Animal Services

If you’ve been thinking about adding a furry family member to your home, now is the perfect time.

With October’s designation as Adopt-a-Shelter Dog Month, DAWG is sponsoring adoption fees for Mekka, Lily, Whisper, Panthro, Jasmine, Mack, and Porter.  Not only are these dogs available for $20 to approved applicants, but they will also go home with a free training package.

On September 9, the Airport Fire erupted near Trabuco Canyon prompting Mission Viejo Animal Services (MVAS) to activate its emergency plan. Due to the fire’s proximity to the Robinson Ranch community, MVAS quickly prepared by placing Animal Control Officers on standby and readying rescue equipment.

In times of crisis, the smallest gestures often make the biggest difference. Mission Viejo Animal Services (MVAS) recently experienced this firsthand during the Airport Fire, when an outpouring of kindness arrived at our shelter in the form of beautifully handcrafted kennel quilts, each one stitched with care by the volunteers of Kennel Quilts.

Mission Viejo Animal Services (MVAS) is excited to announce its upcoming 30th Anniversary Open House, a community celebration marking three decades of dedication to animal welfare. The event will take place on Saturday October 5 from noon to 4 pm at the center located at 28095 Hillcrest.

Just as his name suggests, Red is a Golden Retriever-mix with a beautiful red coat.

We are thrilled to invite you to a special Open House in celebration of 30 years of compassion, care, and community at Mission Viejo Animal Services!

Join us for this exciting event featuring a tour of our shelter, a wildlife education presentation, an opportunity to chat with our dedicated staff, a kids' craft activity, and the chance to meet some of our adorable, adoptable animals! Learn more about our mission and see firsthand the impact of our work while connecting with others who share a passion for animal welfare. 

As a result of the devastating Airport Fire, which has burned nearly 23,500 acres of habitat in the Santa Ana Mountains, Mission Viejo Animal Services is alerting the public of what to do when encountering wildlife injured or displaced by the blaze. Large fires often cause animals to flee into urban areas and many may be injured, disoriented, or lost. In the Santa Ana Mountains, wildlife affected by the fire may include birds such as small birds, hawks and owls, and mammals like raccoons, opossums, foxes, bobcats, and even mountain lions.

Mission Viejo Animal Services successfully rescued a stray dog now named "Journey” that had avoided capture despite several attempts.

Journey was first reported over a month ago, with residents often spotting her wandering the streets of Laguna Niguel. Each time Animal Control Officers got close, she quickly ran away. 

Was 1993 really more than three decades ago?

September is Responsible Dog Ownership Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about the responsibilities of being a dog owner. Whether you're a seasoned pet parent or considering bringing a dog into your home, this month is a great opportunity to reflect on what it means to provide a happy, healthy, and safe environment for your furry friend.

Why Responsible Dog Ownership Matters