Animal control and shelter services in the City of Lake Forest are provided by Orange County Animal Care (OCAC). Under this agreement, OCAC provides the City with the following services:

  • Field Services
    Impounding stray animals, picking-up injured wildlife, cruelty investigations, issuance of citations, barking dog or nuisance complaints, etc.
  • Special Services
    Facility and pet licensing
  • Shelter Services
    Receiving animals from the public, providing low cost vaccination clinics, pet adoptions, etc.

Pet of the Week

Volunteers Needed

Volunteer positions include dog walker, cat socializer, greeter, mobile adoption/special events, clerical support, bather/groomer, and foster caretaker. Volunteer opportunities with OC Animal Care are available seven days a week. For more information, please visit the Orange County Animal Care Volunteer or call the Volunteer Coordinator at (714) 935-6194.

 

Find a Lost Pet

In addition to Orange County Animal Care’s lost pet webpage, descriptions and picture of found pets are posted on PetHarbor. To search for a lost pet (or to look for a pet to adopt), simply type in the city or ZIP code where you lost your pet and select all or a few of the local shelters. After answering a few questions about your lost pet, PetHarbor will provide you with pictures and descriptions of animals found in the area.

Tips for Finding a Lost Pet:

  • Search the area thoroughly.
  • Call local animal shelters, veterinarians, and pet supply stores.
  • Visit local animal shelters and check local websites.
  • Post flyers and place ads in local newspapers. Be safe. Do not include your name and address on flyers.
  • Do not respond to "found pet" ads alone.
  • Don't give up! Pets have been known to find their way back home after being lost.
Tips to Protect Your Pet
  • Fence your yard and check it regularly for escape routes.
  • Leash your pets at all times.
  • Keep a collar on your pet that has an ID and current rabies tag.
  • Transport your pet in a carrier.
  • Consider a microchip implant.
  • Get some good photos of your pet.
  • Both males and females will be less likely to wander if they are spayed or neutered. An added benefit is that they will live a longer, happier, healthier life.
Dog Obedience Classes

Dog obedience classes solve behavior problems such as biting, jumping, barking, chewing, and digging. The goal is to turn the unruly pet into an enjoyable, well-mannered companion and a longtime member of the family. The City offers Dog Obedience classes for dogs at least four months old. These classes are advertised in the City’s Leaflet Recreation Guide, which can be found here. Do not bring your dog to the first class. Owner must provide proof of vaccinations, training collar, and leash.

Owners of dogs adopted from the Orange County Animal Care Center within the previous six months of the class will receive a 25 percent discount on the registration fee.

Pet Disaster Preparedness

Preparation is the best strategy for ensuring safety for your family during a disaster. Don't forget to include your pets in your plans. Here are a few steps you can take to prepare to care for your pets during an emergency:

  • Take your pets with you. If it is unsafe for you, it is unsafe for your pet. Remember that, depending on the emergency, you may not be allowed to return home for a period of time.
  • Find a safe place. Evacuation shelters may not accept pets (with the possible exception of service animals). Make arrangements ahead of time to ensure your pet has a safe place to stay.
  • Remember identification tags. Your pet should always be wearing identification. An identification tag may be your pet's ticket home. Visit your veterinarian to have your pet microchipped.
  • Have a plan in case you are not home. Make arrangements for a friend or neighbor to evacuate your pets. Make sure they have your work and cell phone numbers.
  • Know where local shelters are located. Should your pet become lost, start with the Orange County (OC) Animal Care Center. However, area shelters may become overburdened and may rely on a network of shelter options.
  • Assemble a portable pet disaster kit.

Your pets depend on you. Be prepared.

Spaying/Neutering

Controlling Pet Overpopulation

Spaying or neutering is one of the greatest gifts you can give your pet. In addition to helping control pet overpopulation, the procedure may also prevent medical and behavioral problems from developing, allowing your pet to lead a longer, healthier, happier life. The City has partnered with local veterinarians to offset the cost of the procedure. If your pet is not spayed or neutered, the City will provide a $50 voucher to complete the procedure at a participating clinic.

