Orange County Animal Services says thanks for a great 2022

Orange County Animal Services (OCAS) has published its fiscal year data, revealing that the shelter set a record adoption rate in 2022, with 9,066 pets matched with families. More pets were matched with new families in the fiscal year 2022 than in the history of Orange County Animal Services. This is the highest adoption year in the shelter’s 53-year history.

“We are so grateful to the thousands of area residents who came to the shelter and adopted a pet,” said Diane Summers, manager for Orange County Animal Services. “These sweet creatures are now part of a forever family and are being showered with unconditional love in their new homes.”

District 2 Orange County Commissioner Christine Moore

Another data point of significance, OCAS recorded a 34 percent increase in the number of shelter visitors, from 64,743 in the fiscal year 2021 to 86,846 in the fiscal year 2022. 

“Many may not realize how closely we monitor our data. It is hands down the best way to watch for trends, determine where we need to pivot services and programs to best meet community needs and to appreciate how far we’ve come,” said Summers. “We know our community is just as invested in our progress as we are, so we strive to make our monthly and annual data easily accessible.”

Animal Services’ statistics, including historical data from 2010, are available on its website. The shelter also published its second annual “Year End Report,” which shares the data and certain animal highlights in a magazine style.

“Coming out of the COVID-19 pandemic, we’re still settling into a new normal, and our data reflects that,” said Summers. “On a positive note, the number of adoptions, OCAS visitors, and volunteer hours have increased; on a more concerning note, we did observe an increase in incoming homeless animals.”

The county and the shelter want to take this opportunity to thank all those who have adopted and to remind future pet owners of the importance of adopting and fostering pets in need. Animal Services currently has more than 150 pets available for adoption, all of which can be viewed on the website. Moving into the new fiscal year, the shelter aims to grow its dog foster care program and so is asking anyone interested to step forward and learn more about fostering a dog until he or she can find a “forever home.”