Week 12: East Lake Pet Orphanage (ELPO)

March 24, 2018

Volunteering with animals is always a favorite project with my students. In the past, however, I have had trouble finding suitable venues where large groups of students can actually interact with the cats and dogs. I was thrilled when East Lake Pet Orphanage (ELPO) agreed to let me volunteer on a Saturday with a group of 20 high school members of our Warrior Outreach Organization (WOO).

We took a tour of the facility, including the animal hospital, the pet orphanage, and the cat care center. We also heard from a veterinarian at the hospital. The best part, of course, was spending time interacting with the orphan kittens.

ELPO is a non-profit organization dedicated to the rescue and rehabilitation of unwanted and abandoned pets in order to prevent their eventual euthanasia. Their goal is to place these animals in stable, loving homes after they are health screened, spayed/neutered, current on vaccinations, and generally in good health.

ELPO partners with both public and private like-minded organizations to educate the general public on the importance of spaying/neutering and responsible pet ownership through classes, media, and public activities.

Volunteers must attend a volunteer orientation meeting or meet personally with the volunteer coordinator before beginning volunteer duties with East Lake Pet Orphanage.

Opportunities include walking dog, socializing with the cats, and helping with fundraising events. Volunteers may also work with Second Chance Treasures, a resale shop benefiting the homeless pets of ELPO, by sorting donations, organizing displays, moving furniture, cleaning, and caring for pets onsite for adoption. Children are welcome to volunteer, but those under 16 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times.

Those who are interested in spending time with the animals and helping out at ELPO should start by filling out the Volunteer Application.