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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.

Latest News
01 May 2025

May is Adopt a Horse Month!

By Humane Society of Ventura County

Every May, Adopt a Horse Month shines a light on the thousands of horses across the United States needing loving, permanent homes. From retired racehorses to rescued animals and companion ponies, these horses come from many different backgrounds, but they all have one thing in common: they deserve a second chance. This month is an opportunity for horse lovers and compassionate individuals to step up and make a real difference! Our shelter has six wonderful equines currently looking to be a part of something special, and we need your help to find their happily ever afters! Adopt a Horse Month was introduced in 2021 by the ASPCA Right Horse program and has been gaining popularity ever since. May is considered one of the best times to promote adoptable horses to those who are looking to add another horse to their family. This is because equestrians begin to focus on shows, trail rides, and other activities after being cooped up during the winter months. Adopt a Horse Month supports equine rescue groups nationwide that work tirelessly to find safe and loving homes for the horses in their care.   Many people don’t realize just how many horses end up in transition each year. Whether due to financial hardship, changes in life circumstances, or rescue from neglectful situations, horses often find themselves without a place to go. Thankfully, countless nonprofit organizations, sanctuaries, and foster homes work tirelessly to care for these animals until they can be adopted. But the need always outweighs the capacity, and these horses are waiting for someone like you to offer them a fresh start. Adopting a horse isn’t just about saving a life; it’s also a deeply rewarding personal experience. Horses are intelligent, sensitive creatures that bond closely with humans. When you adopt, you’re not only giving a horse a home—you’re gaining a companion who can enrich your life in countless ways. Whether you’re looking for a gentle trail partner, a pasture buddy, or a horse to work with and train, there’s likely a horse out there who matches your needs and lifestyle.    If you’re considering adoption, start by assessing your readiness. Horses require a significant investment of time, money, and care. Make sure you have the resources and commitment needed for long-term horse ownership. Next, do your research and connect with well-regarded rescues or sanctuaries. Spend time getting to know potential horses, ask questions, and don’t be afraid to seek guidance from trainers or equine professionals during the process. Even if you’re not in a position to adopt right now, there are still plenty of ways to support horses in need during Adopt a Horse Month. You can volunteer with our horses, donate to support the animals under our care, sponsor a horse in long-term care, or help raise awareness by sharing adoptable horse profiles on social media. Every small action helps increase visibility and opens doors for horses looking for a forever home. Adopting a horse changes more than just one life. It’s an act of compassion that can ripple outward—rescuing a horse makes space for another animal in need and strengthens the bond between people and animals. This May, consider how you can be part of that change. Whether through adoption, advocacy, or support, you have the power to make a difference. Learn More

Latest News
30 Apr 2025

From the Pasture to Your Heart: Meet Bella and Canela

By Humane Society of Ventura County

The wait is over for Bella and Canela! The adorable mother and daughter are now available for adoption after over 700 days at the shelter, and we couldn't be happier for them! Both horses came to HSVC as part of a neglect investigation in late May 2023, where they were found severely emaciated. Upon seeing their condition, our Humane Officers immediately impounded Bella and her one-week-old baby, Canela, and transported them to the shelter. After months of dedicated rehabilitation and nearly two years of waiting for their case to come to a resolution, both loving equines are now ready for a fresh start with a loving family!

Latest News
28 Apr 2025

Welcome HSVC's Newest Badged Humane Officer!

By Humane Society of Ventura County

The Humane Society of Ventura County is thrilled to announce the official badging of Lacie Lopez as our newest Humane Officer. After months of dedicated training, field experience, and unwavering commitment to animal advocacy, Officer Lopez has taken the oath and joined the HSVC Investigations Team as a fully badged member.

Latest News
25 Apr 2025

Loma Vista Students Enjoy a Fur-tastic Field Trip to HSVC

By Humane Society of Ventura County

   This week, we had the pleasure of welcoming a lively group of second graders from Loma Vista Elementary School for a field trip full of fun, learning, and furry friends! The 50+ students spent their morning exploring the shelter and meeting playful pups, curious kitties, and even a few of our gentle horses. Each young animal advocate loved getting to know our shelter pets, and our animals certainly enjoyed the extra attention!

Latest News
24 Apr 2025

Glen the Goat Goes Home!

