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Animal Services

Sweet Pogo is a 7-year-old Chihuahua-mix who lost his home when his 87-year-old owner could no longer care for him.  Because he lived in a quiet home, Pogo is a little cautious when encountering new situations, but once he knows he's safe, his personality really shines.  He loves to run around in the play yard chasing toys.  He enjoys the company of other dogs and would do well in a home with one or more canine companions.  He enjoys hanging out on laps and having his soft fur brushed.  

If you're looking for a running partner and new best friend, meet Ranger. This young, exuberant shepherd-pit bull mix was brought to the Mission Viejo Animal Services Center by a Good Samaritan who found him in our City.  After being assessed by a dog trainer, staff designed an enrichment program to benefit Ranger during his stay at the shelter and kick-start his success in a new home. 

April is National Pet First-Aid Awareness Month - a month we dedicate to teaching fellow pet parents about providing emergency care to their animals when necessary.

With spring in full bloom and warmer weather, pets are more likely to be outside with the family hiking, boating or camping, so the risks of accidents can increase. Even if you keep your pets indoors, injuries from accidental falls or other medical situations can occur. Being prepared can save precious minutes when you need them the most. 

Looking to add some spice to your life? Meet Pepper! Just under 2 years old, Pepper is a short and sweet Beagle-mix with lots of energy. She's a happy and curious dog who loves to explore the great outdoors with long walks.  Pepper loves a good belly rub when she's ready to relax.

Pepper makes a great family dog as she is good with kids and loves to play with her toys. She used to live with a smaller dog and is potty-pad trained. She will go home spayed, microchipped and fully vaccinated. Thanks to the DAWG, Pepper's adoption fee is only $20 for an approved applicant.

April is National Pet First Aid Awareness Month–a month we dedicate to teaching fellow pet parents about providing emergency care to their animals when necessary.

With spring in full bloom and warmer weather, pets are more likely to be outside with the family hiking, boating or camping, so the risks of accidents can increase. Even if you keep your pets indoors, injuries from accidental falls or other medical situations can occur. Being prepared can save precious minutes when you need them the most.  

On Saturday, March 16, we hosted a paint-your-pet event for our wonderful volunteers on our very own picturesque pet path. Our center volunteers enjoyed a relaxing afternoon painting their beloved pets with the help and instruction of professional artists from OCDC Art & Design. Volunteers were extremely pleased with their masterpieces.    

Laguna Niguel Woman's Club members Carolyn and Sonja recently donated a plethora of items to benefit the homeless animals at the Mission Viejo Animal Services Center.

The Woman's Club Home Life Committee selected our center to benefit from its donation drive, which entailed each member donating multiple items from our Wish List.  These items will go a long way toward the care and comfort of the pets waiting for loving homes at the center.

The Mission Viejo Animal Services Center is reminding the public that spring is an extremely active time for wildlife.

The reminder comes after a Killdeer, a shore bird in the Plover Family, was reported as injured this week because it could not fly away. Animal Services Officer Galeano responded to the call in Laguna Niguel to find several eggs the Killdeer had laid in a parking lot. The property graciously cordoned off the area, so the bird could have a peaceful area to nest. 

In honor of Pet Poison Prevention Week, the Mission Viejo Animal Services Center is reminding pet owners about many household items that could put their pets' lives at risk. Most folks know chocolate is bad for Fido, but there are other common items that could cause harm to a pet. 

Several plants are toxic to dogs and cats. Lilies are extremely poisonous to cats. In fact, if a cat ingests just one or two petals or even a small amount of pollen while grooming its fur, it could be fatal. Other poisonous plants include daffodils, aloe vera and azaleas. 

Snake season is underway. The Mission Viejo Animal Services Center received its first snake call of the year this week - that turned out to be a juvenile Southern Pacific Rattlesnake. The annual snake season is typically from March to October. Snakes keep our natural ecosystems working properly and are key in balancing the rodent population.