Animal Services

Giselle Leal-Pelayo, a longtime Volunteer Coordinator, has been named Mission Viejo's 2019 Employee of the Year.

A 13-year employee of the City, Giselle is known for her outstanding work ethic, dedication and willingness to lend a helping hand.

Giselle plans, oversees and coordinates the robust volunteer program at the Mission Viejo Animal Services Center. She is credited for her hard work, creativity and can-do attitude.

To find sweet cats and kittens forever homes, the Mission Viejo Animal Services Center is hosting the "Home for the Meowlidays" special adoption event through December 22.

Beginning tomorrow, all cats and kittens are available for adoption for only $20.  Dedicated Animal Welfare Group (DAWG) is paying all fees except for the cost of the microchip for approved applicants.

Along with all felines, select canines - James, Roxy, Linus and Tommy - will be available to approved applicants for $20.

Three Mission Viejo Animal Services Officers recently responded to a call about a dog on the railroad tracks.  The dog, a small black Chihuahua/Spaniel, was running north on the rails.  The officers cornered him, but he quickly ran underneath a bridge under the tracks for the flood channel.  He was in a small void directly under the rails but above the 8-foot wall down to the flood channel.  Officer Rodriguez crawled on his hands and knees to retrieve the dog while the two other officers blocked the exits.

It's the time of year when we all get busy with decorating and celebrating with friends and family. I love this time of year for many reasons! My favorite part of celebrating is taking time to be thankful. I have so much to be thankful for! Working with animals was my dream as a child and has been my life's work. For that alone, I am so fortunate. But, I've also had the privilege of working with so many amazing people who have dedicated their lives to helping animals. I am inspired and astounded every day.

November is National Adopt-A-Senior-Pet Month, a month dedicated to helping older pets find loving forever homes.

If you're thinking of adopting a new furry friend, please consider adding a senior pet to the family this month. You can also help us find sweet senior animals a home by spreading the word.

If you want to add a new furry member to your family, consider adopting an adult cat from the Mission Viejo Animal Services Center.

Through the weekend, all adult cats are available to approved applicants for only $20, thanks to a promotion sponsored by the Dedicated Animal Welfare Group (DAWG).

Senior pets tend to spend the most time at shelters or rescues before finding their forever homes; however, there are many benefits to selecting an older pet. They are lower-maintenance; well-mannered; already litter-box trained; and tend to be better around kids.

To celebrate and thank the men and women of the armed forces this Veterans Day, the Mission Viejo Animal Services Center is waiving the adoption fee to all veterans and active military personnel this holiday weekend November 9-10.

The center has many dogs, cats and rabbits in need of a forever home. Approved applicants will only pay for the microchip, vaccines and license. To participate, veterans must show proof of past military service and active duty must provide a military ID.

For more information, contact 949-470-3045.

Are you looking for new furry baby to add to your family? Head to the Mission Viejo Animal Services Center to meet the adorable kittens waiting to be adopted.

Typically, it's tough to find a kitten in shelters this time of year, but the center is brimming with about a dozen kittens still waiting for loving families.   Fall is a great time to welcome a new family member into your home to allow the kitty to settle in before the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. 

Mark your calendar for Saturday, November 9 from 9 am to noon for a special event marking two milestone anniversaries.

The joint-anniversary fiesta celebrates 25 years of serving pets in the community for the Mission Viejo Animal Services Center and 40 years for neighboring Animal Urgent Care of South Orange County.

Festivities include free tacos (while supplies last), live music, face painting, caricature artist, kid crafts, silent auction, a low-cost pet vaccine clinic from 9-10:30 am and much more!

If you're a Siberian husky lover looking for a new furry friend, head to the Mission Viejo Animal Services Center to meet three Siberian huskies available for adoption.  Husky lovers tend to be loyal to this breed, so we're searching for families willing to make a commitment to the exercise and training needs of these beautiful dogs.