By Humane Society of Ventura County

  Our shelter has seen all kinds of animals come through our doors, and every so often, one captures our hearts in a truly unforgettable way. Such is the case with Glen, a charismatic young goat with a story that’s as wild as it is heartwarming! Glen came to us via our friends at Pasadena Humane, who rescued him under heartbreaking circumstances. Their staff found him tied to a freeway underpass shortly after the wildfires in Los Angeles broke out. Despite the chaos around him, Glen’s spirit was unshaken. He appeared grateful to be rescued, but mostly he was just happy to have new friends! The social goat was then transported to our shelter to find a new home. 

Latest News
22 Apr 2025

HSVC Attends the Animal Care Expo in Viva Las Vegas

By Humane Society of Ventura County

Last week, members of the HSVC team had the incredible opportunity to attend the 2025 Animal Care Expo in Las Vegas. They’ve returned energized, inspired, and ready to implement new ideas to better serve the animals and community of Ventura County. Hosted by Humane World for Animals, this year’s Expo took place from April 15th through 18th at Caesars Forum and welcomed more than 2,500 animal welfare professionals and volunteers from around the world. As the largest international educational conference and trade show of its kind, the Animal Care Expo is a powerhouse of innovation, learning, and collaboration.   

Latest News
21 Apr 2025

It's Volunteer Appreciation Week!

By Humane Society of Ventura County

    This week, we’re pausing to celebrate the true heroes behind the scenes: our volunteers. Whether they’re walking dogs, comforting shy cats, mucking horse stalls, or simply offering a kind word to future adopters, our volunteers are the heartbeat of our shelter. Volunteer Appreciation Week is a special time to recognize the incredible humans who give their time, energy, and love to make life better for every animal that walks through our doors. Rain or shine, weekday or weekend, our volunteers show up with treats in hand and compassion in abundance. These empathic individuals help scared dogs come out of their shells and sit with shy cats until they feel safe enough to purr. They help clean, organize, and support the shelter in hundreds of ways that often go unnoticed, but never unappreciated. They're often the reason that tails wag, purrs are heard, and more pets find their way to forever homes!

Latest News
15 Apr 2025

Humane Officers: Guardians of the Voiceless

By Humane Society of Ventura County

   While this week is nationally recognized as Animal Control Appreciation Week, the Humane Society of Ventura County proudly celebrates our Humane Officers, a team of specially trained professionals who go beyond standard animal control duties. Every day, these brave individuals step into challenging and often heart-wrenching situations. They do this not for recognition or praise, but to protect those who cannot speak for themselves. During Humane Officer Appreciation Week, we take a moment to shine a light on these compassionate warriors who work tirelessly to ensure the safety and well-being of animals in our communities. Humane Officers are more than just animal lovers. They are investigators, educators, mediators, and first responders. They handle cases of abuse, neglect, hoarding, and abandonment. They step into situations where others may turn away, rescuing animals from cruelty and giving them a second chance at life. Their work is emotionally demanding, physically exhausting, and often goes unnoticed. But make no mistake, their impact is profound. These Officers are trained professionals who enforce animal welfare laws, collaborate with law enforcement, and often play a crucial role in prosecuting cruelty cases. At the same time, they work with empathy and compassion by educating pet owners, helping families in crisis keep their animals, and connecting people with the resources they need to care for their pets. Behind every rescued dog, cat, horse, or livestock is a humane officer who took action, made that call, followed the lead, and refused to let suffering go unseen. Unlike traditional Animal Control Officers, who are government-funded and often focus on stray animal pickup, licensing, nuisance complaints, and shelter services, Humane Officers are sworn in by the state and authorized to investigate and enforce animal cruelty and neglect laws. They respond to reports of abuse, rescue animals from dangerous situations, and work with law enforcement to bring justice for animals in need. Our Humane Officers work closely with Animal Control Officers regarding larger rescues involving law enforcement and emergency evacuations. This week, we say thank you to our beloved Humane Investigations Team: Kendra King, Kaelyn Viacava, and Lacie Lopez. Thank you for standing up for animals and for your courage in difficult and sometimes dangerous circumstances. Thank you for the compassion that guides everything you do. Whether you’re working in the field, behind the scenes, or advocating for change, your efforts do not go unnoticed. You are heroes in every sense of the word. If an animal rescue story has ever inspired you, consider this: a Humane Officer likely made that rescue possible. So, let’s show our appreciation by expressing our gratitude, donating, or simply spreading the word about the incredible work these Officers do daily. Behind every paw print saved is a Humane Officer who cared enough to make a difference.