Animal Services

Officer Galeano was dispatched to a call for a stray loose rooster in Laguna Niguel. The caller said while on her morning walk, she observed the rooster in a tunnel near Crown Valley Parkway & Nueva Vista. She told dispatch the poor rooster appeared disoriented and was worried about him because he was trying to drink the dirty water running through the tunnel. Officer Galeano was able to locate and rescue the rooster after a short pursuit. He was taken back to the shelter and given fresh water and food. He was named Lorenzo and will be transferred to a rescue. 

Back in 2016, Laguna Niguel resident Jan came into the Mission Viejo Animal Services Center looking to adopt a dog as a companion for her and her elderly mother.  Since she was open to adopting a harder-to-place dog, our staff showed her Wookie, a senior poodle who had been at the shelter for two months.  Wookie lived a wonderful three years with Jan and her mom, but Jan recently wrote to tell us that Wookie unfortunately passed away.  As sad as we were for Wookie and Jan, we knew he lived his best life with her. 

August is National Immunization Awareness Month! Just like us, it's important for our pets to stay on top of their vaccines and immunizations.

Giving your pets their regular vaccinations is the key to a long and healthy life. Regardless of whether you keep your dog inside or not, vaccines are essential in ensuring your pet's health.

Many contagious diseases can be airborne, meaning your pet could contract a disease through an open window. Pets are also prone to slipping out of the house on occasion, which could lead to risk of disease.

• June 30, 2020 Milky Way update, at home photos
• June 27, 2020 Sweet feline mom Honey
• June 26, 2020 Leo & Sunset adopted!
• June 25, 2020 Cafe adopt

• May 30, 2020 Skater Skunk 
• May 28, Webster the local celebrity duck release
• May 27, Snuggles & Downy Adoption Update 
• May 26, Featured Pet Cha

• April 30, 2020 Potato Face Adopted!
• April 29, 2020 Cloth Mask Donation
• April 28, 2020 Mama Cat & Kitten Rescue
• April 25, 2020 MVAS Pet P

Mission Viejo Animal Services Center is committed to providing the best possible service for the five cities it covers during this difficult time. Dedicated staff will continue to care for the animals, and animal services officers will continue to patrol the communities and respond to stray animals and public safety functions.

Even though Dedicated Animal Welfare Group (DAWG) and the Mission Viejo Animal Services Center can't hold the annual DAWG Walk & Adoption Extravaganza Event for the first time in 25 years due to COVID-19, the Pet Costume Contest will go on this fall!

This exciting virtual fundraising event will include photos you submit of your amazing cat, dog or other pet. Submit one photo featuring one pet per entry, and the most creative, adorable Howl-O-Ween pet picture will win a prize valued at $200.

The Mission Viejo Animal Services Center on Saturday, August 8 will host a drive-through pet vaccination clinic for Mission Viejo, Laguna Niguel, Aliso Viejo, Rancho Santa Margarita and Laguna Hills residents.

The low-cost clinic is from 8:30-10 am at 28095 Hillcrest.

Mission Viejo Animal Services (MVAS) responded to two coyote-biting incidents on July 25 and reported the incident to California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) as is part of wildlife management efforts. MVAS worked in coordination with CDFW in closing the trail and notifying residents of the closure.