May 2026 OC Dog Guide: Events, Fly Control & Summer Yard Tips
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OC Poop Scoop — May 2026 Community Guide
Your May Pet Guide for Orange County
Warmer weather, dog events, adoption specials, fly-free yard tips — and the best spots to get outside with every kind of pet this month.
May is when Orange County really opens up. The beach is perfect, parks are busy, and the warmth brings out more events, more outings — and unfortunately more flies in the yard. This month's guide covers everything OC pet owners need: what's happening, where to go, the big May adoption special, and how to handle flies the safe way.
Serving Huntington Beach, Costa Mesa, Irvine & surrounding OC areas.
- Big adoption fee waiver — dogs 25 lbs+ free all month
- Dog events, festive walks & community happenings
- Best OC spots for dogs, cats & all pets
- Non-toxic, pet-safe fly control tips
- May safety reminders as heat arrives
May Special — Big Dogs, Zero Adoption Fee
🐾 OC Animal Care: Waived Adoption Fees All Month
OC Animal Care in Tustin is waiving adoption fees for all dogs 25 lbs and over throughout May 2026. That's the full adoption fee — gone. Available animals include a 5-year-old Siberian husky, a 3-year-old English bulldog mix, a 6-year-old pug, and more. The shelter is open daily 11am–5pm for walk-in viewing, or call (714) 935-6848 to schedule a visit. Does not include licensing fees or puppies 6 months and under. Cats 6 months+ are just $50 this month.
💉 Free Microchip Clinic — Keep an Eye Out
OC Animal Care hosted a free microchip clinic on May 2 (first 100 pets, OC residents only). If you missed it, these clinics return regularly — watch ocpetinfo.com for the next one. Open to dogs and cats 8 weeks and older in Huntington Beach, Anaheim, Fullerton, Irvine, Santa Ana, and other contract cities.
May 2026 Dog Events & Pet Happenings in OC
Event details can change — always confirm with the host before heading out. Want your event featured? Message us.
Cinco de Mayo Dog Pack Walk — Fullerton
FestiveAround May 5, 2026 · Fullerton, CA
A group dog walk with a Cinco de Mayo twist — festive outfits encouraged, piñata fun, treats, and local vendors after the walk. A casual, social outing for dogs and their humans with a relaxed atmosphere. Confirm current time and location before heading out.
View event details →OC Animal Care — Adopt a Large Dog for Free
All of MayAll Month · 1630 Victory Rd, Tustin, CA 92782
Dogs 25 lbs+ have their adoption fees fully waived. Walk-in daily 11am–5pm. Call (714) 935-6848 to schedule a visit with a specific pet. Featured animals this month include Sheena (Siberian husky, 5 yrs) and Garbonzo (English bulldog mix, 3 yrs).
See adoptable pets →BARK! Read to a Dog — OCPL Libraries
FreeThroughout May · Various OC Library branches
Kids practice reading aloud to a calm, trained dog in a comfortable library setting. A quiet, family-friendly event with no pressure. Check the OCPL calendar for your nearest branch and the current May schedule.
Check OCPL calendar →Verify dates and times before attending. We do our best to keep this list current but events can change.
Dog-Friendly OC Spots for May
Huntington Dog Beach
100 Goldenwest St, Huntington Beach
Off-leash in the beach zone, open year-round. May mornings are ideal before afternoon crowds. Bring fresh water.
Details →Central Bark Dog Park
Irvine, CA
Nearly 3 acres of off-leash space, separate small-dog area, covered seating, and water on-site.
Details →Costa Mesa Bark Park
Costa Mesa, CA
A familiar local option for a quick off-leash outing close to the 405 corridor. No-fuss, dog-friendly space.
Details →OC Animal Care — Dog's Day Out
1630 Victory Rd, Tustin, CA
Ask about the shelter's volunteer outing program — take a shelter dog out for a day. A great way to help while exploring.
Details →For cat, bird, rabbit & small-pet owners too
The OC Pet & Reptile Expo at the OC Fair & Event Center in Costa Mesa covers all species — vendors, rescue orgs, and OC Animal Care participation. The Americas Family Pet Expo at the same venue is another all-species event running throughout the year. Check ocpetinfo.com/events for the next dates.
Rules vary by location. Always follow posted signs, cleanup requirements, and leash rules.
How to Get Rid of Flies — Safe, Non-Toxic Methods
Why flies get worse in May
As temperatures climb, flies become more active and breed faster. They're drawn to dog waste because it's a food source and egg-laying site — a female fly can lay up to 150 eggs at a time, and eggs can hatch in under 24 hours. The good news: there are effective, pet-safe ways to break that cycle without harsh chemicals.
