Animal Services

Summer is a great time to enjoy fun in the sun but sometimes it may be uncomfortable even dangerous for pets and people. Follow our tips to keep everyone in your family healthy during the heat.

Practice basic summer safety:

The Mission Viejo Animal Services Center wants to thank a group of volunteers whose dedication is truly life-changing for our animals – our foster families.

The Mission Viejo Animal Services Center is celebrating National Immunization Awareness Month by hosting a drive-through low-cost pet vaccination clinic from 8:30 to 10 am on Saturday, August 19 at 28095 Hillcrest.   

Whether you have a new pet or need boosters for your existing pet, we have you covered. 

Two-year old Holly is looking for a second chance and forever home. She was adopted from the Mission Viejo Animal Services Center as a kitten in December 2021. Unfortunately, Holly’s owner left the country and her with a relative who did not know much about keeping a cat. When the individual contacted us, we knew it was best for Holly to return to the shelter, so she is again waiting for a permanent home. 

The Mission Viejo Animal Services Center (MVAS) pet pantry is seeking donations of canned dog food to fuel the program that helps needy folks in the community.   

The MVAS Pet Pantry offers free pet food and supplies to residents in need.  The aim is that by proactively aiding such pet owners, they may be better equipped to keep and care for their beloved pets rather than resorting to relinquishment or abandonment. 

The Mission Viejo Animal Services Center is looking for loving homes for several cats.

We are currently in the middle of kitten season and unfortunately adult cats are being completely overlooked. To help encourage pet-lovers to adopt an adult cat, DAWG will sponsor the adoption fees, so an approved applicant can bring a lovable cat home for only $20.

Stop by the center to meet Berto, Willa, Daryl, Horatio, Sky, Padre Pete and many more.

Since Independence Day falls on a Thursday this year, Mission Viejo Animal Services is expecting a long weekend of festivities.  Remember to prepare your pets for the parties and noise early. 

Here are some safety tips to help keep your dogs and cats happy and healthy as you celebrate this 4th of July:

Meet Sgt. JR Stewart, our Senior Animal Control Officer.  JR grew up on a farm, so he developed a passion for animals at an early age.  He was constantly surrounded by all sorts of creatures — from dogs and cats to snakes and chickens, so he learned animal-handling skills and husbandry when he was young. This early childhood exposure to multiple pets naturally led him to consider a career working with animals, so after high school he applied at the San Clemente/Dana Point Animal Shelter and became a part-time Animal Control Officer.

Mission Viejo Animal Services recently responded to the "Niguel Fire" in Laguna Niguel and "73 Fire" in Laguna Hills.  Animal Services deployed teams of animal control officers to help residents who may have required assistance with removing their animals from danger.

Summer is here which means family get-togethers, backyard barbecues, fireworks and other parties that may cause some dogs to be anxious and fearful. Be prepared by making sure your pet is licensed and vaccinated to ensure a fast return trip home. Here are some checklists and tips to keep your pet safe this holiday: