On Tuesday, the Irvine City Council authorized City staff to begin scheduling in-person adoptions by appointment only at the Irvine Animal Care Center. The Center will remain closed to the public for all drop-in services. Appointment requests will be accepted by phone starting April 30 for appointments starting May 2, and application documentation will be completed online.
“We want to support adoptable animals by allowing the process to take place in a manner that would be safe for the community,” said Mayor Christina Shea. “Making adoptions available by appointment minimizes risk to our staff and the community, while helping pets find forever homes.”
The Irvine Animal Care Center was closed to the public at the end of March, and center staff have been on-site caring for animals during this time. To maintain safety of the community and City staff while encouraging safe placement of adoptable pets, potential adopters can request an appointment to meet animals in person.
“Our staff will work closely with residents and visitors to ensure a great fit - for both the person and the pet,” stated Vice Mayor Mike Carroll. “We have created a process that will be safe, welcoming, and efficient.”
To further reduce the time potential adopters need to be away from their homes, staff will conduct pet matching interviews while making appointments, to ensure a good fit for both the pet and the adopter. The potential adopter will be able to complete adoption paperwork online, in advance, prior to arriving for their appointment. During the appointment, potential adopters should comply with precautionary measures such as wearing cloth masks.
Staff will begin taking appointment requests beginning at noon on Thursday, April 30, with the first appointments scheduled for Saturday, May 2. Center hours are Noon–6 p.m. weekdays and 10 a.m.–4 p.m. on weekends (closed Tuesdays). Visit irvineanimals.org/adopt for information on pets available for adoption. For general questions or to begin the appointment process, call the Irvine Animal Care Center at 949-724-7740.