Your adoption doesn't end when you leave the center with your new pet! We're also here to help your pet adapt to your home and to offer assistance with any questions or problems that may arise during this exciting, and sometimes challenging, time.
General Resources
- Should you have any questions about the care of your new pet, please contact the Irvine Animal Care Center at 949-724-7740 or email us at animalcare@cityofirvine.org(link sends e-mail).
- For questions and concerns relating to barking dogs, leash laws, permits, ordinances, or to report a lost or found dog, please visit the City's Animal Services page.
- Visit Irvine's Central Bark dog park or find other dog parks in the Orange County area.
- Shelters and humane societies in Southern California.
- Find Low Cost Spay/Neuter Resources in Orange County here. Many of these organizations also offer low cost vaccines.
- Need a pet-sitter while you're on vacation? Petsitters International's website(link is external) can help you locate an animal caretaker in your area. All petsitters must adhere to a code of ethics and standards in order to be listed.
- Visit the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center(link is external) for more information on any animal poison-related emergency.
For Dog Owners
Obedience Training
The center strongly encourages adopters to attend a puppy or basic obedience class. It's the best way to get your relationship with your new dog or puppy off to a good start. We recommend humane training methods that rely on encouragement and positive reinforcement. Visit the Association of Pet Dog Trainers website(link is external) to search for a dog-friendly instructor near you or sign up for Dog Obedience(link is external) or Puppy Kindergarten(link is external) at a local park.
Handouts
Check out the following handouts to assist you in caring for your dog:
- Barking
- Canine Escape Artist
- Crate Training
- Enrichment at Home
- House Training Your Adult Dog
- Loose-Leash Walking
- Puppy Behavior: Chewing
- Separation-Related Problems
For Cat Owners
Declawing
The Irvine Animal Care Center discourages the declawing of cats. Declawing is a painful and unnecessary procedure. Most scratching issues are not difficult to manage and humane alternatives are available. For more information from The Paw Project, click here.
Handouts
Check out the following handouts to assist you in caring for your cat:
- Cat Overstimulation
- Cat Scratchers
- Enriching Your Indoor Cat's Environment
- Litter Box Success Tips
- Managing Your Kitten's Rough Play
- Shy Cat
- Your Cat: Indoors or Out
For Rabbit Owners
Rabbit Behavior
Visit the House Rabbit Society's website(link is external) for an extensive directory of rabbit-behavior pages.
Introductions
Handouts
Helpful tips for introducing your pet to another pet:
Small Animal Care Guides
Guinea Pig Handouts
Hamster Handouts
Mouse Handouts
Rat Handouts
Veterinary Care
The following handouts are provided for informational purposes only, and do not replace any veterinary care or diagnosis. If you have questions please consult with your pet’s veterinarian.
Handouts
