About DAWG
FILLING A NEED
In 1992 the City Council for the City of Mission Viejo decided animal services could best be provided locally rather than contracting out for services. The new shelter was built and ready for homeless pets in October, 1993.
From the first day of service to the community, the objective was clear:
Abandoned animals that entered the shelter should receive the very best care, and that all homeless pets should be placed into a forever home, with a very small exception for animals so injured they were not able to be saved.
SAVING LIVES
Within a few months the number of injured and very sick animals requiring extensive medical care arrived in much greater numbers than projected.
Dedicated Animal Welfare Group became a 501c3 in 1995 to raise funds to address the medical needs of these homeless pets. From that day forward, every abandoned pet entering the shelter has received needed medical care, from critical care for the injured or severely ill animals, to routine care including dental care, treatments for skin and ear infections or professional training, just to name a few.
FINDING HOMES
DAWG members believe that homeless pets do best when they are adopted into a wonderful new home within 30 days. While the shelter staff is amazing, and each pet at the shelter receives great care from staff and volunteers, we believe that finding a new home for them is equally as important as addressing their medical needs.
DAWG sponsors three to four adoption events each year, helping with adoption fees, and with getting the word out about these events so that our feline, K9 and bunny friends can be placed into loving homes more quickly.