Animal Services

Our dedicated volunteer dog walker Tammy has turned her passion for animals into an impactful project by creating the 2026 Mission Viejo Animal Services Calendar featuring homeless pets. Each month highlights a different pet from our shelter.

The Mission Viejo Animal Services Center and Dedicated Animal Welfare Group (DAWG) are teaming up to help every pet find a perfect "Home for the Holidays." 

Through the month of December, DAWG is sponsoring significantly reduced adoption fees for all pets at the shelter.  The adoption fee is $20 for approved applicants.

This holiday promotion includes all dogs, cats, puppies, kittens, rabbits and any other animals available for adoption during this time. If you’re ready to make a shelter pet’s holiday wish come true, consider giving it the gift of a forever home.

Meet Petey, a stunning orange tabby that is ready to find her forever family. Initially, shelter staff mistook her for a male, as orange tabbies are typically male rather than female.

In recognition of National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week November 2-8, we are acknowledging and celebrating the commitment and compassion of the staff at the Mission Viejo Animal Services Center. This week serves as a reminder of their essential role in promoting animal welfare and enhancing the lives of the animals in the communities we serve.

Do you want to expand your social circle? Meet Spartan, a handsome 2-year-old Pit Bull that is quite the social butterfly! If you’re searching for a dog that loves to be part of the action, Spartan is the perfect match. He thrives on making new friends—whether it’s greeting passersby on a busy street or soaking up attention from anyone who stops to say hello.

Create. Relax. Give Back!

Join us at the Mission Viejo Animal Services Center for a fun and creative Candle-Making Workshop on Saturday, November 8 - no prior skills needed!

• Craft your own beautiful animal friendly custom scented candle to take home — perfect for gifts or a little self-care.
• Every ticket supports the medical care of homeless animals waiting for their forever homes right here at the shelter.

Your creativity makes a difference!

The Mission Viejo Animal Services Center is hosting the final low-cost drive-through pet vaccination clinic of the year from 8:30 to 10 am on Saturday, October 25 at 28095 Hillcrest.

Rabies vaccinations are $12 and other vaccines for dogs and cats are available at reduced rates. A $3 medical disposal fee is charged for each animal. Licenses and current rabies vaccinations are required for all dogs in Mission Viejo, Laguna Niguel, Aliso Viejo, Rancho Santa Margarita and Laguna Hills. Dogs should be on a leash and cats in carriers.

Mark your calendar for Saturday, October 11 for the Fur-ever Friends Fall Festival and Open House at the Mission Viejo Animal Services Center.

Held from 11 am to 3 pm at 28095 Hillcrest, this fun-filled family event will feature more than a dozen rescue groups with adoptable dogs, cats, bunnies, and even reptiles—all looking for loving homes. 

Catering to all ages, the festival will also boast a pumpkin patch to celebrate the fall season; crafts and hands-on activities for kids; and wildlife education and animal meet-and-greet opportunities.

Two dogs are better than one, which is the case with sisters Amber and Autumn. Since they are very bonded, these 9-month-old pug mixes are looking for a home together.

Amber and Autumn are active, friendly pups whose hilarious antics will keep you entertained for days. In fact, adopting two dogs together – like these pups – can be a wonderful experience. Since dogs are naturally pack animals, they are inherently more comfortable in the company of their pack.

Halloween can be a fun and festive time, but it can also pose unique risks for our furry friends. Here are some important tips to ensure your pets remain safe and happy during the Halloween celebrations:

Keep Candy and Halloween Treats Away from Pets

• Many candies, especially chocolate, are toxic to pets – particularly dogs.
• Ensure that all candy is stored in high pet-proof locations.

Choose Pet-Friendly Costumes