Animal Services

Hiking is a great way to spend time outdoors. However, it's important to follow the written and unwritten rules of the trail. Proper hiking etiquette helps to instill respect"” for other hikers, wildlife and for the stewardship of the land. 

Some rules of the trail/hiking etiquette:

• Know before you go"”research where you want to hike; learn the conditions and rules and regulations.
• Know your right of way"”check signage. Hikers coming uphill have the right of way. Bikes yield to hikers.

Hikers yield to horses. Yield if you have a dog.

Recently, reports of coyote sightings in the local area have become even more frequent, and the Mission Viejo Animal Services Center stands ready to assist residents in dealing with potential encounters.

"Coyotes are extremely smart and they have learned how to thrive living with us," notes Animal Services Center Manager Michelle Claud-Clemente in a new MVTV News video on the subject.  "Where you might have only seen coyotes in the past in the evenings and at dawn, now you see them all the time."

Since 1992, the Mission Viejo Animal Services Center has provided thousands of animals in our community with the best care and treatment. We are a pro-humane facility that cares for homeless animals until they can be reunited with their owner or placed in a new, permanent home.

Our dedicated professional staff of 21 is assisted by approximately 160 who help our staff with socializing, grooming, showing animals, cleaning kennels, walking dogs and fostering animals. We are thankful for the immense difference they make in the lives of our homeless animals every day.

Officer Mansoor was recently dispatched to a home in Mission Viejo for a call regarding a lizard that was stuck in a piece of patio furniture

The lizard was safely and painstakingly removed and returned to the backyard without damage to the chair.

Lizards are good companions in our yards and gardens, as they help keep the insect population down by eating them. They also eat spiders.

Just like us, it is important for our pets to stay up-to-date on their vaccines and immunizations. After all, pets are members of our families and they need our help when it comes to wellness.

What does it take to be a gentleman?  A gentleman is confident, not arrogant.  He proves chivalry is not dead. He never judges, always looks good - and knows how to dance. If you're searching for the perfect gentleman, meet 10-year-old Arthur.

Cat season is underway! While the Mission Viejo Animal Services Center has many kittens available for adoption, the selection of fabulous adult felines could not be better.

To help our sweet, affectionate mom cats find new homes, Dedicated Animal Welfare Group (DAWG) is offering a discount on adoption fees for Rosalie and Whisper, both around a year old.  Along with them, the center is housing more mature cats - like Zuki and Cuddles - that are still playful but also love to cuddle.

Did you know a German shepherd can have one blue and one brown eye? This genetic variation is called Heterochromia - a trait that makes this two-year-old German Shepherd named Aurora uniquely beautiful.

It's one of the busiest kitten seasons on record for the Mission Viejo Animal Services Center, which has a plethora of adorable kittens ready for forever homes. 

In the spirit of the season, we're offering a special offer of two kittens for the price of one.  Kittens adopted in pairs tend to adjust to their new home faster and always have a playmate, even when you're away from home.  Through July 31, approved applicants will pay only $100 for two fluffy bundles of joy.

Visit our center at 28095 Hillcrest today to meet the available kittens.

Give back to your community and volunteer at this year's Symphony in the Cities event! 

The event features a Musical Playground, the Prelude in the Park is from 4:00-6:45 pm with the Pacific Symphony concert starting at 7:00 pm. Beer and wine and tasty fare will be available for purchase from gourmet food trucks.