We Love Laguna Beach
2023-02-02 · 3 min read
Since 1975, the Laguna Beach Animal Shelter has given sick, injured, and abandoned animals a second chance — with an 80% owner reclaim rate that is remarkable for a town this size.
The Laguna Beach Animal Shelter originated in 1975 when volunteers from The Pet Responsibility Committee — now known as PUP Laguna Beach — advocated for the city to acquire the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals' facility on Laguna Canyon Road. Nearly five decades later, the shelter continues to serve both Laguna Beach and Laguna Woods, offering temporary housing for sick, injured, strayed, or abandoned animals.
Operated through city funding and community donations, the shelter places a strong emphasis on medical rehabilitation. Donations to PUP Laguna Beach fund the rehabilitation of local animals that require medical attention so that healthy pets can be put up for adoption.
The facility takes a life-oriented approach, addressing medical and behavioral concerns before rehoming animals. When issues cannot be resolved, euthanasia is considered only in the animal's best interest.
Every abandoned animal receives a seven-day hold period for owner reclamation. The shelter maintains an impressive 80% claim rate — a testament to the tight-knit bonds in this community. Ongoing support comes from local veterinarians, Pacific Wildlife Project, Bluebell Cat Foundation, and dedicated residents.
Available animals are posted on petfinder.com, with links accessible through puplagunabeach.org. Prospective adopters must call between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. to schedule appointments and complete applications. Same-day adoptions are not permitted — a policy that ensures each animal finds the right home rather than just any home.
Leadership: Ann Marie McKay serves as President, having volunteered since 2011 and led PUP Laguna Beach since 2015.
