OC Animal Shelters Team Up for Valentine's Day Adoptions

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A group of Orange County animal shelters are coming together this Valentine's Day weekend to encourage residents to adopt a dog or cat. Participating shelters are waiving adoption fees for select pets, including Gimli, a 4-year-old pit bull, and Tiramisu, an 8-year-old pit bull, both currently available at OC Animal Care in Tustin.

Why it matters

Animal shelters often see a spike in adoptions around holidays, and this collaborative effort aims to find loving homes for pets in need during a festive time of year. The waived adoption fees also make it more accessible for potential pet owners to bring home a new furry friend.

The details

The participating shelters include Coastal Animal Services Authority (San Clemente), Irvine Animal Care Center, Laguna Beach Animal Shelter, Mission Viejo Animal Services, Newport Beach Animal Services, and Orange County Animal Care. Gimli and Tiramisu are both currently available for adoption at OC Animal Care, with Gimli described as a shy, gentle, and calm pet, and Tiramisu as a playful pup who loves attention. The shelter also has fewer cats available for adoption during the winter months.

• The Valentine's Day adoption event runs from February 14-16, 2026.
• Gimli has been at OC Animal Care for about three weeks after spending time in a foster home.
• Tiramisu has been at the shelter for almost two months after coming in as a stray.
• Percy, a 5-year-old domestic medium-hair cat, has been at OC Animal Care for about a month and a half.

What’s next

Potential adopters can schedule a visit to meet the available pets by calling the main line at OC Animal Care and mentioning the animal ID number.