Pet Orphans of Southern California relies heavily on volunteers to care for and rehabilitate companion animals. Since 1973, the organization has been dedicated to rescuing animals and providing services like spaying/neutering and training. Volunteers must complete an orientation and can then help socialize dogs and cats, provide obedience training, work at mobile events, assist in adoptions, and with customer service. Volunteering is open to those 14 and older, with 14-15 year olds needing a guardian, and allows individuals to support the rescue and rehabilitation of pets in need.

1. HELPING PET ORPHANS
OF SOUTHERN
CALIFORNIA BY
VOLUNTEERING
By Aaron Koniak

2. Introduction
 As a senior health-care recruiter for Specialty
Healthcare Recruiting, Aaron Koniak specializes in
recruiting and placing nursing professionals in a
number of facilities. Outside of his career-related
responsibilities, Aaron Koniak supports several
charitable organizations including Pet Orphans of
Southern California in Van Nuys.
Since 1973, Pet Orphans of Southern California has
been dedicated to promoting rescue and rehabilitation
for companion animals. The organization maintains a
variety of client services, from spay-neuter services to
training assistance, along with a humane education
program.

3. Pet Orphans
 Pet Orphans relies heavily on volunteers. The minimum age
for volunteering is 14, and the organization has a specific
junior volunteer program for individuals between the ages of
14 and 15. Every junior volunteer needs a parent or guardian
to volunteer with them, but by age 16, volunteers only need
their parent’s permission to help Pet Orphans. All volunteers,
whether junior or adult, must complete a volunteer orientation
and training before starting their actual volunteer work.
Volunteers at Pet Orphans help with a range of activities.
They may act as dog and cat socializers and provide the
animals with playtime and attention, or they may work as
junior trainers or dog buddies and give obedience training
and exercise. Additionally, they can offer assistance at the
organization’s various mobile events, serve as adoption
counselors, or help with customer service needs.