Frequently Asked Questions about ELPO

What is ELPO?
 
East Lake Pet Orphanage (ELPO) is a non-profit organization dedicated to the rescue and rehabilitation of unwanted and abandoned pets in order to prevent their eventual euthanasia.  Our purpose is to place these animals in stable, loving homes after they are health screened, spayed/neutered, current on vaccinations, and generally in good health.
 
In cooperation with both public and private like-minded organizations, we are educating the general public on the importance of spaying/neutering and responsible pet ownership through classes, media and public activities.
 
Where is ELPO?
 
East Lake Pet Orphanage is conveniently located inside of East Lake Veterinary Hospital on E. Northwest Highway, between Thurgood Lane and Ferndale Road. East from Central Expressway, we're just about two blocks past the Dallas Police Substation. West from Garland, we're right past the Texaco station on the corner of Northwest Highway and Ferndale Rd. Please note that despite being located inside of the same building, we are in fact a seperate organization from the veterinary hospital.  ELPO rents office space and contracts with the hospital and pet care for medical services, lodging and products. 
 
Where do the animals for adoption come from, and how are they admitted?
 
The animals we rescue and rehabilitate come from many different locations. Some are found as strays, some are brought to us by owners that can no longer care for them, and others are relinquished by other shelters that may not have the resources or space available in able to provide for them at that time. In order to admit an animal, we require that an admittance application be submitted (we are able to fax or e-mail this form, or it is also available by clicking here). Once an application is received, we attempt to respond with options no later than 5 pm on the following business day. Though we are not able to help every animal that is brought to our attention, we do our best to provide resources for other shelters/rescues that may be able to assist the person trying to place the animal for adoption.
 
What are the hours for adoption and/or viewing of animals?
 
ELPO staff is available Monday through Friday from 10 am to 6 pm, and the first four Saturdays of each month from 11 am to 2 pm.  If you interested in adopting at the same time of your visit, we recommend arriving approximately one hour prior to closing so that we can complete the adoption process without rushing you.  However, we realize that not everyone is available during these limited hours.  Therefore, visitors are also welcome to meet with animals available for adoption during hospital hours (see below). If you find an animal that you would like to adopt outside of ELPO hours, you are invited to fill out an adoption application which allows hospital staff to place an adoption pending on that animal until 5 pm on the following business day. Orphanage staff will then follow up on the application when they return to the facility during orphanage hours.

East Lake Veterinary Hospital hours:

Mon - Thur: 7:30 am to 8 pm
Friday: 7:30 am to 6 pm
Saturday: 8:00 am til 3 pm
Sunday: 11:00 am til 6 pm
 
How much is the adoption donation for a dog, and what is included?
 
The adoption donation for canines is $165.00 (there is a $20 discount on the total donation if you adopt two or more orphans at the same time).  At the time of adoption, each orphan is spayed or neutered, tested for Heartworm/Ehrlichia/Lyme diseases if over six months of age at the time of admission, has started on heartworm and flea prevention medications, has had a full veterinary exam, age appropriate vaccinations, deworming treatments, microchipping, and additional treatments as needed on an individual basis.  Adoptees are sent home with a goody bag that contains basic puppy/dog information, coupons, and a sample bag of their food. East Lake Veterinary Hospital generously provides a complimentary examination (with a value of over $50!) for each adopted animal, which is valid for ten business days after the adoption is completed.  This allows adopters the perfect opportunity to discuss which heartworm and flea prevention medications will be best for their newly adopted pet, as well as the opportunity for the adopter to discuss how the animal is adjusting to its new home.
 
How much is the adoption donation for a cat, and what is included?

The adoption donation for felines is $135.00 (there is a $20 discount on the total donation if you adopt two or more orphans at the same time).  At the time of adoption, each orphan is spayed or neutered, tested for FIV (feline "AIDS") and FeLV (feline leukemia), has had a full veterinary exam, age appropriate vaccinations, deworming treatments, microchipping, and additional treatments as needed on an individual basis.  Adoptees are sent home with a goody bag that contains basic kitten/cat information, coupons, and a sample bag of their food. East Lake Veterinary Hospital generously provides a complimentary examination (with a value of over $50!) for each adopted animal, which is valid for ten business days after the adoption is completed. This allows adopters the perfect opportunity to discuss which heartworm and flea prevention medications will be best for their newly adopted pet, as well as the opportunity for the adopter to discuss how the animal is adjusting to its new home.