New Costa Mesa animal adoption center opens Saturday
They say every dog has its day and, in Costa Mesa, that day comes this weekend.
Starting Saturday, canines — and cats, of course — will have a new place to lay their heads until they catch the eye of a loving family.
It’s called the Orphanage Costa Mesa and it will soon be a prime stop for residents looking to add a furry new face to their home.
“The buzz right now is, ‘When are you going to open? When can we start volunteering?’ ” Christy Hammond, adoption center manager for facility operator Priceless Pets, said during a tour Thursday.
The grand opening is set for noon to 5 p.m. Saturday at 1536 Newport Blvd.
Priceless Pets, a nonprofit rescue organization that runs similar facilities in Claremont and Chino Hills, is Costa Mesa’s contracted animal adoption service provider. Under that arrangement, Priceless Pets will receive and house animals before sending them on their way with happy humans.
“We’re in the business of saving lives; that’s basically how we like to put it,” said Lisa Price, the group’s executive director.
The new 2,202-square-foot space contains dog kennels, cat condos, play areas and space to bathe and clean the animals. The Orphanage is large enough for about 25 dogs and up to 20 cats at a time.
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The decision to partner with Priceless Pets was part of a recent overhaul of Costa Mesa’s animal services. Last January, the city retained Newport Center Animal Hospital and Pet Hotel Suites to provide animal shelter and veterinary services, ending an almost decade-long relationship with the Orange County Humane Society in Huntington Beach.
Costa Mesa then called on Priceless Pets to handle adoptions.
“One year ago, [city] staff was working overtime to try to put in place an emergency animal shelter and adoption service for the city of Costa Mesa,” Mayor Pro Tem John Stephens said during Tuesday’s City Council meeting. “They did an absolutely fabulous job, and this opening of the Orphanage is the final piece of the puzzle.”
Councilwoman Sandy Genis said: “It’s been a long while; we’ve been looking for this for many months. I’m looking forward to seeing lots of little guys getting their forever home on Saturday.”
Price said the organization has been “welcomed with open arms by everyone in the city — city staff as well as the citizens.”
“They’ve been very supportive thus far and we’re excited to continue that,” she said.
Hammond and Price said Priceless Pets is always looking for more volunteers and that anyone interested can get more information on the organization’s website or by visiting the Costa Mesa facility.
IF YOU GO
What: Grand opening of the Orphanage pet adoption center
When: Noon to 5 p.m. Saturday
Where: 1536 Newport Blvd., Costa Mesa
Information: pricelesspetrescue.org
Twitter @LukeMMoney
