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.
After serving 33 years as HSVC’s beloved onsite mascot, Oliver Bird has officially retired! He has been placed into a loving home to live out the remainder of his years. His retirement comes just shy of his 38th birthday.
What a weekend! This past Saturday and Sunday were nothing short of amazing! HSVC Cares proudly hosted an offsite pet vaccination clinic at Nyeland Acres in Oxnard on Saturday, March 1st, delivering vital veterinary services directly to the heart of the community. Then on Sunday, March 2nd, we had the pleasure of partnering with the Crowne Plaza Hotel Ventura Beach for an adoption event. The event not only introduced some incredible dogs to new people, but it also celebrated our shared love for dogs in a beautiful, dog-friendly space. Thank you to all who came out to receive services, support, and help us spread the word about the lifesaving work HSVC does!
In the fast-paced world of animal shelters, understanding the behavior and needs of the dogs in our care is vital to their well-being. Recently, our team had the incredible opportunity to participate in a mentorship program led by Saharai Salazar from Wolf Mother K9. The 3-day training focused on improving our staff's skills in handling, evaluating, and enriching the lives of shelter dogs. This workshop also provided the team with invaluable insights into canine behavior, defensive handling techniques, and enrichment strategies that will shape our approach to shelter care moving forward. Here’s a look at what we learned during the mentorship and why it’s such an exciting development for our team and the dogs we care for! A significant portion of the mentorship focused on understanding canine body language, a vital skill for anyone working with dogs, especially in a shelter setting. Interpreting a dog’s physical cues can make all the difference in assessing their emotional state and knowing how to approach it. The workshop helped animal care staff refine their ability to identify signals that indicate fear, excitement, aggression, or relaxation. Simple details like the position of a dog’s ears, tail, or posture can give us important clues about their mood and comfort level. This knowledge helps us ensure we approach each dog with respect for their personal boundaries and emotional state. Handling shelter dogs can be challenging, particularly when dealing with dogs who are fearful, anxious, or reactive. In these situations, knowing how to handle a dog defensively—while maintaining both the dog’s and handler’s safety—is critical. The mentorship included hands-on practice with defensive handling techniques and teaching staff how to calmly manage high-stress situations without escalating the dog’s anxiety. Whether a dog is fearful of human contact or displaying signs of aggression, these handling methods empower our team to approach the situation with confidence and care, keeping both ourselves and the dog safe. One of the core aspects of the mentorship was learning how to conduct welfare-based evaluations for shelter dogs. These evaluations are crucial in understanding a dog’s temperament, needs, and suitability for adoption or potential placement in a foster home. Through role-playing exercises and real-life examples, we learned how to assess a dog’s behavior while keeping their emotional welfare at the forefront. By using compassionate evaluation methods, we can avoid placing additional stress on the dogs and gain a deeper understanding of their personalities and behavior. This skill will not only help staff determine the right fit for adoption but also ensure that we can provide the best possible care for each dog.
Recently, one of our alums, Casper, and his devoted owner, Krystal, faced an unimaginable challenge when the devastating Eaton Fire threatened their home in Altadena, CA. On January 8th, 2025, Krystal received an alarming wake-up call as the fire in Altadena advanced dangerously close to her home. Around midnight, she first saw the glow of flames creeping toward her neighborhood. Although no evacuation orders had been issued yet, Krystal knew she had to act fast. The fire was moving quickly, and she began packing with her beloved dog, Casper, by her side. By 3:30 am, the situation had escalated when Krystal heard a sheriff’s bullhorn blaring, “Evacuate now!” Moments later, the Protect App sent an evacuation notification confirming the urgency of the situation. Krystal knew they had to leave immediately. With the fire quickly advancing and smoke filling the air, Krystal grabbed only the essentials. A suitcase with clothes, Casper’s food, his blanket, and a few other items were all she could manage to pack in the rush. Her parents, who also resided with her, had even less time. They barely managed to grab a few papers and fled with nothing but the clothes on their backs. As anyone who has faced an emergency evacuation knows, it’s a stressful and chaotic experience. For Krystal, evacuating with Casper added an additional layer of anxiety. Like many dogs, Casper was sensitive to the change, and the combination of smoke, panic, and uncertainty left him unsettled. The family managed to get out safely, but the stress of the situation didn’t stop once they were in the car. Krystal was concerned about finding adequate resources for Casper—he refused to eat after being uprooted so suddenly, and she couldn’t find his regular food at local shelters. On top of that, their local vet had closed due to the heavy smoke, leaving Krystal unable to get his flea medication.
