The Humane Society of Ventura County is a compassionate care shelter and non-profit organization dedicated to the protection and adoption of animals in need throughout Ventura County.
The support of our community means so much to us and the animals we serve. We know we couldn’t fulfill our mission without the incredible generosity of our animal-loving friends. Donations support the day-to-day care of shelter animals, allow our Spay/Neuter Clinic to continue offering low-cost services, fund Humane Officer investigations of abuse, neglect, and cruelty, and so much more.
In mid-June, HSVC staff contacted our friends at Woods Humane Society in San Luis Obispo (SLO) and arranged a "dog swap" with one of our longest residents, Ophelia, and one of their long-term residents, Bernie. Two members of the HSVC team transported Ophelia to Buellton, the halfway point between HSVC and Woods, did the swap, and headed back to HSVC with Bernie. The HSVC team welcomed Bernie with open arms, giving him love and spending lots of time with him to get to know his personality. Upon arriving at HSVC, Bernie adjusted well and instantly became a staff favorite with his happy-go-lucky demeanor. Dee, HSVC's Canine Assistant Animal Care Manager (pictured left), loved hanging out with Bernie and taking him for walks. "Bernie is one of those types of dogs that would just go wherever his people are going. He's a total couch potato, fun, loves to play fetch, and is super easygoing. He loved to go on his morning walks and then just sit and hang out in the shade," said Dee.
The Humane Society of Ventura County (HSVC) invites all schools and youth organizations to participate in this season’s free Humane Education Youth (HEY) presentations. Each year the goal is to increase the number of youth audiences positively impacted by the information shared.
We are thrilled to share that nearly 100 animals found their forever homes during our Clear the Shelters adoption promotion! This year marked the 10th anniversary of the Clear The Shelters adoption movement. To celebrate this milestone, Greater Good Charities, NBCUniversal Local, a division of NBCUniversal, and Hill’s Pet Nutrition partnered with shelters and rescues across the country to promote a month-long event from August 10th to September 10th. HSVC offered $50 adoptions for all available dogs, cats, puppies, and kittens during this time. We also hosted not one, but two fee-waived days on August 17th and August 31st. Over 30 animals found their homes for free on these days and we couldn't be happier for them. Thank you to all who supported our efforts to Clear The Shelters, and thank you to all who donated in support of HSVC!
As a private nonprofit, HSVC is only able to accomplish its goals with the help of our community. There are infinite ways you can support the work we do every day! For our final day of back-to-school education week, we want to share all the ways you can get involved with HSVC and support the animals under our care.
We are ecstatic to share that after over three years in and out of the shelter, Ophelia has finally been adopted into her forever home! It's been a long journey to happily ever after, but we could not be happier for our girl! Above: Ophelia at four days old (left), eight-weeks-old (center), and six-months-old (right). Pretty girl Ophelia was born at the shelter on Easter Sunday in 2021. Her mama, Juliet, gave birth to 13 healthy puppies, and our staff cared for them until each pup was old enough to find their forever families. Ophelia was no exception and was adopted into a home at 8-weeks-old. However, she was returned to the shelter four months later through no fault of her own. Ophelia was adopted for a second time at 6-months-old but was returned four months later due to her energetic personality. April 10th marked her one-year anniversary at the shelter, just after her third birthday. As a long-term resident of the shelter, our staff and volunteers grew to care for Ophelia deeply. Staff insisted on spoiling the sweet dog on her big day. "Every dog deserves to feel loved on their birthday and every day, even if they're in a shelter!" said our animal care staff. Ophelia was treated to a special "Happy Birthday" cookie and a new birthday toy for her milestone.
One of the most important reminders we share with potential adopters is not to judge a book by its cover. This age-old mantra applies to shelter animals as well as humans! An animal shelter can be a stressful environment full of loud noises, unknown visitors, and anxious furry friends. Rescue dogs and cats can cope in many different ways while within the shelter walls. For today's back-to-school education week lesson, we are discussing common animal behaviors you may see in a shelter and breaking down what they mean.
It's day three of our back-to-school education week! Today we want to spotlight the wide range of services our Clinic offers and why they are important. From low-cost spay/neuter and vaccines to microchipping and TNR, each service is as vital as the next to help keep the animals of our community safe, happy, and healthy!