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OC Animal Care urges pet owners to keep animals safe during the 4th of July

Posted on by Posted in Pets, Public Safety, Tustin Leave a comment

TUSTIN, Calif. (July 2, 2021) – The Fourth of July weekend is traditionally the highest intake time for animal shelters across the country. In preparation for the upcoming holiday, OC Animal Care presents residents with the following tips to ensure a safe and happy celebration for pets and their owners.

Provide a Safe Space for Your Pet Indoors

Fireworks are loud and sometimes frightening for pets which can lead to panic and possible fleeing. To ensure pets are comfortable at home, pet owners can create a safe space by:

• Keeping doors, windows, and curtains closed
• Designating a quiet room or crate for their pet
• Placing a sign on the door to prevent people from entering the pet’s room
• Playing calm music or “white noise” such as the television in the background to distract their pet from loud noises
• Giving their pet their favorite chew toy to keep them busy, such as a Kong stuffed with treats

Ensure Pet Identification Is Up to Date

Securing your pet with their collar and ID tag attached can make a difference if your animal escapes. Verify your pet’s name, phone number, and any important information such as medical conditions to ensure they are updated and current. Microchip your pet as an additional security measure in case your pet loses its collar and ID tag.

Tips if You Lose or Find a Pet

If you find a lost pet or your own goes missing, the following are actions you can take:

• Contact OC Animal Care at (714) 935-6848 to make a lost or found pet report
• Ask neighbors if they recognize the found pet or ask if they have seen your missing pet
• Post lost/found flyers in your neighborhood or on local lost/found pages on Facebook, Nextdoor, Pawboost, and other social platforms
• Contact your local vet office to see if your missing pet was brought in or take a found pet to a local vet office for a microchip scan

For more tips and resources to share online, visit ocpetinfo.com.

OC Animal Care is the largest municipal animal shelter in Orange County, taking in over 18,000 animals each year. It services 14 cities and all of the County’s unincorporated areas. OC Animal Care is guided by its strategic plan establishing progressive programs and policies to help the agency achieve its vision of a safe and compassionate community for all. For more information about OC Animal Care, please visit www.ocpetinfo.com and follow @ocanimalcare on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

OC Animal Care to host a low cost pet adoption event on Nov. 14

Posted on by Posted in Orange County, Pets, Santa Ana, Tustin Leave a comment

TUSTIN, Calif. (November 10, 2020) – On November 14, 2020, OC Animal Care will host the Fur-ever Thankful event and feature low-cost adoptions sponsored by Fourth District Supervisor Doug Chaffee of the Orange County Board of Supervisors.

“This event is aimed at bringing the community together to reflect on all the things to be grateful for as we enter the holiday season,” said Supervisor Doug Chaffee, Fourth District. “For many of us, that includes our families and what better way to help spread health and happiness than through connecting families with their newest furry family member.”

One-hundred low-cost adoption vouchers will be available during the event to the first one-hundred families who sign up. Vouchers are first-come, first-serve and limited to one per household for up to one hundred vouchers. OC Animal Care will also share highlights of adoptable pets available throughout the day on the OC Animal Care website and social media channels.

The day will also feature the sixth Family Fur-st Drive Thru Pet Food Pantry. This monthly event has distributed over 14,000 pounds of pet food to families in need to date.

Event Information:

  • Date: Saturday, November 14, 2020
  • Time: 8:00 a.m.
  • Location: Online at ocpetinfo.com and via OC Animal Care social media platforms at facebook.com/ocanimalcare and @ocanimalcare on Twitter and Instagram
  • Event Day Details: Low-Cost Adoption Voucher Giveaway:
    One-hundred low-cost adoption vouchers will be available first-come, first serve, limit one per household. The registration link will be made available via www.ocpetinfo.com on November 14, 2020 at 8:00 a.m. and remain open while vouchers are still available. Voucher holders will have 60 days to adopt using the low-cost adoption voucher.

Family Fur-st Drive Thru Pet Food Pantry:

The contactless pet food pantry will distribute pet food beginning at 8:00 a.m. while supplies last.

Follow OC Animal Care on all social media platforms for event highlights and to see featured pets available for adoption. For more information and resources, please visit the OC Animal Care website at ocpetinfo.com.

Free rabies vaccines on 9/3 at OC Animal Care

Posted on by Posted in Disease, OC Animal Care, Orange County, Pets, Tustin Leave a comment

In honor of World Rabies Day, there will be Free* Rabies Vaccinations on Thursday, September 3rd at 6 p.m. at the Monthly Low-Cost Clinic hosted at OC Animal Care! While supplies last. Three vaccines per household.

