Animal Services

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If you're thinking about bringing a furry new family member into your home, National Adopt-a-Cat Month is the perfect the time to do so! Although the Mission Viejo Animal Services Center remains closed to the public, our cats are still in need of loving homes, and we are still processing adoptions.  

Weber the local celebrity duck at Rancho Santa Margarita Lake was seen with injuries by lake visitors. With the help of SAMLAC (Rancho Santa Margarita Landscape and Recreation Corporation), Mission Viejo Animal Services Officers were able to get a hold of the injured duck in the middle of the lake. Weber was taken to Animal Urgent Care of South Orange County where he was rehabilitated and even fostered until he was fully recovered. He was then reunited with his duck friends at the lake. His friends happily greeted him when he arrived and together they all went for a celebratory swim!

We receive many calls regarding baby animals"”wildlife that appear in distress"”separated from their parents. Often goodhearted people jump in to rescue, but often these caring folks do more harm than good. On occasion, intervention does have a happy ending, but it often depends on quickly returning the young to their parents.

Educating people about the best course of action when finding baby wildlife is critical. Here are some pointers on what to do - or not do - if you find a baby animal.

We receive many calls regarding baby animals"”wildlife that appear in distress"”separated from their parents. Often goodhearted people jump in to rescue, but often these caring folks do more harm than good.

We receive many calls regarding baby animals"”wildlife that appear in distress"”separated from their parents. Often goodhearted people jump in to rescue, but often these caring folks do more harm than good.

Earlier this year, we received a call from one of our rescue partners needing assistance. The organization had just received a pregnant purebred boxer from a homeless encampment near the border of Mexico. This beautiful white boxer was about to give birth at any moment. With the assistance of DAWG, the center welcomed the dog with open arms. One of our amazing foster moms took her in; however, within two days, she went into labor without success.  The mother dog Melody was so anemic and weak that she could not deliver on her own.

Fosters are people in the community who volunteer their time and home to a shelter pet in need. The fostering process, while full of commitment, is beneficial for both the shelter pet and family involved! Fostering helps homeless animals because of the consistency a dedicated caregiver offers in a quiet, low-stress setting.  Fostering provides the animal more opportunities for socialization, exploration, and expressing a wide range of normal behaviors that are difficult to achieve when the animal remains in a shelter environment.

The Mission Viejo Animal Services Center is reminding residents to properly dispose of fishing line after a duck was recently injured at the Rancho Santa Margarita Lake.

During this time of social distancing, at home work may keep you busy, but what about your furry family members? They may be used to going to daycare, having playdates, going to dog parks or other high trafficked areas. 
 
How do we help our pups avoid cabin fever when they can't leave the house for weeks at a time? 

We have come up with some great ideas to keep your pets mentally stimulated, especially when you are trying to get some work done. 

Stay tuned to this page for new ideas.