Animal Services

Reports of baby opossum sightings and concerns whether they are fit to survive on their own are frequent at the Mission Viejo Animal Services Center (MVAS). Generally the size of an opossum will tell you if it can be survive without intervention. If the opossum is approximately 8 inches in length from the base of the tail to the tip of the nose or weighs at least 7.25 ounces, it can be left alone. Baby opossums are carried in their mothers pouch for approximately three months, then will be carried by their mother for about 2 months before they start to fend for themselves.

We all love those photos of our dogs covered in mud from playing outside on a rainy day or sand from a run at the local dog beach. They make for great memories and posts to your Instagram or Facebook account and help you share your love of your pet with the world. But when it comes to keeping your pets safe and healthy, an extra degree of vigilance and caution regarding their cleanliness doesn’t hurt.

The cat’s out of the bag – December is National Cat Lovers’ Month! In celebration, we’ve put together five reasons why owning a cat is awesome.

1. They are Purr-dy Self Sufficient

One of the greatest reasons people love cats is because of their self-sufficiency. They are incredibly low maintenance and independent.

Unlike dogs which normally require regular walks, exercise and baths, cats can do all that themselves. There’s no need for walks. They can get their required exercise from zipping around in their homes.

Epitomizing her name, Raggedy Ann arrived at the Mission Viejo Animal Services Center as a stray kitten in bad condition. She was emaciated, dehydrated and had issues with her eyes. After a few days of receiving fluids, eye medication and plenty of food and loving care, Raggedy Ann improved and went into foster care until old enough to return to the shelter.

A dog and her puppies that were saved by a Mission Viejo veterinarian will be reunited with the doctor and City staff who delivered and treated them during a devastating Northern California fire. 

Skylar and her 13 puppies are reuniting at the Mission Viejo Animal Services Center this afternoon with the special veterinarian and City personnel who deployed to Butte County in September to help and save animals displaced by the fire. 

When other shelters reach out for help, the Mission Viejo Animal Services Center does anything possible to assist.

Even though we were unable to hold the annual DAWG Walk & Adoption Extravaganza Event for the first time in 25 years due to COVID-19, the Pet Costume Contest went virtual on Halloween Day! 

This exciting virtual fundraising included photos of pets dressed in costumes by their owners, who donated at least $25 to DAWG. The most creative, adorable Howl-O-Ween pet picture in each category won a prize valued at $200.

Prizes included dinner for two at a local restaurant and a gift certificate from Chewy.com and Hala’s Paws. 

Adopt-a-Senior Month is dedicated to helping older pets find their loving forever homes. If you’ve been thinking about adding a four-legged friend to your family, consider opening your heart and home to an older dog in need.

Most seniors have some training
Young animals have a lot of energy and need patience and training to help them flourish. Senior pets are usually potty-trained, do well on a leash and know basic commands. Because they are more mellow, it can be easier to teach them new tricks.

Meet Mini, the bright-eyed, crooked-tooth sweetheart of a dog.

Mini likes other small dogs and kids. She walks well on a leash, is potty-trained and fully vaccinated.

Mini can be a little timid with new people and sudden movements, but her silly, wiggly personality comes out as her comfort level improves.  The Dedicated Animal Welfare Group (DAWG) paid for Mini to have a complete dental cleaning, so she is ready to show off her pearly whites to her new family.

With more than 11,000 acres currently burned by the Silverado Fire, the City of Mission Viejo Animal Services Center is reminding pet owners to be prepared and take the necessary precautions. Download our detailed Pet Disaster Preparedness brochure that will help you prepare, plan and stay informed of the best way to protect your pets in any emergency or disaster.