Saving Lives
SAVING LIVES, CHANGING FUTURES
MISSION FOR HOME: WHERE SECOND
CHANCES BEGIN
Mission For Home is a life-saving partnership between DAWG and the Mission Viejo Animal Shelter, dedicated to rescuing animals from shelter with overcrowding challenges and urgent placement needs where overcrowding puts their lives at risk.
Shelters facing critical space shortages reach out to request help, and as space allows, we step in. Through this program, nearly 200 dogs and cats each year are given a second chance at life. DAWG proudly covers the cost of spay and neuter services and provides top-quality medical care for every rescued animal, ensuring they receive the treatment and compassion they deserve.
Every rescue represents a life saved. Once healed and ready, each pet is placed into a loving, permanent home—where they can thrive, be cherished, and finally belong. Mission For Home isn’t just a program—it’s a promise to save lives, one pet at a time.
FOREVER REMEMBERED WALL
A LASTING TRIBUTE TO BELOVED PETS AND COMPASSIONATE SOULS
In honor or in memory of a beloved pet—living or deceased—or a special person who loved animals, Dedicated Animal Welfare Group (DAWG) has created a Forever Remembered Wall at the shelter. This meaningful space is adorned with photos of special animals rescued through the combined efforts of DAWG and the shelter, celebrating lives changed by compassion.
A $250 donation honors your family and up to two cherished pets with a place on the Forever Remembered Wall.
(For example: Milo Smith or Milo & Cali Smith)
The Forever Remembered Wall is updated each January. Donations and orders may be submitted to DAWG at any time throughout the year.
A forever remembered memorial for
the pets and people that touched our hearts
Endowments & Grants
Large contributions, endowments, and grants are sincerely appreciated and make it possible for DAWG to help more rescued pets and continue delivering lifesaving medical care to homeless animals at Mission Viejo Animal Services Center, now and into the future.
Interested in Adopting a Pet Locally
Follow this link for more information on adopting a pet locally in Orange County
Find a Pet to Adopt | City of Mission Viejo
Follow Our Friends at Mission Viejo Animal Shelter:
DAWG BY THE NUMBERS
For more than 30 years, Dedicated Animal Welfare Group (DAWG) has been committed to giving orphaned animals a second chance at life. What began as a small group of passionate advocates has grown into a trusted lifesaving partner for Mission Viejo Animal Services Center and the animals who depend on them.
Our Dedication
40,000+ Second Chances Given
Every number represents a life saved, healed, and given hope.
100% Of Funds Raised Support Animals
Every dollar goes directly to aid orphaned animals with medical care, training, and lifesaving support.
All-Volunteer Organization Powered by Passion
No Payroll, No salaries—just caring people giving their time and hearts to animals in need