Lets collaborate to vaccinate during this annual event with services provided by HEART – Healthcare & Emergency Animal Rescue Team!* Please note appointments are required for this service.

The first 100 rabies shots will be free with the exception of the 3 year Purevax Feline Rabies vaccines which will receive a $26 credit.

To make a reservation click here. Reservations are required! OC Animal Care is located at 1630 Victory Road, in Tustin.

World Rabies Day is held annually to raise awareness about rabies prevention. Rabies is 100% preventable, but the CDC reports that more than 59,000 people die from the disease annually all over the world. The only way to help eliminate this deadly disease is to vaccinate! As a pet owner it’s your responsibility to make sure your pets are up-to-date on their vaccinations.

Free pet food and low-cost pet adoptions on 9/12 at OC Animal Care

Posted on by Posted in OC Animal Care, Orange County, Pets, Tustin 1 Comment

TUSTIN, Calif. (September 1, 2020) – OC Animal Care will host the Fur-ever Family event aimed at assisting pet lovers in the community with a pet food giveaway and low-cost adoptions sponsored by Fourth District Supervisor Doug Chaffee of the Orange County Board of Supervisors.

On September 12, OC Animal Care social media platforms will highlight adoptable pets. Families ready to adopt will have the opportunity to virtually sign up for one of one-hundred low-cost adoption vouchers sponsored by Supervisor Chaffee. Vouchers are first-come, first-serve and are limited to one per household for up to one hundred vouchers.

“We support companionship and positive mental health and what better way than to do that while also connecting homeless pets with new families.” said Supervisor Doug Chaffee, Fourth District. “We know pets lower anxiety and stress as well as promote healthy habits for people of all ages.”

The event will also feature the contactless Family Fur-st Drive Thru Pet Pantry where Supervisor Chaffee and staff will work alongside volunteers to distribute pet food to families in need from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. or while supplies last. This will be the fourth pet food pantry hosted by OC Animal Care in conjunction with community partners Animal Assistance League of Orange County, SoCal Animal Response Team, and The Shamrock Rescue Foundation. To date, the pet food pantry has given out over 7,000 pounds of food to help feed more than 550 pets in Orange County.

All pet owners in need are welcome while supplies last!If you would like to help keep families together, please donate through the AALOC’s Amazon Wishlist  or OC Animal Care’s Wishlist.

OC Animal Care is located at 1630 Victory Road, in Tustin.

“We truly appreciate Supervisor Chaffee for supporting our mission and helping all the pet lovers in the community.” added OC Animal Care Interim Director Andi Bernard. “We hope families join us virtually as we feature pets onsite and in foster homes who are waiting for their perfect match.”

To sign up for a low-cost adoption voucher, adopters need to submit an online form on the OC Animal Care website starting at 8 a.m. on the day of the event. The first one hundred families will receive an email confirmation with a voucher and have 30 days to make an appointment and adopt their new pet.

For more information and resources, please visit the OC Animal Care website at ocpetinfo.com.

OC Animal Care is the largest municipal animal shelter in Orange County. IT services 14 cities and takes in over 18,000 animals each year. For more information about OC Animal Care please visit www.ocpetinfo.com.

OC Animal Care will host a pet food drive through for needy families on June 13

Posted on by Posted in OC Animal Care, Tustin Leave a comment

TUSTIN, Calif. (June 3, 2020) – OC Animal Care will be kicking off the Family Fur-st Drive Thru Pet Pantry to support Orange County families in need of pet food. The Family Fur-st Pet Food Pantry events will take place on the second Saturday of every month while food is available, and the need is still present in the community.

In collaboration with the Animal Assistance League of Orange County, SoCal Animal Rescue Team, and The Shamrock Foundation, the first event will take place on Saturday, June 13, from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. at the OC Animal Care facility located at 1630 Victory Road in Tustin.

“This event will provide a helping hand to families with pets who are experiencing financial strain during these challenging times,” said Chairwoman Michelle Steel, Second District Supervisor.

Pet owners will get a bag of food for their dog, cat, or rabbit while supplies last.

“The financial burden suffered by many people because of COVID-19 has made it very difficult for people to feed and provide for their pets,” said Vice Chairman Andrew Do, First District Supervisor. “The goal of the drive-thru pantry is to support Orange County residents and make it easier for them to hopefully keep their pets and not give them up for financial reasons.”

The event will follow public health recommendations and allow attendees to remain in their vehicle while volunteers load the food. Families are asked to leave their pets at home to make this event run as efficiently as possible.

“The County recognizes pets have played an important role during this stressful time and is focused on connecting families with available resources.” added Supervisor Donald Wagner, Third District.

