Animal Services

Mountain Lions are the second largest cat in the Americas. They are closely related to the domestic cat even in the way they purr. They live in many different environments such as the swampy areas of Florida, desert areas, mountain ranges, and forests throughout the Americas and Canada. In California, mountain lion habitat covers more than half of the state. Mountain lions are elusive and solitary animals, which by their nature, avoid humans whenever possible.

Dallas is a sweet 6-year-old neutered blue-nose Pit Bull mix that has been at the Mission Viejo Animal Services Center since April. He enjoys the company of other dogs and would do great in a home with an owner experienced with large dogs. Dallas is house-trained and knows some basic commands including sit, lay, down and stay. He is extremely playful and would be a great companion.

If you are interested in adopting Dallas, visit the center at 28095 Hillcrest or contact 949-470-3045.

For more information, visit cmvas.org.

The juvenile mountain lion that was spotted last week around Montanoso and Serenata was captured early Tuesday.

Mission Viejo Animal Services (MVAS) working with California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) had tracked the juvenile lion since last Thursday. The lion, which appeared to be healthy, was confirmed to be young, weighing about 70 pounds. Adults typically weigh 100-120 pounds. CDFW biologists transported the cat to a licensed facility for further evaluation.

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) and Mission Viejo Animal Services (MVAS) are searching for a juvenile mountain lion that was spotted Thursday in the area of Montanoso and Serenata.

MVAS and Orange County Sheriff's Department personnel were on scene to find and track the cat. Working with a biologist from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, a perimeter and trap were set, but the animal was not captured.

Meet Cricket, a sweet 2-year-old Black Labrador mix waiting for her forever home.  It's a mystery why Cricket hasn't yet been adopted because she has a great disposition and would make a loyal and loving companion.   

Four puppies have a new "leash" on life and are available for adoption thanks to "A Mission for Home Rescue" program.  

Found in a box with eight siblings in the middle of a Texan desert, the adorable pups had a rough start to life.  A young woman walking her dog discovered the abandoned pups that were barely old enough to survive on their own. Thankfully, she knew of the Ghetto Rescue Foundation and drove two hours to meet with Tami from the organization.   

The Mission Viejo Animal Services Center recently received a call regarding a skunk stuck in a rat trap. When Animal Services Officer Stewart arrived, he saw an adult skunk with its paw stuck in the trap. He could tell the skunk was in pain and quickly took the trap off without getting sprayed. Luckily, the skunk was healthy other than a swollen paw. By watching the skunk scamper off, Officer Stewart knew it did not need medical attention.

Although most dog owners know to never leave their pooch in a vehicle unattended, the Mission Viejo Animal Services Center receives numerous calls every summer about dogs left in cars. 

On June 12 at 9 am, Mission Viejo Animal Services (MVAS) received a call from a camp ranger at Oso Lake Scout Camp in Rancho Santa Margarita reporting that three teens were involved in an incident with a coyote on Friday night, June 11 at 11:40 pm. 

The three children were taken to Mission Hospital at approximately 1:15 am for treatment.

June is Adopt a Shelter Cat Month, and the Mission Viejo Animal Services Center is full of cats and kittens galore!

The center has had an unusual influx of cats and kittens. Cats are smart, loyal and affectionate companions. They are also low maintenance pets, which makes them excellent for busy families who want to be pet owners.

The adoption fee for all cats is reduced to $20 through June 30 thanks to the non-profit Dedicated Animal Welfare Group.