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 (Open in new window).
- 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 (Open in new window) 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 (Open in new window) 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 (Open in new window) to search for a dog-friendly instructor near you or sign up for Dog Obedience (Open in new window) or Puppy Kindergarten (Open in new window) at a local park.
Handouts
Check out the following handouts to assist you in caring for your dog:
- Barking (Open in new window)
- Canine Escape Artist (Open in new window)
- Crate Training (Open in new window)
- Enrichment at Home (Open in new window)
- House Training Your Adult Dog (Open in new window)
- Loose-Leash Walking (Open in new window)
- Puppy Behavior: Chewing (Open in new window)
- Separation-Related Problems (Open in new window)
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 (Open in new window)
- Cat Scratchers (Open in new window)
- Enriching Your Indoor Cat's Environment (Open in new window)
- Litter Box Success Tips (Open in new window)
- Managing Your Kitten's Rough Play (Open in new window)
- Shy Cat (Open in new window)
- Your Cat: Indoors or Out (Open in new window)
For Rabbit Owners
Rabbit Behavior
Visit the House Rabbit Society's website (Open in new window) for an extensive directory of rabbit-behavior pages.
Introductions
Handouts
Helpful tips for introducing your pet to another pet:
- Cat to Cat (Open in new window)
- Cat to Dog (Open in new window)
- Dog to Dog (Open in new window)
- Rabbit to Rabbit (Open in new window)
Small Animal Care Guides
Guinea Pig Handouts
- Behavior (Open in new window)
- Exercise & Social Needs (Open in new window)
- Feeding (Open in new window)
- Handling & Grooming (Open in new window)
- Health (Open in new window)
- Housing (Open in new window)
Hamster Handouts
- Behavior (Open in new window)
- Exercise & Social Needs (Open in new window)
- Feeding (Open in new window)
- Handling & Grooming (Open in new window)
- Health (Open in new window)
- Housing (Open in new window)
Mouse Handouts
- Behavior (Open in new window)
- Exercise & Social Needs (Open in new window)
- Feeding (Open in new window)
- Handling & Grooming (Open in new window)
- Health (Open in new window)
- Housing (Open in new window)
Rat Handouts
- Behavior (Open in new window)
- Exercise & Social Needs (Open in new window)
- Feeding (Open in new window)
- Handling & Grooming (Open in new window)
- Health (Open in new window)
- Housing (Open in new window)
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