Animal Services

Animal Control Officer Nick Ross reveals a distressing incident involving the cruel reality of glue traps. Officer Ross was dispatched to a residence to rescue a bird trapped in a glue trap meant for rats. He encountered a white-crowned sparrow covered in glue, its body and eyes adorned with various items. Unlike traditional snap traps, glue traps subject animals to a slow and agonizing death, trapping them for days until they succumb to starvation, dehydration, suffocation, or exhaustion.

In the heart of Ranch Santa Margarita (RSM), a delightful and heartwarming event unfolded - a Holiday Pop-Up Pet Adoption Extravaganza. This festive gathering, held in a cheery holiday setting, showcased a diverse array of adoptable companions including dogs, cats, and even smaller furry friends.

Mission Viejo Animal Services and the City of Mission Viejo Recreation & Community Services recently collaborated at the Senior Grocery Food Pantry, offering free pet food to local seniors who may need it. Numerous seniors took advantage of the opportunity to acquire food for their cherished pets. Studies indicate that owning pets can offer crucial social and emotional support to older adults by alleviating distress, reducing loneliness, and enhancing overall quality of life.

As we eagerly approach the New Year, here are a few recommendations to guide you on creating a joyous and safe celebration for you and your pets with some essential safety tips.

Iris is a 2-year-old Australian Kelpie/Siberian Husky mix that had a rough start at life.  

Meet our sweet senior chihuahua Macaroni. This 9-year-old dog may have a frosted face, but she is still full of life and love.  Macaroni was adopted from Mission Viejo Animal Services in September of 2022 and was recently returned to us due to the health problems of the owner.  

Here are some reasons why you should consider adopting an older dog like Macaroni.    

This holiday season we extend heartfelt gratitude to the volunteers who generously dedicates their time, energy, and compassion to make a positive impact at the Mission Viejo Animal Services Center. The center currently has 172 active volunteers who work 365 days a year.  We offer several volunteer opportunities in addition to caring for our animals. Our Animal Services Ambassadors serve as greeters at the center and help direct visitors and answer general questions.

An extremely rare cat is waiting for a forever home at the Mission Viejo Animal Services Center.   

Muggy is a 3-year-old Khao Manee, a rare breed from Thailand that translates to "white gem." 

In fact, the Khao Manee is believed to be the rarest feline breed, and the "odd-eyed" type is the rarest variety.  Therefore, Muggy is incredibly rare since he has one blue and one green eye.  

In the wake of recent mountain lion activity in Orange County, Mission Viejo Animal Services (MVAS) hosted a Mountain Lion Symposium that brought together industry professionals from Orange and San Diego Counties for a day of training, discussion, and networking. The day focused on the existing mountain lion population and applicable laws. UC Davis researchers presented recent data and historical insights providing a comprehensive overview of the current state of the local mountain lion population.

The Mission Viejo Animal Services Center and Dedicated Animal Welfare Group are hoping every pet finds a great "Home for the Holidays."  

To support this pet adoption effort, DAWG will sponsor the adoption fees for every pet at the shelter through December 17. Approved adopters will only pay for the pet's $20 microchip fee.