Animal Services

Meet Sgt. JR Stewart, our Senior Animal Control Officer.  JR grew up on a farm, so he developed a passion for animals at an early age.  He was constantly surrounded by all sorts of creatures — from dogs and cats to snakes and chickens, so he learned animal-handling skills and husbandry when he was young. This early childhood exposure to multiple pets naturally led him to consider a career working with animals, so after high school he applied at the San Clemente/Dana Point Animal Shelter and became a part-time Animal Control Officer.

Mission Viejo Animal Services recently responded to the "Niguel Fire" in Laguna Niguel and "73 Fire" in Laguna Hills.  Animal Services deployed teams of animal control officers to help residents who may have required assistance with removing their animals from danger.

Summer is here which means family get-togethers, backyard barbecues, fireworks and other parties that may cause some dogs to be anxious and fearful. Be prepared by making sure your pet is licensed and vaccinated to ensure a fast return trip home. Here are some checklists and tips to keep your pet safe this holiday:

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:

Eleven years ago, Thomas and Beata embarked on a volunteering journey that started with a love for wild bunnies. Their passion for these gentle creatures led them to adopt their first bunny, and from there, it felt natural for them to begin helping other bunnies in need. Mission Viejo Animal Services was the perfect fit for them, as they sought a pro-humane shelter where animals are well cared for and loved. They found exactly that at MVAS and couldn’t be happier to be part of such a safe place for animals. 

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 (MVAS) recently received a call from a Laguna Niguel resident about a bobcat. While on his daily walk, the resident spotted the bobcat, which appeared to be suffering from mange, in a neighbor’s yard. Concerned for the animal's wellbeing, he alerted his neighbors and promptly contacted MVAS.  The resident mentioned that he had recently learned about wildlife displacement caused by the nearby Airport Fire and suspected that the bobcat might be one of its victims.