Behind the Scenes

Mission Viejo Animal Services Center is committed to providing the best possible service for the five cities it covers during this difficult time. Dedicated staff will continue to care for the animals, and animal services officers will continue to patrol the communities and respond to stray animals and public safety functions.

Stay tuned to this page to see daily updates on what's going on behind the scenes at the center during our closure.

Additional Behind the Scenes are available here:

January 2021

January 15, 2021

"Snow" Rescue

Mission Viejo Animal Services responded to an animal owner whose cat (Snow) got out and ran into a storm drain. At first the owner was unsure if it was his cat or a wild animal since he could not see the face; all he could see was fur.

see entire story here

January 14, 2021

Anonymous Amazon donation

The Mission Viejo Animal Services Center received an anonymous Amazon donation earlier today. In the note, it said it was a "gift to us for his 21st birthday."

see entire story here

January 13, 2021

Ashlee adoption update

Hello,
It’s been a great first week with Ash-lee. We renamed her Numa, which means “breath of life” (in Greek it is spelled Pneuma so we went with phonetic).

She is such a snuggly, lovey girl. She loves to be pet and held and flops on her back with her paws stretched way over her head for long belly rub sessions.

She is also super playful... definitely has strong hunter instincts. Her favorite toy is a feather that spins on the end of a rope and pole. She hides and pounces on it, leaping at least her body height in the air to catch it in her paws and trap it under her belly.

I’ve attached a couple photos for you.

From a burning forest to a loving home in Orange County, we are thrilled Numa has found a great home!

January 12, 2021

Kipper & Kiki adopted

January 9, 2021

A big thanks to our wonderful volunteers!

The volunteers at the Mission Viejo Animal Services Center epitomize the true spirit of the holidays. They collected and distributed much-needed pet food and supplies to residents in need during this difficult time.

“We are happy to be able to provide the essential pet supplies to proactively aid pet owners who may be struggling to care for their pets instead of resorting to relinquishment or abandonment,” said volunteer coordinator Giselle Leal.

The Pet Pantry is fueled by the generosity of local residents. Bags and cans of dog and cat food can be donated to the Mission Viejo Animal Services Center at 28095 Hillcrest during standard business hours. Unopened bags are preferred.

Visit the center’s website for a wish list (https://bit.ly/3h1Ub2k) of donation items. For more information, call 949-470-3045.

January 8, 2021

Featured dog Dash

Meet Dash, the goofiest, most active and playful dog currently at the Mission Viejo Animal Services Center.

Click here to learn more about Dash.

January 7, 2021

Featured cat Leeloo

Leeloo is a young kitty who is still developing her personality but is blooming every day. She is extra affectionate and vocal with her trusted human companions and shows her goofy side from time to time.

Click here to learn more about Leeloo

January 6, 2021

Yanoschak Holiday Donation

We were pleased to receive a wonderful donation recently from the Cyndi and Mick Yanoschak and their beloved dog Tallie. Every year, the Yanoschaks contact the shelter to inquire about the most needed and wanted items for our homeless pets. This year they bought beautiful dog and cat beds, bags of toys, martingale collars, kitten food, and nursing supplies for newborns. All of these items will be put to good use here at the Center.

The Yanoschaks adopted Tallie here in December of 2018, and they have generously donated to us ever since. We want to send a sincere thank you to Cyndi and Mick for their generosity and support through the years.

January 5, 2021

MVAS Responds to hit by car mountain lion cub on Christmas day

Did you know Mission Viejo Animal Services Officers are available 24/7, even on holidays to respond to emergencies? Officers are routinely called at all hours of the night to respond to different emergency calls. This Christmas one such call came in from Highway Patrol. At around 8:30 P.M. a Mountain Lion was struck on the 241 toll road in Rancho Santa Margarita. The poor cougar was still alive and was laying in the roadway. Sgt. Werner and Officer Rodriguez responded and quickly arrived on scene. They were able to safely load the juvenile cat into the animal services truck and transport it to a local wildlife veterinarian. Although he was hosting a Christmas dinner at his home, he triaged the cat in his driveway then met the officers at his hospital where the kitty underwent extensive treatment late into the evening with the assistance of MVAS officers filling in the roles of Veterinary Assistants. Due to quick action, Nicolas, the cougar, is expected to recover.

Did you also know that Mission Viejo Animal Services handles a wide variety of wildlife related calls? Animal Services is committed to public safety and is equipped and prepared to respond to any number of wildlife related situations. Staff are qualified and highly trained in Chemical Immobilization, a vital tool for responding to wildlife emergencies. Officers respond to thousands of wildlife related calls every year. Everything from an injured humming bird that weighs 0.14 oz to a Mountain Lion that can weighs up to 150 lbs. Big or small, animal services is here to assist the public and animals, and support the coexistence of both. We are here to help!