Although you may not be able to tell by looking at your Facebook feed on National Dog Day, the overpopulation of cats and dogs has inundated shelters across the country with animals in desperate need of adoption. While some are lucky in finding their forever home, others are left without hope and rely on the kindness of rescue groups and volunteers to save them from certain death.

Priceless Pets Rescue, founded by Lisa Price and Mandy Stover, is one such organization. Armed with the mantra of “saving one by one until there are none” and the assistance of hundreds of volunteers, these two women have rescued and adopted out over 8,000 dogs and cats through their Chino Hills location and have now brought their rescue efforts to the City of Trees.

“Claremont is a thriving, dog-friendly community and we are very excited to be a part of it,” says Ms. Price. “Pets need to be seen to have that extra chance to be adopted and this community embraces the idea of rescue.”

Their new location, aptly named, The Orphanage, located on the northwest corner of Foothill and Claremont Boulevards next to Village Mutt, is an expansive space and temporary home to nine cats and 18 dogs and includes retail space where pet owners can purchase toys, collars, leashes and treats for their furry friend.

The Orphanage opened its doors for the first time on August 8 and is already making an impact in the lives of these animals and the people who’ve adopted them.

“Opening weekend was great,” says Ms. Stover. “We had nine adoptions our first weekend – four cats and five dogs—and about one adoption per day since we’ve opened. It’s been fantastic!”

With the expansion into Claremont, the non-profit, no-kill volunteer pet rescue organization has more kennel space to save more animals, as well as the opportunity to increase their exposure to the public. Their mission is to place pets in loving, responsible, committed permanent homes, following a comprehensive adoption process which includes taking considerable care in finding good matches and educating prospective adopters about the responsibilities and costs of bringing a dog into their homes and lives.

Potential pet owners are required to fill out an application to ensure that the pet chosen is a good fit for both the animal and the person.

“If you’re renting, we require proof that you’re allowed to have a pet,” says Ms. Stover. “There are some dogs that we require home checks for—like our harder to place dogs—we want to make sure that they are going to a home that a good home for them.”

Prior to adoption, all animals at The Orphanage are spayed or neutered, receive all appropriate veterinary care and treatment including microchipping and deworming, and are placed in nurturing foster homes while they await placement. The organization assists dogs and cats in distress without regard to age, breed or ease of placement and to the extent their finances allow. Dogs and cats in the greatest need take priority.

Adoption rates vary—$300 for a puppy, $150 for a dog, $125 for a kitten and $75 for a cat. “We bring value to our pets,” says Ms. Stover. “We believe you should invest in a pet. It should be something you have to consider, it’s not an impulse purchase.

“We are determined to keep administrative expenses extremely low so that every dollar taken in goes directly to the animals in our care,” Ms. Price adds. “We are 100 percent volunteer based. We don’t get paid.”

Fundraising is an important element in keeping Priceless Pet Rescue up and running.  On September 19, the organization will be holding a “Wine and Brew for the Rescue” event in Chino Hills from 6 -8 p.m. At a cost of $68 per person, guests will experience a fun evening of food, beer and wine tasting, casino tables, live music and a raffle with 100 percent of the proceeds going directly to the organizations to help save more furry lives.

“It’s a fun event,” says Ms. Price who will be hosting the fundraiser at her home. “The Claremont Voodoo Society will be playing. We’d love to have everyone come out and join us!”

The Orphanage is located at 665 E. Foothill Blvd. and is open Wednesday – Friday from 12 – 7 p.m., Saturday 12 – 5 p.m. and Sunday 12 – 4 p.m. The adoption center is closed both Monday and Tuesday.

Volunteers are always welcome.

For more information about the Priceless Pets Rescue, The Orphanage or to volunteer, visit www.pricelesspetsrescue.org.

—Angela Bailey

news@claremont-courier.com