OCSPCA Information
OCSPCA
Orange County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
Telephone: (714) 374-7738 Fax: (714) 960-0554
ABOUT THE ORANGE COUNTY SPCA
The Orange County SPCA was incorporated in 1987 as a non-profit 501(c)(3) tax-exempt charity for the following purposes: To prevent cruelty to animals, to aid elderly, disabled and low-income pet owners, and to promote responsible pet ownership and the humane treatment of animals. It is supported entirely by donations from the private sector, and does not receive funding from any government agency or national organization.
CURRENT SERVICES INCLUDE:
HUMANE EDUCATION PROGRAM
In the “Kindness Kids” program volunteer/pet teams visit classrooms to teach the values of kindness, compassion and respect towards all living creatures. Bookmarks and stickers are distributed during the visit and the monthly newsletter, Kind News, published by the Humane Society of the United States is sent to all classrooms in the program. Scientific research has provided evidence that the maltreatment of animals often overlaps with violence toward people. By reaching the children at a young age we are able to teach them how important animals are in our lives and how to love and respect all living creatures. These lessons carry over to the children having respect for their peers, adults and their community.
- Our innovative “Canine Literacy Project” provides support and encouragement to reading challenged children. Pairing the student with a therapy dog provide a calm, non-judgmental environment in which to improve their reading skills. While improving reading skills is the primary goal, we have seen children who were afraid of dogs at the start of the session greet the dogs like old friends within a couple of encounters. The children also observe the close relationship between dog and volunteer, and begin to understand the concept of compassion and respect for all animals.
– Publication of animal welfare literature for distribution at shelters, pet shows, and community events.
- The Telephone Help Line offers advice and referrals on every aspect of animal related concerns from pets to wildlife.
– Presentations to local groups such as chamber of commerce, youth groups and service organizations, and at animal welfare conferences.
ANIMAL RESCUE FUND
– Assists low-income pet owners in Orange County with financial aid for veterinary care.
– Offers free or subsidized spay/neuter to low- income pet owners.
P.A.W.S. (Pets Are Wonderful Support)
- Award-winning pet-assisted therapy program. Trained volunteer/pet teams visit assisted living homes, hospitals, nursing homes, adult day care centers and children’s homes. Results are not measured in miraculous recoveries, but in smiles where there were frowns, in comprehension where none existed, and in awakened response brought about by the touch of fur or the lick of a warm tongue. It is these small triumphs that make the PAWS program an enriching and rewarding experience for all concerned.
OCCATS (Orange County Cares About Cats)
- Supports a network of feral cat caretakers with trap-spay/neuter-release (TNR).
- Provides free spay/neuter, food and traps.
CRUELTY INTERVENTION
Provides counseling and referral on animal abuse and neglect.
- “Animal Safe House” a project in which victims of domestic violence can leave their pets in the care of the Orange County SPCA while living in a battered women’s shelter. After the victim is safe and living on their own, their pet is returned to them. This program is operated in cooperation with women’s shelters, local police enforcement, and social service agencies.
- Able to offer a reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of anyone guilty of cruelty to animals.
COMMUNITY OUTREACH
- Through Humane Education, membership in state and national advocacy organizations, and by networking with local animal welfare groups, veterinarians and rescues, the Orange County SPCA works towards the common goal of the betterment of animals everywhere.
