Dedicated Animal Welfare Group (DAWG)

07/02/2025

Here are some friendly reminders about keeping your pets safe on the 4th of July!

Your pets should remain indoors where it’s cool. Even a garage can get extremely hot, so pets should be kept in the house, preferably with the air conditioner set.

Never leave your pets in a parked car, not even for a minute. On a warm day, temperatures inside a vehicle can rise rapidly to dangerous levels. On an 85-degree day, for example, the temperature inside a car with the windows opened slightly can reach 102 degrees within 10 minutes.

In addition to keeping pets safe from the heat, here are some tips for keeping them safe and healthy on the Fourth of July:

Keep them home - because fireworks are loud and can damage a dog's hearing, do not take your pet with you. Leave dogs indoors in a safe and secure room. Do not leave pets outside, even in a fenced yard as they could escape because they are so terrified by the noise.

Keep them safe indoors and leave a TV or radio on to help block out the sound of fireworks and make sure all windows are closed.
Keep proper ID on your pets and always have your dog’s tags on.
Microchip dogs and cats. If they do escape from your home, animal services can get them back to you with proper identification.

Human foods, 4th of July treats and alcoholic beverages can be harmful to your pet. Keep them in a place your pet cannot get to and do not allow others to give your pets human food as treats. Keep dog treats on hand instead.

Exercise your dog early in the day before fireworks begin.

Keep charcoal and glow sticks far from curious canines.

Mission Viejo Animal Services Center City of Mission Viejo, CA - Local Government City of Laguna Niguel - Government City of Laguna Hills City of Rancho Santa Margarita - Local Government City of Aliso Viejo - Local Government City of Rancho Santa Margarita - Local Government

07/01/2025

07/01/2025

07/01/2025

We love hearing all about Clyde's adventures! We're glad you're having fun while waiting for your forever family to take you home.

06/24/2025

DAWG is grateful for all the donations that allowed us to rescue these special puppies. They're cute as can be and we're so glad they are feeling better. They are getting great care from the shelter staff and they tell us these 7 little bundles of fun are playful and acting like typical, energetic puppies.

06/21/2025

Come and check out the kittens at Mission Viejo Animal Services Center this weekend! DAWG is sponsoring a BOGO adoption event. Two kittens is twice the fun as one!

06/16/2025

UPDATE: Four of the puppies are doing well and will be released from the hospital tomorrow. The hospital staff say they are feeling much better, playing with each other and acting like puppies again. Three of the puppies will need more care in the coming days. Thanks to all that donated to their medical care, it is much appreciated.

06/16/2025

Clyde looks like he is loving his adventures at Dana Point Harbor! So glad you were able to get out and meet some new friends Clyde.

06/02/2025

🐾💙On Saturday, June 7, Mission Viejo Animal Services (MVAS) will participate in California's Adopt-a-Pet Day, an initiative dedicated to promoting the importance of pet adoption and raising awareness about homeless animals in our communities.

This special day serves as a reminder of the crucial role animal shelters play in providing care and finding permanent homes for pets in need. In California alone, thousands of animals enter shelters each year, waiting for the chance to become part of a loving family. Adopt-a-Pet Day encourages people to consider adopting instead of buying pets, thereby reducing the demand for irresponsible breeding practices. The goal is to pair each animal with a suitable, caring owner, ensuring that they receive the attention and love they deserve.

Families are invited to visit the center at 28095 Hillcrest to learn about the benefits of pet adoption and meet some lovable animals looking for forever homes. All adoption fees will be waived for approved applicants.

With just one day, you can change an animal's life forever. Together, let’s give every pet the loving home they deserve.

For more information, contact MVAS at 949-470-3045.