Participating clinics are:

Baker Ranch Animal Hospital
20780 Lake Forest Drive
Lake Forest CA 92630
(949) 600-8310
​​​​​View More

El Toro Animal Hospital
23162 El Toro Frontage Road
Lake Forest, CA 92630
(949) 837-5222

View More

Foothill Animal Hospital
29040 Portola Parkway
Lake Forest, CA 92630
(949) 380-1255

View More

Lake Forest Animal Clinic
24301 Muirlands Blvd Ste P
Lake Forest, CA 92630
(949) 837-7660

View More

Serrano Animal & Bird Hospital
22377 El Toro Road
Lake Forest, CA 92630
(949) 855-9744

View More

Plaza Pet Hospital
3 Rancho Circle
Lake Forest, CA 92630
(949) 581-7979

View More


Click here to begin the process by filling out an online form.

For more information about the program, contact Program Manager Sharlyn De La Paz at 282-5215.

Spay & Neuter Facts

  • Spayed and neutered pets live longer and healthier lives.
  • Spayed and neutered pets are better, more affectionate companions.
  • Spaying or neutering does not affect a dog's instincts to protect its home and family.
  • Operations are simple and pets can sometimes go home the same day.
  • A number of vet clinics in Lake Forest offer low-cost spaying and neutering.
  • Spayed and neutered pets are eligible for discounted license fees.
City Managers Association Animal Care Committee

CMAACC Introduction

The City Managers Association Animal Care Committee ("CMAACC") is a subcommittee of the Orange County City Managers Association. Staff-level representatives from all Orange County Animal Care ("OCAC") member cities participate on this committee. The committee provides a forum for communication between OCAC, City Managers, and additional staff regarding financial and operational matters of OCAC. The CMAACC is referenced in the Animal Care Services Agreement between participating cities and OCAC.

2023 CMAACC Updates

2022 CMAACC Updates

Animal Shelter Reports

The public may access shelter and licensing statistics through Orange County Animal Care (OCAC).

Animal Shelter Reports

OCAC collects and reports the data provided according to industry-wide standards, known as Asilomar Accords. Below, you may find shelter, licensing, and field response statistics specific to Lake Forest.

OCAC 2020 Quarterly Reports

  1. OCAC CY 2020 Q2
  2. OCAC CY 2020 Q1

OCAC 2019 Annual Reports

  1. 2019 Impound and Licensing Report

OCAC 2018 Annual Reports

  1. Impound and License Report 2018 Annual Report
  2. Field Action and Charge Days 2018 Annual Report

The Pet Adoption Center of Orange County Reports

  1. PAC-OC FY 2019-20 Annual Report
  2. PAC-OC FY 2018-19 Annual Reporting
  3. PAC-OC FY 2017-18 OCAC and Lake Forest Animal Intake and Outcome (PDF)

Contact Us

Orange County Animal Care

1630 Victory Rd
Tustin, CA 92782
 

Animal Care Center Hours

Daily
10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Wednesday
10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Closed Holidays

Receiving Animals at Animal Care Center Gate

7:00 a.m. to 10:45 p.m.

Call Center


Daytime Hours
8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Phone: (714) 935-6848

Nighttime Hours
5:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m.
Phone: (714) 935-6848
 

Licensing Office

Hours
Monday through Friday
7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Fax: (714) 935-6373

English Dutch French German Italian Portuguese Russian Spanish

2022 Business Survey


Social Media Accounts:

Please select all social media outlets that your business currently utilizes.

Social Media
If you selected "other", please submit your response here.
If you selected "other", please submit your response here.
Has your business/organization been negatively impacted by COVID-19?
Has your business/organization been negatively impacted by COVID-19?
If you selected "other", please submit your response here.
If you could receive an assistance grant, how much would your business/organization need to properly recover?
If you could receive an assistance grant, how much would your business/organization need to properly recover?
If you selected "more", please submit your response here.
If you are a restaurant, have you used outdoor dining during the Pandemic and would you like to continue or enhance outdoor dining?
If you are a restaurant, have you used outdoor dining during the Pandemic and would you like to continue or enhance outdoor dini
If you selected "other", please submit your response here.
If you responded "yes" or "other", how long would you like to continue to have the ability to conduct outdoor operations?
If you responded "yes" or "other", how long would you like to continue to have the ability to conduct outdoor operations?
If you selected "other", please submit your response here.
What type of assistance would be helpful for your business/organization now and in the future? (Select all that apply)
What type of assistance would be helpful for your business/organization now and in the future? (Select all that apply)
CAPTCHA Esta pregunta es para comprobar si usted es un visitante humano y prevenir envíos de spam automatizado.
Address
CAPTCHA Esta pregunta es para comprobar si usted es un visitante humano y prevenir envíos de spam automatizado.

