Newport Beach Animal Shelter — Attraction in Newport Beach

This shelter is in a regular housing tract, when we drove up to it I thought this must be wrong but we went ahead to check it out anyway. The front door is labeled something like "private residence, enter through side gate." We went to the gate on the left and found a small but nice little shelter. The people were friendly and helpful. We found a dog we were interested in and after a short introduction they suggested we take him for a walk so we did. A short walk was enough to convince us that we had finally found the one for us! The staff made the adoption process as painless as possible but of course we came completely unprepared so they loaned us a harness and leash and gave us a little care package with a small bag of food and a dog toy. Being first time dog owners they talked with us a short while about caring for a dog, then we were on our way with a new member of our family. 😊 he is a great little puppy! Very well behaved and happy all the time. A week later I took him with me to return the "loaner" leash & harness and I was a little worried how he would react. It was obvious that he instantly recognized the shelter from the outside and as we walked toward it he pulled hard on the leash (very uncharacteristic of him!) to get in the gate. He was greeted by someone he obviously knew and was happy to see. After another happy visit with another staff member we returned the equipment and both headed home without any regrets. They may not have alot to choose from but I believe they're well cared for while...

Came in to make a large 300$+ donation of food and treats. Upon arrival there is no sign saying where to enter so I had to wait and ask one of the dog walkers. Once I got inside a women approached me asking why I was there-very rudely. I stated that I wanted to look at the dogs they had and she snapped back at me asking if I was going to adopt one. I said no but I had a sizeable donation but wanted to give it to a animal shelter that I felt took good care of its animals and that could use it. She finally agreed to let me walk around and look at the animals. Her tone and attitude softened up to me after I stated that I had the donation and 4 pets of my own. She walked me one by one through the animals telling me their stories and was very kind. I had to take off so I told her that I would like to donate the food/treats. She had me pull in the parking lot and went through the bags. She declined to accept any of the dry food/treats saying they only feed the dogs pedigree and milk bones but accepted about 30 cans of wet food. I brought good quality food (Blue Buffalo, Wellness, etc that covered small breed/large breed and various life stages) and I thought it was odd that they wouldnt accept that. She then said there was a 2nd chance rescue across the street and helped me carry the bags over. 3 stars for the fact I couldnt find the entrance and first impression of rudeness. The dogs however look like theyre cared for greatly there and are walked multiple...

I am writing this review to share a deeply painful experience at the Newport Beach Animal Shelter.

My service dog, Lusty — a Belgian Malinois, trained and certified to support my medical needs — was euthanized while in their custody. This happened without my consent, without notice, and without giving me a chance to appeal or intervene.

When I sought answers, I was told by staff and officers that procedures had been followed, but later investigation documents were marked “Unfounded,” even though my evidence shows otherwise.

The result was not just the wrongful loss of my dog, but the loss of my medical support animal, my emotional anchor, and my trust in those responsible for animal welfare. I have suffered severe harm as a result.

A shelter should act with compassion and transparency, especially when dealing with service animals. I urge the City of Newport Beach and the shelter to ensure proper notice, appeal rights, and accountability so no other family experiences this devastation.

Lusty was not “just a dog.” She was my lifeline. What happened here was unjust, and it should never...