The Costa Mesa City Council has agreed to a contract with WAGS Pet Adoption in Westminster to provide interim animal shelter services and veterinary care, concluding a previous agreement with Priceless Pets Rescue to provide shelter and adoption services for Costa Mesa pets.
The WAGS contract with the city is a temporary agreement and city officials will issue a formal request for proposal (RFP) to secure a permanent shelter provider.
“I am very grateful for how Priceless Pets has cared for our pets in Costa Mesa since 2018,” Mayor John Stephens said. “I look forward to starting a new chapter with WAGS. I personally visited their facility and was very impressed. They have an outdoor play area for dogs, a large kennel capacity, another play area for cats and veterinary services onsite. They are going to be a great partner going forward.”
In addition to Costa Mesa, WAGS provides animal shelter services for the cities of Westminster, Stanton and Seal Beach. As it pertains to Costa Mesa, WAGS will provide shelter services and assistance with lost and found pets, pet reclaims, and animal adoptions. The City of Costa Mesa will still provide the services of dog licensing, license renewals, rabies verifications, and licensing questions.
WAGS is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization that has been in business for 15 years. WAGS promotes adoptions and follows a high-save standard. Their priority is to find forever homes for pets, and they do not euthanize due to time or space. Euthanasia is used only when there are no humane alternatives, and only after a careful determination that, medically and behaviorally, every safe option has been exhausted, and the animal cannot be returned to an adoption pathway.
“On behalf of the Costa Mesa Police Department, I want to express our sincere gratitude to Priceless Pets for their commitment to serving our community and the animals entrusted in their care,” said Police Chief Joyce LaPointe. “Their dedication to providing compassionate care, finding loving homes for animals in need, and improving the lives of both pets and families has made a lasting impact throughout Costa Mesa. As we transition to WAGS, we remain appreciative of the partnership we had and look forward to working with another organization that shares the same commitment to animal welfare.”
Dr. Michelle Russillo, the President and CEO of WAGS Pet Adoption said she looks forward to the partnership with Costa Mesa.
“WAGS Pet Adoption is grateful for the opportunity to serve the City of Costa Mesa and will focus on a smooth, community-first transition that prioritizes pets’ safety and care,” Dr. Russillo said.
WAGS is located at 6621 Westminster Blvd. in Westminster, and for more information, please visit the website wagspetadoption.org.
Residents who find injured or deceased animals should continue to call the city’s Animal Control dispatch at (714) 754- 5674. For missing/lost pets, found pets, and general questions regarding animal control or to report wildlife related issues please call the Animal Control hotline at (714) 754-5311.
MEDIA CONTACTS
Roxi Fyad
(714) 754-5282
rfyad@costamesaca.gov
Tony Dodero
(714) 754-5288
tony.dodero@costamesaca.gov