Mission Viejo Animal Services Center Seeks Community Donations

LAGUNA NIGUEL, CA — Roughly 6.3 million pets enter United States animal shelters nationwide every year, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals reported. Sunday marked the first day of National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week, and the City of Mission Viejo's Animal Services Center is seeking donations from the community.

The City of Mission Viejo Animal Services Center provides for the care, protection and control of animals that stray from their homes or are abused by their owners in Mission Viejo and beyond. The center provides animal services not only for Mission Viejo residents, but for the City of Aliso Viejo, Laguna Hills and Rancho Santa Margarita.

National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week was founded in 1996 by the Human Society of the United States. It is designed to encourage the public to understand the level of work involved in caring for animals, and to volunteer or provide items for their local animal shelter. The annual event also acknowledges the hard-working people who support the shelters year-round.

The Mission Viejo Animal Services Center provides a variety of services, including: picking up injured wildlife, impounding stray dogs and cats, issuing citations and providing a shelter for homeless animals, according to the city's website. On average, the pro-humane facility at 28095 Hillcrest takes in more than 2,000 animals a year.

If you are interested in donating to Mission Viejo's Animal Services Center, the city asks that you check out the center's wishlist before dropping off any items. The center's top three needs are: Perla Dog Beds, Kuranda Dog Beds and Snugglesafe Heatpads.