Pet owners will also get information on other resources for their pet. Anyone interested in supporting this effort can donate food directly to the Animal Assistance League Amazon wish list.

“We are happy to partner with organizations who are focused on providing help to our community during difficult times,” said Supervisor Doug Chaffee, Fourth District. “By partnering and working together, we can make Orange County a better place for everyone.”

OC Animal Care is still closed to visitors but continues to provide essential services including adoptions by appointment only. For more information about the Family Fur-st Pet Food Pantry and future events, please visit the OC Animal Care website at ocpetinfo.com.

“We will continue to find new ways to help support the pet owners in Orange County.” Said Supervisor Lisa Bartlett, Fifth District. “Together we can help keep families whole.”

OC Animal Care is the largest municipal animal shelter in Orange County. It services 14 cities and takes in over 18,000 animals each year. For more information about OC Animal Care please visit www.ocpetinfo.com.

Fifty Shih Tzu dogs rescued from a home in Orange are now available for adoption

Posted on by Posted in OC Animal Care, Pets, Santa Ana Leave a comment

TUSTIN, Calif. (June 25, 2019) – The Orange County Board of Supervisors announced that at noon today OC Animal Care will begin accepting adoption applications for the dogs that were taken into their care from a suspected hoarding situation in the City of Orange.

On May 30, over 140 Shih Tzus were rescued from a single home and are currently being cared for at OC Animal Care. Approximately 50 of the rescued dogs have been cleared for adoption, and the remainder are expected to be released in the near future.

“It is our goal to place every dog into a loving home,” said Orange County Chairwoman Lisa Bartlett, Fifth District Supervisor. “We are incredibly proud of our team at OC Animal Care, which pulled together to provide care for these dogs on such short notice, and we’re greatly touched by the generosity and support from our community.”

Interested adopters will need to complete an online survey that explains the adoption process before being able to submit their adoption application. Anyone interested in adopting one of these dogs should visit the OC Animal Care website to access the survey, adoption application and detailed information about the adoption process. OC Animal Care staff will immediately begin reviewing applications to help match potential adopters with new furry family members.

As a result of still being well over capacity, OC Animal Care continues to waive adoption fees for all other pets currently available for adoption now through the end of Pet Fair on Saturday, June 29. The dogs involved from the hoarding case will be subject to full adoption fees.

OC Animal Care is the largest municipal animal shelter in Orange County. It services 14 cities and takes in over 18,000 animals each year. Last year, the Board of Supervisors approved a strategic plan outlining the progressive programs and policies that will guide OC Animal Care to achieve its vision of a safe and compassionate community for all. For more information about OC Animal Care please visit: http://www.ocpetinfo.com.

OC Animal Care got a $100K grant for neonatal kitten care

Posted on by Posted in Andrew Do, Orange County, Pets Leave a comment

Supervisor Andrew Do with a kitty

OC Animal Care Accepts $100,000 Grant for Neonatal Kitten Care

On Saturday, OC Animal Care accepted a $100,000 “Save Them All” kitten grant from Best Friends Animal Society. The grant money will contribute to expanding OC Animal Care’s foster caretaker program and its program for neonatal, bottle-fed kittens.

The funds will be put towards spay and neuter services, all medical care, vaccinations, microchip and antibiotics for neonatal kittens. OC Animal Care’s goal will always be to find permanent, loving homes for all animals at the OC Animal Care shelter, and this grant takes us one step closer to that goal. Continue reading→

A dog was killed and three more were injured in a possible coyote attack in Santa Ana

Posted on by Posted in Nature, OC Animal Care, Orange County, Pets, Santa Ana Leave a comment

A coyote that may have been cornered by four miniature pinscher dogs ended up killing one of them and hurting the rest at about 2:30 a.m. in an unincorporated area of Santa Ana on Monday, according to CBS News.

Area residents heard noises outside and then discovered that a 10-year-old female miniature pinscher mix had been killed in a possible fight with a coyote, according to Orange County Animal Care. Continue reading→

The new OC Animal Care facility will be open to the public this Saturday

Posted on by Posted in Orange County, Pets, Tustin Leave a comment

Public Invited to New OC Animal Care Facility Grand Opening

Santa Ana, Calif. (March 16, 2018) — Please join the County of Orange for a public, family-friendly grand opening of the new OC Animal Care facility in Tustin.

