FAQS

OC Animal Care is one of the largest shelters on the west coast, with housing for over 400 animals. There are a variety of species to choose from when looking for a new pet. The shelter offers dogs, cats, bunnies, birds, small animals, and other exotic pets for adoption. On any given day, about 20% of the dogs and cats are available for immediate adoption. If you are looking to adopt, check out our Adoptable Pets page.

1.) View our Available Pets.

2.) Schedule a Visit or Walk-In.  While pre-scheduled visits are available for the convenience of potential adopters, the public is welcome to visit the shelter and sign up for a walk-in visit during our hours of operation. To schedule an adoption visit, call our main line at (714) 935-6848, and mention the Animal ID# for any specific animal you might be interested in. (Animal ID#s can be found in the animal’s bio on our Adoptable Pets page)

3.) Visit the pet you're interested in.  All adopters must visit with the pet they are considering with a scheduled appointment prior to completing the adoption process. Our staff will evaluate the visit and help you determine if this is the right pet for you by providing more information about the pet. We are currently asking all adopting parties to be limited to 5 individuals at a time. Additionally, we do not hold available pets for adoption. Adoptions will continue to be first come first serve.

4.) Complete the Adoption Process with an Adoption Counselor.  Once you have completed your visit, you will be directed to our Adoption Center to complete the adoption process. You must pay all applicable fees and will be provided necessary paperwork. If your newly adopted pet has to stay for surgery, you will be required to return to the Animal Care Center when notified that your animal is ready for pick-up.

5. Give your new animal friend time to adjust.  Your new animal friend will take time to adjust to their new home, so make sure to be patient and allow them the space and time necessary to get used to their new environment. Adjustment periods may vary and can even take up to eight weeks or more, depending on the animal.

The Retention Period is the time legally required for OC Animal Care to hold on to an animal so that their family has a chance to come in and find them. Retention Periods can vary and last anywhere from 4 days to more than 30 days depending on that animal's particular situation.

While we always recommend giving your new pet significant time to adjust to its new environment, if your new pet does not work out for any reason, you are able to come in for an exchange within 30 days of adoption. OC Animal Care does not offer refunds for returned pets. If you would like to return your pet after 30 days, you will need follow the owner surrender process and pay all applicable owner surrender fees.

OC Animal Care frequently receives exotic pets that are made available for adoption. These exotic animals, such as non-venomous reptiles and exotic birds, are held for a minimum of seven (7) days to allow owner redemptions. Please be advised that not all exotic pets will be made available for public adoption as some of them require permits to own. Exotic pets are subject to the same adoption process as other shelter pets.