2023 Community Services Commission

Notice

The City of Lake Forest is accepting applications to serve on the Community Services Commission. Applications must be submitted online using this form and must be received by 5 p.m. on Wednesday, January 11, 2023.

The Community Services Commission advises the City Council on matters pertaining to the acquisition, development, and maintenance of public parks and recreational facilities. The Commission also advises the City Council on matters relating to recreational programs and provides advice to the Community Services Department.

This Commission meets the Wednesday after the first City Council meeting of each month, at 6:30 p.m. Commission members pledge upon appointment to represent the overall public good and not that of an exclusive group or interest and will sign an Ethics Policy upon appointment to the Commission. The City assigns a staff liaison to work with the Commission and facilitate communication between the Commission and the City Council.

In addition to attending the regular monthly Commission meetings, Commissioners are expected to periodically attend and participate in City programs and activities. Commissioners receive a salary of $59 per meeting, not to exceed $118 per month.

Address
Máximo 1 fichero.
límite de 2 GB.
Tipos permitidos: gif, jpg, jpeg, png, bmp, eps, tif, pict, psd, txt, rtf, html, odf, pdf, doc, docx, ppt, pptx, xls, xlsx, xml, avi, mov, mp3, mp4, ogg, wav, bz2, dmg, gz, jar, rar, sit, svg, tar, zip.

Please limit your responses to 100 words each for Questions 7-10.

Tell us about your relationships to Current Council Members or Employees. Please limit your responses to 50 words each for Questions 11-13.

Tell us about your understanding of government: Please limit your comments to 100 words each for Questions 14 & 15.

Tell us about your vision for the City: Please limit your comments to 200 words each for Questions 16-18.

Attachments

The following attachments are part of the reference materials for the application:

Applicant Verification

I attest to the following: 1. I am a legal resident of the City of Lake Forest. 2. I am registered to vote in the City of Lake Forest. 3. I am able to attend Community Services Commission meetings that are regularly scheduled on the Wednesday following the first Tuesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. 4. I have submitted a Statement of Economic Interest, in accordance with the Political Reform Act. 5. I understand this application is a Public Record and may be made available to members of the public upon request, with personal contact information redacted. The information provided in this application is true and accurate.

Sign above
CAPTCHA Esta pregunta es para comprobar si usted es un visitante humano y prevenir envíos de spam automatizado.

2023 Planning Commission Application

Notice

The City of Lake Forest is accepting applications to serve on the Planning Commission. Applications must be submitted online using this form and must be received by 5 p.m. on Wednesday, January 11, 2023.

The City's Planning Commission is a decision-making body tasked with reviewing matters related to planning and development in the City. The Planning Commission consists of five members which are appointed by the City- Council with Commissioners serving four-year terms. Typical projects reviewed by the Planning Commission include applications for new development, proposed changes in zoning or the text of the Municipal Code, as well as review proposed subdivisions of land. The Planning Commission is also responsible for making recommendations to the City Council as to whether a project or action would be consistent with the General Plan.

The Commission meets on the same week in which the City Council holds their first meeting of the month on Thursdays and meetings commence at 6:30 p.m. In addition to attending the regular monthly Commission meetings, Commissioners are expected to periodically attend and participate in City programs and activities.

Commissioners receive a salary of $118 per meeting, not to exceed $236 per month.

Address
Máximo 1 fichero.
límite de 2 GB.
Tipos permitidos: gif, jpg, jpeg, png, bmp, eps, tif, pict, psd, txt, rtf, html, odf, pdf, doc, docx, ppt, pptx, xls, xlsx, xml, avi, mov, mp3, mp4, ogg, wav, bz2, dmg, gz, jar, rar, sit, svg, tar, zip.

Please limit your responses to 100 words each for Questions 7-10.

Tell us about your relationships to Current Council Members or Employees. Please limit your responses to 50 words each for Questions 11-13.

Tell us about your understanding of government: Please limit your comments to 100 words each for Questions 14 & 15.

Tell us about your vision for the City: Please limit your comments to 200 words each for Questions 16-18.