Date: Saturday, March 24, 2018 from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Location: 1630 Victory Road, Tustin, CA 92782 Continue reading→

Free pet adoptions at OC Animal Care in Orange set for Sep. 3 and 4

Posted on by Posted in OC Animal Care, Orange, Orange County, Pets 1 Comment

Labor of Love Event (309x400)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 26, 2016

CONTACT: Melanie Eustice, Communications Director

Phone: (714) 834-5492 Mobile: (714) 581-7784

Supervisor Todd Spitzer to Sponsor Pet Adoption Event with OC Animal Care on Saturday, September 3 and Sunday, September 4, 2016

(Orange County, CA) – Supervisor Todd Spitzer is sponsoring a Pet Adoption Event on Saturday, September 3rd and Sunday, September 4th.

The event will feature free pet adoption, a savings of $89 to $124. The microchip fee of $17 and the licensing fee of $27 are paid by the new owner. Continue reading→

Free OC Animal Care Annual Pet Fair set for today in Orange

Posted on by Posted in Orange, Orange County, Pets Leave a comment

Have Some “Fun in the Sun” at OC Animal Care’s Annual Pet Fair

(Orange, CA) OC Animal Care will be hosting its annual Pet Fair event this Saturday, June 25 from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m., at 561 The City Drive South, Orange.  The event, which is sponsored by Supervisor Shawn Nelson and 4th District, will feature free adoptions for all pets adopted from OC Animal Care.  The free adoption does not include the cost of the microchip or licensing.  In 2015, 87 shelter pets found their new forever home during Pet Fair.  This year, we aim to adopt more than 100!

In addition to discounted adoptions, visitors of all ages will enjoy the following: Continue reading→

Free Pet Adoption event set for March 19 and 20 at OC Animal Care

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Orange County Third District Supervisor Todd Spitzer to Host Pet Adoption Event on Saturday, March 19 and Sunday, March 20, 2016

By: O.C. Supervisor Todd Spitzer

Supervisor Todd Spitzer is pleased to announce a free pet adoption weekend on March 19th and 20th. The event is going to be held at OC Animal Shelter located at 561 The City Drive South, Orange, CA 92868. The free pet adoption event is going to be held during normal working business hours of the OC Animal Shelter from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm.

“I am really excited and pleased to announce this free pet adoption! This is a great opportunity for the pets in the shelter to be rescued and go to great homes. Please come out and support this event and bring home a new family member,” said Supervisor Spitzer. Continue reading→

Pet photos with Santa Claus on Saturdays in December at OC Animal Care

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Bring your pet to OC Animal Care for a Photo with Santa. All participants will receive a festive holiday frame and a digital copy to share with family and friends. All donations received will benefit shelter pets.

All adoptions during this event will receive FREE spay/neuter and microchip! Help give an animal a furever home for the holidays and give them the gift of a loving family. Continue reading→

Record number of pets adopted at OC Animal Care’s Clear the Shelters event

Posted on by Posted in OC Animal Care, Orange, Orange County, Pets Leave a comment

Supervisor Lisa Bartlett at the Clear the Shelters event

Supervisor Lisa Bartlett at the Clear the Shelters event

Record Adoption Numbers at OC Animal Care During Clear the Shelters Adoption Event

The totals: 147 animals adopted – 86 dogs, 54 cats and seven rabbits

(ORANGE, CA) August 18, 2015 — More than 300 pet adopters lined up as early as 6 a.m. for the chance to adopt a needy pet during the Clear the Shelters Adoption Event at OC Animal Care on August 15. The event, hosted by NBC4 Southern California and Telemundo, was a firstof-its-kind nationwide pet adoption initiative aimed at finding thousands of pets permanent homes.

OC Animal Care offered a reduced adoption fee of $17, which included spay/neuter, microchip, vaccines, flea treatment and deworming. By 3 p.m., more than 93 homeless pets had been adopted into new homes.  Continue reading→

Santa Ana resident charged with importing and transporting illegal ferrets

Posted on by Posted in Crime, OC Animal Care, Pets, Santa Ana 12 Comments

Sebastian Alexander-Bly Swisher and his ferret

From Sebastian Alexander-Bly Swisher’s Instagram account

Santa Ana Police Department police officers arrested Santa Ana resident Sebastian Alexander Swisher (23) today and charged him with CCR 671K (Importation and transportation of live restricted animals).  He was reportedly buying the Ferrets in the State of Nevada and transporting them to California where it is illegal, according to an SAPD press release.

Swisher was raising the ferrets and then selling them for up to $400 on Craigslist, according to Santa Ana Animal Services supervisor Sondra Berg, as reported by the O.C. Register.  If he didn’t report that income then Swisher might be guilty of tax evasion too.

Santa Ana Police Department Animal Control Officers received information that the suspect was in possession of illegal Ferrets.

He really did not hide his hobby as there are many pictures of Swisher on his Instagram page. Continue reading→