life of the animal, including lifetime lost and found service. Pet Orphans takes pride in being recognized as one of the most professionally run rescue organizations in the region. Our animals are never over-crowded. Kennel runs are large and clean, and we continually seek improved methods of reducing stress. Volunteers come daily to spend time socializing, playing with, and exercising the animals to further their readiness for adoption. Because behavior problems are the #1 reason dogs are given up, all volunteers are trained to do basic dog obedience training; Pet Orphans provides additional training assistance and problem solving even after adoption, if needed. In addition, we also provide financial assistance to members of the community who can not afford to cover emergency medical services for their pets. We do everything in our power to help keep pets in loving homes rather than see them end up in shelters. This includes offering extensive assistance to help private owners find homes for animals they cannot keep.
In 2003, Pet Orphans launched an ambitious and extensive Humane Education program to help put an end to future animal overpopulation, abuse and abandonment. Our goal is to foster a sense of kindness, empathy and respect towards all living things. We reach children and adults through schools and community organizations across Los Angeles and the surrounding communities. By the end of 2007, our Humane Education program had reached a milestone – over 100,000 people had been reached in 5 short years! The program includes seven age-appropriate presentations; the lively, upbeat, and interactive sessions last approximately 45 minutes each and utilize puppets, games, and photos.
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.
The school program meets State and District Standards for Humane Education, and has received rave reviews from students, teachers, and principals alike. It has been featured in the Los Angeles Times, Daily News, San Fernando Sun, the KCET television series "Life & Times", and KTLA Prime Time news.
Pet Orphans of Southern California is a 501(c)3 tax-exempt, non-profit organization and depends 100% on the kindness of donors to accomplish all that we do. Humane Education programs are presented at no charge; donations are always welcome to help us reach even more people.
We hope you will want to invite Pet Orphans to your school or organization. Click here to view a presentation. For scheduling information, please contact Arlene, Humane Education Manager, at 818-901-0190 ext. 42 or email arlene@petorphans.org.