Our Mission

The Pet Adoption Center of Orange County connects adoptable pets with loving people and the resources they need to be a family for life.

Our Vision

An Orange County community where all animals have homes and pets are treated like family.

Adoption Center

» Our contemporary, home-like center in Lake Forest, California houses small dogs approximately 25 pounds and under.
» We take in dogs from local shelters, animal welfare organizations, and owners in need.
» All dogs in our care are treated as though they are already in their forever home, with food and medication tailored to their individual needs, and extensive socialization from staff and volunteers in an open, stress-free environment that keeps them happy, healthy, and adoptable.
» We help ensure successful placements and reduce returns by matching dogs with highly compatible people and families.
» All dogs are spayed/neutered, vaccinated, and microchipped for identification.

Placement Services

We provide counseling and placement services to potential adopters, assisting them in selecting a dog whose characteristics are a suitable match for their home and lifestyle, and helping them to locate an adoptable pet through our referral network.

Volunteer Program

We offer volunteer opportunities for adults and students 16-17 (with a parent volunteering, too). Volunteering can help people develop new skills, make friends, build networking connections, and give people a new perspective on life. Our volunteer opportunities include a variety of options including onsite daily pet care, events, social media, fundraisers, and special projects.

Community Education

To support the community, we hold onsite and offsite events where we promote humane pet care and responsible pet ownership, and we support spay/neuter programs to reduce pet overpopulation.

Our Leadership

The post-graduate educated board of directors and executive management of The Pet Adoption Center of Orange County have more than 100 years combined business experience, and over 85 years combined animal welfare experience, along with several decades of governmental policy experience. They have extensive ability to manage a business, collaborate with the animal welfare community, serve the general public, and maneuver the ins and outs of governmental requirements and political issues.

» April Josephson, Esq., President
» Kathy Oda, Secretary/Treasurer
» Erika Williams, Director