Valentine’s Day is all about love, and who better to share that love with than our furry companions? However, amid the romance and sweet treats, it’s important to keep in mind that not all Valentine’s Day goodies and decorations are pet-friendly. From chocolates to flowers, there are a few hazards that can turn a heartwarming holiday into a pet emergency. Let’s ensure your pets stay safe while you enjoy all the love this season brings! Happy Valen'tails Day to you and your four-legged companions! Chocolate: One of the most well-known dangers of Valentine’s Day is chocolate. While we indulge in delicious chocolate hearts and truffles, our pets can suffer severe consequences if they ingest it. Chocolate contains theobromine, which is toxic to dogs and cats, even in small amounts. Dark chocolate is the most dangerous, but even milk chocolate poses a risk. Keep all chocolate far out of reach of your pets, and don’t forget to dispose of wrappers properly! Symptoms of chocolate poisoning can include vomiting, diarrhea, rapid breathing, and seizures. Flowers: Valentine’s Day bouquets are beautiful, but certain flowers can be harmful to pets. Lilies, for example, are highly toxic to cats, even in small amounts. Roses are generally safe for pets, but be cautious of thorns that can injure your furry friends. Always place flowers in areas that are out of reach to avoid any curious nibbling. Ingesting even a small piece can cause symptoms like drooling, vomiting, or lethargy. Sweets: Candies and sweet treats are a staple of Valentine’s Day, but many of them contain xylitol, a sugar substitute that’s extremely toxic to dogs. Even small amounts of xylitol can cause a rapid insulin release, leading to hypoglycemia, seizures, and even liver failure. Gummy candies, mints, and sugar-free chocolates are common culprits. Keep all candy out of your pet’s reach.
Jackson Galaxy, renowned cat behaviorist, bestselling author, and beloved TV host of My Cat From Hell, recently brought his expertise and passion for feline welfare to the Humane Society of Ventura County. Known as "The Cat Daddy," Jackson has dedicated his life to understanding and advocating for cats, especially those with behavioral challenges. Jackson, along with his associate Kristin Hassen, shared invaluable insights to help some of our harder-to-adopt residents find their forever homes. With his trademark mix of compassion, wisdom, and a little bit of cat mojo, Jackson worked with staff to better understand these special animals and give them the best chance at adoption. Thank you, Jackson and Kristin, for making the journey to Ojai and advocating for animals in need!
Last Saturday, HSVC Cares proudly hosted an offsite pet vaccination clinic at the Alano Club of Oxnard, bringing essential veterinary services directly to the community. Throughout the day, our dedicated Clinic team worked tirelessly to provide vaccinations to a total of 188 dogs and cats, with an additional 14 spay/neuter surgeries performed onsite in our mobile Pet Wellness Clinic vehicle. This event was the most successful offsite clinic to date, reflecting our shelter's commitment to supporting pet owners who may face barriers to accessing traditional veterinary care. Way to go team!
The Super Bowl isn’t just a game—it’s an event. Whether you're hosting a party, attending a gathering, or just enjoying the game with your family, there’s plenty of excitement to go around. However, with all the noise, food, and chaos, it’s important not to forget about your furry friends. Pets can easily become stressed or even get into trouble during the Super Bowl festivities. To help you keep your pets safe and comfortable while you cheer on your team, we’ve put together a list of pet safety tips for the big day. Photo credit: People Entertainment Create a Safe Space for Your Pet The Super Bowl is filled with loud cheers, unexpected noises, and flashing lights—all of which can be overwhelming for pets, especially those who are sensitive to sound. To help your pet feel safe and calm, designate a quiet area away from the action where they can retreat. This space should have their bed, water bowl, and maybe even a few of their favorite toys to keep them occupied. If your pet is crate-trained, this can be a great time to use their crate as a calming sanctuary. Keep Dangerous Foods Out of Reach Super Bowl snacks are a big part of the fun, but many of the foods you enjoy could be harmful to your pet. Foods like chocolate, onions, garlic, avocado, and certain nuts (like macadamia) are toxic to pets. Additionally, fatty foods and salty snacks like chips and dip can cause digestive issues and even pancreatitis in pets. Keep all human food out of reach, and be sure your guests are aware of what’s safe (and what’s not) for pets. Say No to Chicken Wings Stay focused on the game despite those adorable puppy dog eyes! It’s tough to resist when your pets are begging for a taste of your chicken wings, but it’s important not to give in. Smaller bones from chickens and other birds can pose a choking hazard for your furry friends. If a bone splinters, it could lead to serious injury in your pet’s digestive system. Plus, the extra salt can be harmful, too. Keep an eye out for symptoms of too much salt consumption, which may include diarrhea, vomiting, tremors, or even elevated body temperature and seizures. Your pet’s safety is worth it! Watch for Loud Noises The Super Bowl is known for loud halftime shows and enthusiastic crowds. While exciting for many, these sounds can frighten pets, especially anxious ones. To help your pet stay calm, consider playing soothing music or keeping the TV volume reasonable. Use calming tools like pheromone sprays, or consult your vet about anti-anxiety medication if your pet panics during loud events. The commercials are also often loud and abrupt, with flashing lights and high-energy visuals, which can stress sensitive pets. If your pet shows signs of anxiety during the game or commercials, distract them with treats, toys, or calming activities. Keeping the TV volume low or muting it during loud ads is advisable. Supervise Interactions with Guests If you're having people over to watch the game, be mindful of how your pet interacts with guests. Not everyone knows how to properly approach or handle a pet, so it’s important to supervise these interactions. Some pets may get overwhelmed or anxious with too much attention, especially from strangers. Set boundaries and ensure your guests respect your pet’s space. If your pet is more social, make sure they’re not getting too much attention or becoming overstimulated, which can lead to anxiety or accidents.