Dedicated Animal Welfare Group (DAWG)

10/31/2025

Congratulations Steve H from Aliso Viejo! Mission Viejo Animal Services Center Director, Brynn Lavison, selected the winning raffle ticket. Thanks to everyone that purchased tickets for our annual Halloween drawing. All the proceeds will pay for medical care for the animals at the shelter. When advised that he had won the $300 Visa gift card, Steve exclaimed "I think this is the first time I have ever won anything!" Then, he asked that his gift card be donated back to DAWG. Thank you Steve for your generosity and dedication to the homeless animals at Mission Viejo Animal Services Center.

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

10/31/2025

🌟🐾 Introducing the Jr. Animal Control Officer Program! 🌟🐾

We’re excited to launch our Jr. ACO Program at the Mission Viejo Animal Services Center, inspired by the popular Jr. Ranger program at national parks. This fun, hands-on program gives kids the chance to learn about animal care, safety, and local wildlife while earning badges for completing activities at our shelter.

👦👧 Who can join?

Kids of all ages who want to get involved with our shelter and make a difference for animals!

📘 How it works:
1️⃣ Pick up a Jr. ACO booklet at the shelter.
2️⃣ Complete fun, age-appropriate activities.
3️⃣ Show your completed booklet to the designated staff member or volunteer.
4️⃣ Take the Jr. ACO Oath – commit to caring for animals and the community.
5️⃣ Receive your very own Jr. ACO badge! 🎖️

✨ Get ready to become a Jr. ACO and join our mission to care for animals!

The shelter is open seven days a week, noon to 4 pm and is located at 28095 Hillcrest.

10/29/2025

🕯️✨ 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.

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!
📲 For more details and to reserve your spot, visit https://artandember.com/products/missionviejoanimalshelter.

Register today as spots are limited — don’t miss out!

10/29/2025

Spartan sounds like a fun guy to be around!

10/21/2025

Thanks to everyone that came out for the Fur-Ever Friends Fall Fest and Pumpkin Patch! DAWG had a lot of fun handing out dog and cat treats to the visitors and we especially loved seeing all the rescue groups there.

10/09/2025

Did you know? 👀Our Fur-Ever Friends Fall Festival and Open House is more than just a fun event—it’s a chance to learn about the important work we do for animals and the community every day.

🐾 Tour our shelter
🐾 Meet our amazing team and volunteers
🐾 Learn how YOU can get involved

Mark your calendars for Saturday, October 11 and see firsthand how we’re helping animals live better lives. 💚

📍 Mission Viejo Animal Services Center
📅 October 11
🕒 11 am-3 pm

10/09/2025

10/09/2025

10/09/2025

10/09/2025

On Saturday, October 11, we’re bringing together more than a dozen amazing partner rescue groups and nonprofits with adoptable dogs, cats, bunnies, and even reptiles—all looking for loving homes. If you’ve been thinking about adding a new furry (or scaly!) friend to your family, this is the perfect opportunity to meet a wide variety of animals and connect with the organizations that care for them.

🐶 Adoptable dogs
🐱 Sweet cats
🐇 Loveable bunnies
🦎 Reptiles, too!

📍 Mission Viejo Animal Services Center
📅 Saturday, October 11 🕒 11 am-3 pm
👉 Stay tuned each week as we share more about the fun waiting for you!

The Pet Adoption Center of Orange County Ghetto Rescue FFoundation (GRFF) New Beginnings For Animals German Shepherd Rescue of Orange County Promise 4 Paws Lovebugs Rescue Doggie Bonez One Dane At A Time, Inc. South Bay Rodent Rescue

09/24/2025

Join DAWG and all the animals at Mission Viejo Animal Services Center for this fun, fall event. There'll be a pumpkin patch, crafts and activities for kids, wildlife education animal meet-and-greets AND over a dozen partner rescue groups bringing adoptable dogs, cats, bunnies and reptiles! Visit the DAWG booth for some tasty dog treats for your favorite four-legged friend. Mission Viejo Animal Services Center City of Laguna Niguel - Government City of Laguna Hills City of Aliso Viejo - Local Government City of Rancho Santa Margarita - Local Government City of Mission Viejo, CA - Local Government