
23 Dec 2024
Santa Paws Approved These Holiday Safety Tips for Your Furry Friends!
By Humane Society of Ventura County
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.
As 2024 comes to a close, we are overwhelmed with gratitude and joy as we celebrate an incredible milestone: 600 animal adoptions this year! This achievement is not just a number; it represents 600 lives saved, 600 families made whole, and an immeasurable impact on the community. Every adoption tells a story of resilience, hope, and the transformative power of love. From shy kittens finding their first warm laps to senior dogs getting their well-deserved second chances, each animal's journey reminds us why we do what we do. Our 600th adoption just so happens to be a shy kitten named Umbrella (left), who was given a second chance and continues to show her true potential in her forever home. Her two siblings also found their forever homes just a few days before her, making Umbrella's adoption a very special moment for our staff. We are so happy the three "U" kittens found their happily ever afters, and we're grateful to the 600 families who chose to adopt and not shop this year. Here's to many more in the New Year!
At HSVC, we believe every pet deserves access to care, regardless of where their owners call home. That's why we are thrilled to share the story of our mobile Pet Wellness Clinic's first run, bringing animal wellness services directly to the pets of an unhoused community in Ventura County. Pets provide essential companionship, comfort, and love to their owners. For many, these animals are not just pets; they're family. However, access to veterinary care, including spaying and neutering, can be limited and costly for unhoused individuals. Our mobile Pet Wellness Clinic was designed to break down these barriers, offering compassionate, no-cost services to ensure healthier lives for both pets and their owners. On December 12th, our HSVC Cares team set out with the fully equipped mobile Pet Wellness Clinic ready to serve our community. Despite the chilly weather, pet owners arrived with their dogs and cats, trusting us to provide the care their animals needed. Our veterinary team spayed and neutered eight cats and four dogs throughout the day. These procedures play a vital role in reducing overpopulation and improving the long-term health of pets. For some pet owners, this was the first time they'd been able to access veterinary care, and their gratitude was both heartwarming and humbling. Beyond the procedures, our team provided basic health checks, vaccinations, and resources to support ongoing pet care.
We love seeing our community come together for a good cause! Members of VC HART recently partnered with The Local Love Project to distribute donations to pop-up wildfire resource shops across Ventura County. HSVC's Humane Investigations Director, Kendra King, and Equine Manager, Christina Malleck, delivered a horse trailer full of newly donated items to Camarillo to support those affected by the recent wildfires. Special thanks to Local Love Project team members Nick Benavides and their team, Phil, Bobbi, and Bob, for doing all the heavy lifting!
Update: Urkel has found his forever home We need your help to find three deserving kitties the homes they deserve! Udon, Urkel, and Umbrella began their journey with HSVC as shy kittens in foster, and since then, we have watched them grow into rambunctious, silly teenage kitties. They would all thrive in a patient, quiet home where they can feel safe to blossom and be themselves. All three young cats love playing with toys and will surely bring a smile to anyone who takes them home!
We had such a blast this past Saturday at the Happy Pawlidays Market! With sweet treats, animal and home tours, a vintage market, and festive wreath-making classes, there was no shortage of holiday spirit! The best part? HSVC unveiled its new mobile Pet Wellness Clinic! Thank you to Beverlee McGrath for hosting us, and thank you to all who stopped by to spread pawliday cheer for a good cause!
Our girl Bonita has found her forever home after over 450 days at our shelter! Thanks to our rescue partners at Woods Humane Society in San Luis Obispo (SLO), she's living happily ever after. We couldn't think of a pup more deserving of a loving family!
The holiday season is here, and what better way to celebrate the spirit of giving than by giving a deserving animal a loving home? We’re making it easier—and more festive—to adopt your new furry best friend with our Pick a Candy Cane Adoption Promotion! Now through the end of the year, every adopter will have the chance to randomly pick a candy cane at checkout, revealing a surprise discount on their adoption fee ranging from $25 to half-price. It’s our way of adding a little extra sweetness to your holiday season and helping our shelter pets find their forever families!