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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
11 Nov 2024

Vote for HSVC in the 2024 NIA Nonprofit Photo Contest!

By Humane Society of Ventura County

We are so excited to share that our photo is in the running for the 2024 Annual Nonprofit Photo Contest, and we need YOUR help to bring it home! This isn’t just any photo contest — this is an opportunity for us to win a prize that will directly support the animals we care for at HSVC. Every vote you cast is not only a step closer to winning the contest but also a step closer to providing shelter, medical care, food, and love for the furry friends who need it most. This year’s theme is Community in Focus. We can't think of a better theme to showcase the HSVC! Our shelter's mission is to serve the people and animals of our community. From finding homes for furry friends in need to offering free pet food and low-cost spay/neuter services, the HSVC strives to support the pets and people of Ventura County in any way we can. Our photo entry for this year's contest (left) is one that is near and dear to our hearts. It features a young kitten being bottle-fed by one of our dedicated foster parents. Not only is this a great image to highlight our foster program and the amazing work it does, but there is even more to the story. This kitten was brought to the shelter at just a few days old with his siblings after their home caught fire. Nicknamed the "fire kits", the litter was placed in foster care until they were old enough to find new homes. Their resilience was inspiring, and we're happy to report each kitten has been adopted by a loving family! VOTE NOW

Latest News
11 Nov 2024

Staff Spotlight: Thank You VC Hart Team!

By Humane Society of Ventura County

We want to give a heartfelt shoutout to the members of our Ventura County humane animal rescue team, VC Hart! Humane Investigations Director Kendra King, Equine Manager Christina Malleck, Senior Humane Officer J. Utter, and Humane Officer Trainee K. Viacava have worked countless hours since the Mountain Fire broke out last week to assist in emergency animal evacuations. They saved the lives of many pets threatened by the blaze, and we thank them for their fast action and dedication to animal welfare!

Latest News
08 Nov 2024

Senior Dog Everest Gets the Home She Deserves!

By Humane Society of Ventura County

Senior pup Everest has found her forever home after being in the shelter for 436 days! She is living happily ever after with Dianne and her daughter, and we couldn't be happier for her!

Latest News
04 Nov 2024

Last Chance to Purchase Your 2025 Calendars!

By Humane Society of Ventura County

Our 2025 Woofs, Hooves, and Whiskers calendar will be ready soon! We would like to again thank all the participants who joined in on the fun for this year's calendar contest. Together, we were able to exceed our fundraising goal of $10,000! Thank you to all who entered and donated; you are all winners in our eyes! Reminder! All entrants will receive a complimentary 2025 calendar in the mail, and those who purchased a calendar will receive their calendar by the Fall of 2024. Please click the button below if you would like to buy additional calendars. All proceeds go toward helping shelter animals in need! GET CALENDARS HERE

Latest News
04 Nov 2024

Show Your Gratitude During Animal Shelter Appreciation Week

By Humane Society of Ventura County

    We're celebrating National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week! This week recognizes not only our incredible shelter staff but also the millions of animal care professionals who provide care to pets across the country. These hardworking animal lovers work tirelessly to rescue, rehabilitate, and find homes for furry friends in need. But that's not all they do! From providing medical care and picking up waste to fundraising and reuniting lost pets with their owners, our staff serves our community and its animals every day!

Latest News
04 Nov 2024

Meet our Newest Equine, Anaia!

By Humane Society of Ventura County

    Meet Anaia, a 16-year-old Arabian looking to trot her way into your heart! Anaia came to the Humane Society of Ventura County in mid-October 2024 after her previous owner could no longer afford to keep her. A true Arabian, our girl is sassy and spirited. She is hoping to find a home with an owner who has experience handling Arabians and can show her who's boss. Anaia has no current medical issues, though she could use some desensitizing work with her feet and back legs. 

Latest News
01 Nov 2024

Long-Term Resident Pad Thai Finds His Home!

