Dogs -- I'm with you about the bus and children but visitors from the UK are more accepting of bus transportation than us pampered Californians.

As for animal rescue centers, there is actually one within walking distance of the Hyatt. The Wetlands and Wildlife Care Center on PCH and Newland.

http://www.wwccoc.org/ They will be happy to welcome you and your children.

Cats -I have a question for you about the Wetlands Wildlife Care Center. I have actually been inside the place when I had to drop off an injured duck. From what I saw, it didn't seem to be a place for visitors. Did I miss something?

The Wetlands and Wildlife Center is not a zoo (as it says on their website) BUT if you go over there or call and say your children are particularly interested in wildlife and you'd like to visit, they will give you a tour if there is someone available. They have regular open house events too (usually on weekends) when the public is invited to visit.

So it is not a public exhibit but visitors are not prohibited. Same actually with the Laguna facility.

Its the end of the world..... cats and dogs commiserating!

(PS you aren't getting old dogs, you are already there with me:)