Scoop more often — this is the biggest lever
Flies need waste to breed. Remove that and you remove the problem at its source. In warmer months, scooping every 1–2 days in your dog's main area makes a real difference. Weekly is the minimum; twice-weekly is better for multi-dog homes or smaller yards.
White vinegar spray after cleanup
Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a garden sprayer. After picking up waste, spray the area. The acetic acid neutralizes ammonia odors that attract flies and leaves a scent they avoid — but it dissipates quickly for your family. Safe for pets once dry. Skip apple cider vinegar — it attracts fruit flies instead.
Food-grade diatomaceous earth (DE) dusted on the grass
Food-grade DE is a non-toxic powder made from fossilized algae. A light dusting over the area after scooping disrupts fly larvae without pesticides. Safe around pets and kids. Available at most garden centers and online. Always use food-grade DE, not pool grade.
Fly Predators — a longer-term biological fix
Fly Predators are tiny, stingless parasitic wasps that destroy fly pupae before they ever hatch. They don't bite or bother people or pets. Ordered online and sprinkled around waste zones monthly throughout warm weather. Used by kennels and ranches — especially effective for multi-dog homes.
Non-odor sticky traps around the perimeter
Yellow sticky traps placed at the edges of your yard — not where dogs play — catch flies without chemicals. Keep them off the ground where dogs could get stuck in them. Replace every 2–3 weeks or when full. Best used as a supplement to scooping, not a replacement.
Seal your waste bin tightly
Bag waste and tie it before dropping it in a bin with a tight-fitting lid. Flies can smell open bins from up to a quarter mile away. Keep the bin away from main play areas and rinse it occasionally with diluted vinegar water to reduce odor buildup.
Remove standing water and organic debris
Low spots in the lawn, clogged gutters, empty pots, and birdbaths all become fly and mosquito breeding zones. Do a quick yard scan in May before heat peaks. Remove or refresh standing water regularly.
⚠️ A note on "natural" sprays and essential oils
Many popular online recipes use ingredients that are actually toxic to dogs — citronella, tea tree oil, geranium oil, and garlic oil are all on the dangerous list. Neem oil and peppermint have safer profiles but should never be applied to dogs without vet guidance. When in doubt, the 7 methods above work without the risk.
May Safety Reminders for OC Pet Owners
Heat ramps up fast
OC May afternoons can hit the mid-80s. Bring water, go earlier in the day, and test pavement heat with your hand before walks.
Paw checks after outings
Foxtails, burrs, and grass seeds appear more in late spring. Check paws and fur after parks or trails, especially long-coated dogs.
Fleas and ticks
Warmer weather means more flea and tick activity. May is a good time to confirm all pets — dogs, cats, rabbits — are current on preventatives.
Cats, birds & small pets
Indoor cats near open windows need secure screens. Outdoor small-pet enclosures need shade and airflow as May temperatures climb.
Outdoor water bowls
Water in sunny bowls heats fast. Keep bowls in shade and refresh frequently. Still water also attracts flies and mosquitoes.
Never leave pets in cars
On a mild 75°F day a car interior can hit 100°F in 20 minutes. California law prohibits leaving pets in vehicles under dangerous conditions.
Yard Cleanup: Warmer Weather, More Urgent
Why May cleanup matters more than spring months
Heat accelerates odor buildup, fly breeding, and bacterial breakdown. What sits quietly in cooler weather becomes a yard problem fast once temps rise. May is the month to lock in a consistent routine before summer peaks. Weekly is the minimum for 1–2 dogs; twice-weekly is better for 3+ dogs or small yards.
OC Poop Scoop service includes:
✓ Full yard pet waste removal
✓ Secure gate checks every visit
✓ Consistent weekly scheduling
✓ Optional deodorizer add-on
✓ Photo confirmation on request
✓ No contracts — cancel anytime
Ready for a fly-free yard this summer?
Veteran-owned · Family-run · Fully insured · Serving all of Orange County
Wrap-Up
May is one of the best months to get outside with your pets in Orange County. Whether you're heading to Dog Beach, checking out the Cinco de Mayo dog walk, adopting a large dog for free, or just keeping the backyard under control before summer, a little consistency goes a long way.
If you want a true set-it-and-forget-it cleanup routine — and a yard that stays fly-free — OC Poop Scoop has you covered.
Local · Family-Run · Serving Orange County
Event details may change — always confirm with the official host before visiting.
New to Orange County, or just want it all in one place? Get our free Orange County Pet Owner Guide 2026 - the best local dog parks, pet events, and 24-hour emergency vets, all in one spot.