Animal Services

Stay safe and comfortable when around unfamiliar dogs. Learn the basics on dog
body language and behavior and how to avoid being bitten and how to prevent
your dog from biting others. This workshop will be presented by Animal Control
Officers and is appropriate for all ages. Tips will also be provided on the
effectiveness and proper use of leashes, collars, harnesses and muzzles.

Meet Chip, a 5-year-old neutered beautiful white cat. Chip was surrendered to the Mission Viejo Animal Services Center in May because of family issues and has been waiting for his forever home. 

Weighing more than 15 pounds, Chip is a big bundle of love. His previous owner describes Chip as a friendly, cuddly lap cat that can be chatty at times. His favorite activity is eating. He can become hissy when he sees or hears other cats, so he should be the only cat in the home. Chip is full of personality and anyone would be lucky to have this sweet cat.

If you're thinking of adding a pet to your family but don't want the responsibility of a cat or dog, consider adopting a guinea pig. The Mission Viejo Animal Services Center has six adorable and friendly guinea pigs ready for adoption.

For families considering a pet for the first time, guinea pigs are a great option. They have their own personalities, enjoy a long lifespan, and are extremely vocal. They are entertaining and fun.

Seven reasons why guinea pigs make great pets:

Discover behavior and habits of local wildlife, how to properly identify wildlife, tips on keeping wildlife wild, safety tips for you and your pet(s), when to call Animal Services and much more. Live animals will also be onsite!

If you're interested in learning about local wildlife, join Mission Viejo Animal Services for a "Living with Wildlife" presentation on Tuesday, July 26 at 6 pm at the Crown Valley Community Center, 29751 Crown Valley Parkway.

Learn about behavior and habits of local wildlife, how to properly identify wildlife, tips on keeping wildlife wild, safety tips for you and your pet(s), when to call Animal Services and much more. The presentation also features a few live animals.

A 10-week-old kitten will soon be available for adoption after being found in the engine of a car that traveled from Mission Viejo to Laguna Niguel. 

A Laguna Niguel resident heard the kitten meowing in her engine after she parked her car and immediately called the Mission Viejo Animal Services Center. 

Mission Viejo Animal Services (MVAS) receives numerous calls for injured crows during the months of May and June.  A majority of these crows are in fact nestlings and fledglings. Unfortunately, many of these crows are mistakenly brought to MVAS by well-meaning citizens when they're not actually in need of care.

Meet Volunteer Coordinator Giselle Leal-Pelayo! Since she was a small child, Giselle has had a deep love and passion for all things concerning animals. This passion led her to pursue a career in the animal welfare field.  Giselle started working at the center 15 years ago as an Animal Services Representative, manning a very busy front desk, and she quickly moved into her current position. She has been an integral part of the center's growth, transition, and innovative programming.

Gerald is a very special four-year-old cat, looking for a very special home. Why does he need very special home? He tested positive for FIV, which sounds a bit scary and might put off some potential adopters. In fact, in the past, FIV-positive cats have often been considered un-adoptable and are euthanized in many shelters. However, new research shows that FIV-positive cats are in fact very adoptable, and can live long, healthy lives. FIV is not zoonotic, so your family and your dogs are not at risk if you adopt an FIV-positive cat.

Bella is a sweet 6-year-old yellow lab mix  that has been at the Mission Viejo Animal Services Center for more than a month. She is looking for a loving, forever home.