Attachments

The following attachments are part of the reference materials for the application:

Applicant Verification

I attest to the following: 1. I am a legal resident of the City of Lake Forest. 2. I am registered to vote in the City of Lake Forest. 3. I am able to attend Planning Commission meetings that are regularly scheduled on the same week in which the City Council holds their first meeting of the month on Thursdays and meetings commence at 6:30 p.m. 4. I have submitted a Statement of Economic Interest, in accordance with the Political Reform Act. 5. I understand this application is a Public Record and may be made available to members of the public upon request, with personal contact information redacted. The information provided in this application is true and accurate.

Sign above

2023 Traffic and Parking Commission

Notice

The City of Lake Forest is accepting applications to serve on the Traffic and Parking Commission. Applications must be submitted online using this form and must be received by 5 p.m. on Friday, March 24, 2023. There is currently one seat available on the commission.

The Traffic and Parking Commission advises the City Council on issues relating to parking and the safe and efficient movement of traffic, including vehicles, bicycles, pedestrians, and other modes of transportation upon the circulation network of the City. The Commission will provide recommendations related to traffic and parking including, but not limited to traffic and parking related field studies, requests for traffic control devices, requests for permit parking and street sweeping parking restrictions, and other related matters.

This Commission meets the Monday prior to the first City Council meeting of each month, at 6:30 p.m. Commission members pledge upon appointment to represent the overall public good and not that of an exclusive group or interest and will sign an Ethics Policy upon appointment to the Commission. The City assigns a staff liaison to work with the Commission and facilitate communication between the Commission and the City Council. In addition to attending the regular monthly Commission meetings, Commissioners are expected to periodically attend and participate in City programs and activities.

Commissioners receive a salary of $118 per meeting, not to exceed $236 per month.

Address
Máximo 1 fichero.
límite de 2 GB.
Tipos permitidos: gif, jpg, jpeg, png, bmp, eps, tif, pict, psd, txt, rtf, html, odf, pdf, doc, docx, ppt, pptx, xls, xlsx, xml, avi, mov, mp3, mp4, ogg, wav, bz2, dmg, gz, jar, rar, sit, svg, tar, zip.

Please limit your responses to 100 words each for Questions 7-10.

Tell us about your relationships to Current Council Members or Employees. Please limit your responses to 50 words each for Questions 11-13.

Tell us about your understanding of government: Please limit your comments to 100 words each for Questions 14 & 15.

Tell us about your vision for the City: Please limit your comments to 200 words each for Questions 16-18.

Attachments

The following attachments are part of the reference materials for the application:

Applicant Verification

I attest to the following: 1. I am a legal resident of the City of Lake Forest. 2. I am registered to vote in the City of Lake Forest. 3. I am able to attend Traffic and Parking Commission meetings that are regularly scheduled the Monday prior to the first City Council meeting each month ar 6:30 p.m. 4. I have submitted a Statement of Economic Interest, in accordance with the Political Reform Act. 5. I understand this application is a Public Record and may be made available to members of the public upon request, with personal contact information redacted. The information provided in this application is true and accurate.

Sign above
CAPTCHA Esta pregunta es para comprobar si usted es un visitante humano y prevenir envíos de spam automatizado.

This form is for businesses that are physically located at a Lake Forest address.

 

Business Address
Please enter Mailing Address information, if different from Business Address.
Home-Based Business?
If yes, you do not need to enter Property Manager Contact Information on the following page.

Commercial Business Additional Information

Applicable if you are a commercial or a home-based business.

Reason(s) for locating Business in Lake Forest:

Property Manager Contact Information

Applicable if you are leasing or own commercial property.

PLEASE DO NOT COMPLETE THIS SECTION IF YOU ARE A HOME-BASED BUSINESS.

Property Manager Address

Business Watch - Emergency Contact Information

Please complete the following emergency contact information if your business wishes to participate in the Orange County Sheriff's Department "Business Watch Program". You will be contacted and provided with additional information and receive a "Business Watch" decal.

PLEASE DO NOT COMPLETE THIS SECTION IF YOU ARE A HOME-BASED BUSINESS.

More Information on Lake Forest Business Watch:

Business Watch | Lake Forest, CA

To learn more about the Lake Forest Business Watch Program, please visit the link above.

