Shelters

Shelters fall into two categories: open or limited admission. An “open admission” facility accepts animals from animal control and the public no matter the circumstance. “Limited admission” facilities have restrictions on incoming animals brought in by the public; however, they accept any animals brought to them by animal control.

Most shelters practice euthanasia for a variety of reasons and circumstances. There are few true no-kill facilities. All shelters work with rescue groups, sanctuaries and other animal-welfare organizations to find families for homeless animals.

If you can no longer take care of your pet or if you lost or found a pet, see Emergency and Health Services for tips.

If you are concerned about the life of an animal, ask about the shelter’s policy before you take the animal in. Many adoption and rescue organizations offer advice and/or referrals for found/lost/stray animals (see Adoption and Rescue for a list of organizations).

Coastal Animal Services Authority

Provides care for stray animals found in Dana Point, Monarch Beach, San Clemente and Talega. Accepts owner-relinquished pets; fee applies. Check website for adoption fees and licensing information.

Irvine Animal Care Center

Available animals for adoption. Provides for stray animals found within Irvine only. Accepts Irvine resident owner-relinquished pets by appointment; fee applies. Foster opportunities available.

LA County Downey Animal Shelter

A branch of the LA Department of Animal Care provides temporary care for animals found in designated cities. Find cities they serve on their website. Accepts owner-relinquished pets; fee applies.

Laguna Beach Animal Shelter

Provides care for stray animals found in Laguna Beach or Laguna Woods only.

Mission Viejo Animal Services Center

Provides care for stray animals, owner-relinquished animals, and animal control services for the residents of Aliso Viejo, Laguna Hills, Laguna Niguel, Mission Viejo, and Rancho Santa Margarita only.

Newport Beach Animal Shelter / Home Free Rescue and Sanctuary

The City of Newport Beach, partnered with Home Free Animal Rescue & Sanctuary, provides boarding and care of animals collected by the Police Department’s Animal Control Division.

OC Animal Care

Provides animal control and shelter services for many Orange County cities. Open daily, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Wednesdays, 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Orange County Humane Society

Provides a refuge for lost and unwanted animals for the city of Garden Grove. Check website to see senior pet special.

P.D. Pitchford Companion Animal Village – Long Beach

P.D. Pitchford Companion Animal Village is the home of Long Beach Animal Care Services and spcaLA; two agencies jointly deliver innovative and revolutionary care to the animals that enter the Village.

Seal Beach Animal Care Center

An all-volunteer run shelter providing care and adoption services for stray dogs and cats from Seal Beach only.

Southeast Area Animal Control Authority

Provides temporary care for animals found within various LA County cities as well as Buena Park and La Palma. Animal viewing hours are: Tuesday – Friday, 11a.m . – 6 p.m.; and Saturday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. They also provide low-cost vaccinations to the public.

WAGS Pet Adoption

Shelters and cares for companion animals, investigates and combats animal cruelty, rescues neglected pets, treats sick and injured strays, and educates the community about humane issues and responsible pet care. Serves Westminster and Stanton.
Open weekdays, 1-6 p.m.; weekends noon- 5 p.m. Closed Wednesday.