Animal Services

As Easter approaches, Mission Viejo Animal Services encourages families to remember that while rabbits can be adorable and fun, they thrive on love and care year-round and are not just a festive surprise for kids. The idea of gifting a real "Easter Bunny" can be very exciting, but it's essential to think about the commitment involved. After the holiday, it’s common for the novelty of bunny ownership to fade, leading to unfortunate outcomes for these special animals. Rabbits, when first introduced to a new environment, can be shy and require time to adjust.

Join Mission Viejo Animal Services on April 24 for an engaging and informative “Living with Wildlife” presentation featuring information about the behaviors and habitats of indigenous animals in our area.

The free event is geared for all ages and is from 6 to 8 pm in the Sycamore Room at the Norman P. Murray Center, 24932 Veterans Way.

Make sure you have thought about it and come to the right decision, it’s very important that you ask yourself these questions and know the answers first.

1.    Can I afford a pet?

Join Mission Viejo Animal Services on April 24 for an engaging and informative “Living with Wildlife” presentation featuring information about the behaviors and habitats of indigenous animals in our area.

The free event is geared for all ages and is from 6 to 8 pm in the Sycamore Room at the Norman P. Murray Center, 24932 Veterans Way.

Meet Natalie! An Animal Care Technician at the Mission Viejo Animal Services Center, Natalie has been in the post for the past two years. From a young age, Natalie knew she wanted to work with animals. Her first experience came in high school when she had the opportunity to raise animals on the school farm. From that moment, she was hooked! Natalie went on to earn her B.S. in agricultural science from Cal Poly Pomona and has continued to work in animal-focused roles ever since.

As we celebrate Earth Day each year on April 22, we are reminded to appreciate and protect our beautiful planet.  At the Mission Viejo Animal Services Center, we love including our furry family members in the celebration, too!  

Here are some fun and earth-friendly things you can do to include your pets in your Earth Day plans:

Join us on April 24th for an engaging and informative session on the behaviors and habits of indigenous animals in our area—open to all ages! Before the event, kids can enjoy fun crafts to get them excited about wildlife. You will learn about how to keep wildlife out of your yard, ways to protect wildlife and keep them wild, safety tips for you and your pets, and how to properly identify local wildlife and when to call Animal Services.

National Dog Bite Prevention Week is observed from April 13-19. This annual event aims to raise awareness about dog bite prevention and promote responsible pet ownership. In 2024, Mission Viejo Animal Services addressed nearly 350 dog bite incidents.  In California, dog bites carry strict liability implications. This is one of many reasons it’s imperative to maintain proper control over your dog whether through a sturdy leash or ensuring the security of your property.

Are you a German Shepherd lover or have considered adding this magnificent dog to your family? Now may be the perfect time!

At the Mission Viejo Animal Services Center, 14 German Shepherds and German Shepherd mixes are waiting for their forever homes. Each of these beautiful dogs is unique with distinctive coats and personalities that could be perfect for you and your family.

Are you interested in having our staff present at your event or would your group like a tour of the center? Please submit your request via the form below. 

Requests must be submitted at least 30 days in advance, but no more than 90 days to accommodate center operations and staffing schedules. 

Please note that submitting a request does not guarantee participation or tour. Due to the high volume of requests it can take center staff up to 7 days to review your request and contact you.