My name is Garfield!

Please take a few moments to read the following explanations of our adoption policies and the steps that make up the process. 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 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. 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 our adoption coordinator. Each adoption process may vary due to the needs of the animal and background of the applicant. If a home check or dog match is needed, our adoption coordinator will contact you to set it up at your convenience. 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. 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 bear 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.

Pet Orphans Of Southern California is one of the oldest active humane organizations in the Greater Los Angeles area with a private shelter. At our shelter facility located in Van Nuys, California, an average of 60 dogs and 30 cats are housed until they can be placed with new guardians. Pet Orphans has facilitated adoptions for thousands of cats and dogs since our inception in 1973. The majority of the dogs and cats at Pet Orphans have been transferred from local city and county shelters and are anxiously awaiting a new home. Pet Orphans is a non-profit organization dedicated to the advancement of companion animal welfare. We are committed to decreasing the number of animals euthanized annually in city and county shelters by focusing our efforts in these five areas: Rescue – Saving dogs and cats in need and providing them with care and shelter while they await adoption Adoption – Responsible matching of homeless dogs and cats with suitable adoptive owners Medical – Low cost or free spay/neuter and vaccination services and financial assistance for severe medical need Education – Teaching responsible humane pet ownership and dog bite prevention with free presentations and handout materials to all age groups at public and private schools, community service organizations, Boys & Girls Clubs, Women’s Clubs and many others. Training – with the number one reason for owner surrenders being attributed to behavioral problems, we have many programs geared towards behavioral modification to ensure forever placements. These services are carried out with a firm commitment to serve the best interests of the animals.