Animal Services

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.

In early March, we welcomed eight new dogs from the overcrowded Riverside shelter through our "A Mission for Home" rescue program. Funded exclusively through our nonprofit DAWG, this program is a win-win for the animals and shelters alike. It helps other shelters reduce their numbers; the animals get a chance to find great homes; and local families have more animals to choose from when they're ready to adopt a furry family member.   

It's getting warm and Southern California snakes are becoming active.

Snakes are a normal and important part of our ecosystem and live with us year-round, but as things warm up, snake sightings and calls to the Animal Services Center increase.

Always be cautious of a snake, especially if you don't know if it is harmless. You can visit the California Herps website for information on the different species of local snakes and what they look like. 

Hop into the summer months with a new bunny. The Mission Viejo Animal Services Center is offering all rabbit adoptions for $20 to approved applicants through the month of May. 

The promotion includes spay/neuter and microchip. If you are interested in adding a furry friend to your family, email ask-shelter@cityofmissionviejo.org or call 949-470-3045 for more information.
 

Mission Viejo Animal Services Officer Stewart responded to a call regarding a possible injured animal. The caller said the family dog was barking and pacing back and forth along their backyard fence. When Officer Stewart arrived, he went behind the property to investigate, saw the cat run off, and discovered a litter of young kittens in a small hole. The mother dug the hole to keep them safe, while she searched for food. Officer Stewart rescued the kittens and set a trap for the mother cat.

Meet Mission Viejo Animal Services Officer Guillermo Rodriguez, a 20-year veteran of the industry and 8-year City employee. 

He is one of eight Animal Services Officers serving the cities of Mission Viejo, Laguna Niguel, Aliso Viejo, Laguna Hills and Rancho Santa Margarita. Before Mission Viejo, Officer Rodriguez worked for Orange County Animal Care.  

In honor of National Animal Control Officer Appreciation Week, we’re continuing to give shout outs to our Animal Services Officers including Alex Ceballos. 

With Mission Viejo Animal Services since 2015, Officer Ceballos has 13 years of experience under his belt. 

Known and respected by peers and community members alike, Officer Ceballos is our public education officer who attends and organizes community events. He enjoys the dynamics of the job – from investigations to wildlife rescues – which keeps it interesting and rewarding. 

Just one mention of her name evokes smiles from the many community members who have met Animal Services Officer (ASO) Gabby Galeano.

She is one of eight ASOs from the Mission Viejo Animal Services Center we’re recognizing in honor of National Animal Control Officer Appreciation Week. 

An ASO in Mission Viejo for four years, Officer Galeano has nearly a decade of experience in the industry.