Please enter the name of an individual to call in case of an emergency. They must have keys to your business.
Please enter the name of an individual to call in case of an emergency. They must have keys to your business.
Do you have an alarm system?
Do you have surveillance cameras?

Lake Forest Chamber of Commerce Membership

Membership Application

Joining the Lake Forest Chamber of Commerce offers numerous opportunities to network, gain valuable experience, expand your business, and more. If you are interested in joining or would like more information, select the link above.

CAPTCHA Esta pregunta es para comprobar si usted es un visitante humano y prevenir envíos de spam automatizado.

CCA

Address
CAPTCHA Esta pregunta es para comprobar si usted es un visitante humano y prevenir envíos de spam automatizado.

City of Lake Forest SMS Sign Up

Please provide the following information to join the waiting list for the Lake Forest CERT program.
Previous Experience Please check all that apply
CAPTCHA Esta pregunta es para comprobar si usted es un visitante humano y prevenir envíos de spam automatizado.

Expand the Forest

Expand the Forest Beautification Program

Public Works Department | 100 Civic Center Dr. | Lake Forest, Ca 92630 | (949) 461 - 3493


Applicant Information

Address

Note: Due to the health and wellbeing of the selected trees, plantings will occur only from October 1st though December 1st and March 1st through June 1st. Staff will contact you during this time frame. Dedication plaques are not allowed. 


Location

 

Disclaimer: If a planting date cannot be arranged, the tree(s) will be planted by the end of the planting period. 

 


Type of Tree


Dedication

The City Council Certificate: The dedication and sponsor(s) information will appear on the City Council signed certificate mailed to you after the tree planting has occurred.

(Example: In loving memory of John Doe, a great friend and co-worker) 


Payment

The cost of the Expand the Forest Program is $93.00/15 gallon tree. 

If Paying by Check, Mail to:

City of Lake Forest
Expand the Forest Program
100 Civic Center Dr.
Lake Forest, CA 92630

If Paying with Cash, Bring to:

City of Lake Forest
100 Civic Center Dr.
Lake Forest, CA 92630

If Paying by Credit Card

Credit card payments are accepted through eLakeForest.com with a 3.29% service fee. Register for a new account through eLakeForest.com.

 

CAPTCHA Esta pregunta es para comprobar si usted es un visitante humano y prevenir envíos de spam automatizado.

Lake Forest eNewsletters

Thanks for your interest in joining our mailing list. Please choose from any of the following areas of interest, and you'll be automatically signed up to receive electronic newsletters.

Email Lists

By submitting this form, you are granting: City of Lake Forest, 25550 Commercentre Drive, Lake Forest, California, 92630, United States, http://lakeforestca.gov permission to email you. You may unsubscribe via the link found at the bottom of every email. (See our Email Privacy Policy for details.) Emails are serviced by Constant Contact.

CAPTCHA Esta pregunta es para comprobar si usted es un visitante humano y prevenir envíos de spam automatizado.

Responsible Pet Ownership

Vet / Clinic:
20780 Lake Forest Dr., Lake Forest, CA 92630, (949) 600-8310
23162 El Toro Frontage Road, Lake Forest, CA 92630 (949) 837-5222
29040 Portola Parkway, Lake Forest, CA 92630 (949) 380-1255
24301 Muirlands Blvd Ste P, Lake Forest, CA 92630, (949) 837-7660
22377 El Toro Road, Lake Forest, CA 92630, (949) 855-9744
3 Rancho Circle, Lake Forest, CA 92630, (949) 581-7979

Owner Information

City: Lake Forest

CAPTCHA Esta pregunta es para comprobar si usted es un visitante humano y prevenir envíos de spam automatizado.
CAPTCHA Esta pregunta es para comprobar si usted es un visitante humano y prevenir envíos de spam automatizado.
Address
Do you have an active Neighborhood Watch now?
Do you have an active Neighborhood Watch now?
If so, would you like representatives from the OC Sheriff’s Department and City to attend a meeting?
If so, would you like representatives from the OC Sheriff’s Department and City to attend a meeting?
Do you believe your association would be interested in the Safe Lake Forest program?
Do you believe your association would be interested in the Safe Lake Forest program?
CAPTCHA Esta pregunta es para comprobar si usted es un visitante humano y prevenir envíos de spam automatizado.