Animal Services

Since Independence Day falls on a Tuesday this year, Mission Viejo Animal Services is expecting a long weekend of festivities.  Remember to prepare your pets for the parties early this year, starting Saturday, July 1 and continuing through Tuesday, July 4.

Here are some safety tips to help keep your dogs and cats happy and healthy as you celebrate this 4th of July:

Join us for a fun bunny adoption event hosted by Mission Viejo Animal Services.

Guests will discover why small animals make excellent pets and learn the fundamentals of how to care and handle these unique little creatures. Visitors can also interact with small adoptable animals and submit applications for adoption if interested.

Jake Sully was turned into the Mission Viejo Animal Services Center as a stray in April. The 7-year-old German Shepherd was in terrible shape — he was severely overweight; his toenails were so overgrown that they were turning outward to the sides of his feet; his front feet had dropped carpal ligaments (which is generally from lack of exercise); and his teeth were worn down as if he had been chewing on a cage or crate.  We can’t imagine where this sweet dog was before he came to us, but his life has certainly turned around in the past couple months

Through our Mission for Home Rescue Program, the Mission Viejo Animal Services Center in January saved a young German Shephard from being euthanized by a crowded shelter in the Inland Empire. Our staff named her Twinkie and discovered she was a friendly and active dog that we suspected would do well with a busy family. Twinkie’s forever family members arrived in April, and we believe Twinkie was waiting for them because they were the perfect fit. 

Here is an update from the adopters who changed her name to Honey Love:

Our July volunteer of the month is Tere Dimperio who has devoted her time in the adult cattery since 2007.  She was inspired by her daughter who was volunteering at the animal shelter near her college at the time. Tere has had cats all her life, so volunteering with cats seemed like a perfect fit. Once she started, she decided to ask her friend Diana to join her, and these two amazing ladies have been working together on the same shift for many years.

Join the Mission Viejo Animal Services (MVAS) team at the Laguna Niguel Chamber of Commerce’s Pet Palooza on Saturday, June 10 from 9 am to 1 pm at Marina Hills Park, 24802 Marina Hills Drive.  MVAS will be on hand at the animal welfare event to provide information about our services as well as information on local wildlife, adoption, pet licensing, and volunteer opportunities. This free event will include a “dog walk with your elected officials” as well as contests, food, music, Pet Expo and photo-ops for the family.  

Mission Viejo Animal Services recently responded to a call from a frightened citizen regarding a snake the resident observed on his property. Senior Officer Stewart arrived and was informed by the resident that the snake was attacking a wild rabbit, and the resident saved the rabbit by throwing a rock at the snake. Officer Stewart located the harmless gopher snake in a nearby bush, and it had an obvious laceration from the rock.  

When creating an emergency plan for your family, don’t forget your feathery or furry friends. Plan for emergencies by packing additional supplies in your emergency kit that includes equipment for pets to ride in the car (carriers, harnesses, pet seatbelts), vaccine records, food, water, toys, treats, bedding, and medication. 

Keeping your pet’s identification up to date is important, and pet licensing is required by law.

One-year-old German Shepherd-mix GeeBee has a funny name but for a reason. When she was a newborn pup, the Mission Viejo Animal Services Center rescued her along with her 10 siblings and mom from a shelter in LA and named them after items you would find at a Thanksgiving feast.   

The Mission Viejo Animal Services Center on Saturday, May 13 will host a drive-through low-cost pet vaccination clinic for Mission Viejo, Laguna Niguel, Aliso Viejo, Rancho Santa Margarita and Laguna Hills residents.

The clinic is from 8:30 to 10 am at 28095 Hillcrest.