By Humane Society of Ventura County

Pad Thai's story is a special one that is near and dear to our hearts. His journey with HSVC began when he and his friend, Banh Mi, were found tied to two trees in an orchard. They were given little water and had severe cases of fly strike, a condition that occurs when flies bite a dog’s ears excessively. Our Humane Officers investigated and deemed the pair of Husky mix pups abandoned. They were brought to the shelter and remained under our care for over a year before finding their homes.  On a crisp October day, Pam and a friend visited the HSVC looking for a fluffy companion to keep Pam company on long walks and lazy afternoons. She originally came in looking for a female husky and had an interest in meeting long-term resident Nebula. Pam and HSVC's Animal Care Manager, Grace, walked around the kennels looking for the right match for Pam. As they walked through the rows of eager faces and wagging tails, Grace led Pam to the Pad Thai's kennel, where he had been patiently waiting for the right person to come along. Pam's heart instantly melted at the sight of the gorgeous Husky mix, and she immediately knew she wanted to meet him. According to Pam, Pad Thai looked exactly like the dogs she'd owned in the past, making her even more drawn to him. Grace escorted Pam and Pad Thai to a play yard so they could get to know each other better. She spoke of Pad Thai's joyful spirit and playful energy and shared he would be the ultimate adventure buddy. Five-year-old Pad Thai was usually hesitant when meeting new people, but he immediately approached Pam, giving her kisses and wanting pets. Pam's heart soured, and she knew she had found her forever fluffy friend. After learning about his story and how far he'd come, Pam was determined to give Pad Thai the home he deserved. As Pam finalized the adoption, Pad Thai said bye to all of his human friends at the shelter, giving them kisses and expressing his gratitude for the love and care they gave to him. Pam then knelt down to Pad Thai's level and told him, "Let's go home, buddy." He gave her a big kiss and trotted right beside her, ready for life ahead. Pad Thai's resilient heart has finally found a place to rest, and Pam's life is filled with the warmth of her new best furry friend. Together, they found exactly what they were looking for: a true forever home. Thank you, Pam, for taking a chance on our beautiful boy, Pad Thai! Congrats and happy tails to you both!

Latest News
30 Oct 2024

All Fun and No Fright! Keep Your Pet Safe this Halloween

By Humane Society of Ventura County

Ghosts, goblins, and ghouls—Halloween is a time for spooky decorations, fun costumes, and sweet treats, but for our pets, it can also be filled with hazards and stress. As pet owners, it's essential to plan ahead and make sure our little pumpkins stay safe, comfortable, and relaxed amid the festivities. Check out these tips to set your pet up for a positive, safe holiday. Happy Halloween! Candy: The scariest goblin of them all! Trick-or-treating is for humans, not pets. Many human treats are harmful to cats and dogs, so be sure to keep them out of reach of your animals. Educate children about the dangers of feeding candy to animals. Symptoms of chocolate poisoning include vomiting, diarrhea, rapid breathing, and seizures. Avoid sugar-free candies with xylitol, which can be fatal for pets. If you suspect your animal got into the candy bowl, contact your veterinarian immediately. Candles, wires, and cords: Keep your animals away from all candles as they can easily get burned or knock them over and start a fire. Wires and electrical cords can also be quite hazardous. If your pet chews on wires they could get a life-threatening electrical shock! Try using glow sticks or LED candles instead of open flames. Decorations and human costumes: Keep decorations out of reach of your pets, and avoid using plants like pumpkins and corn, which can cause gastrointestinal issues if eaten in large quantities. Remember that unusual costumes and large inflatable decorations can be stressful for your pet. To ensure a smooth trick-or-treating experience, introduce your costume and decorations gradually. Try on your costume beforehand to help your animal get used to your spooky outfit, using treats to create a positive association. Allow your pet to explore the decorations by sniffing them to become familiar with these new objects. Costumes: Canine couture or not? Dressing up pets can be fun, but their comfort should come first. Not all pets enjoy costumes, so if you decide to dress your pet for Halloween, keep it simple. Ensure the costume allows for normal movement and doesn't obstruct sight or breathing. Watch for loose parts that could irritate or pose a choking hazard. A festive bandana might be more than enough! Keep your pets safe indoors: Do not leave your pets in the yard on Halloween! Pranksters have been known to tease animals, leading to injury or worse. To reduce a cauldron of stress from strangers and unfamiliar spooky sounds, create a cozy, secure room for your pet away from the festivities. This safe space can help prevent overwhelming situations and keep your pet calmer during the night. It might just be the best treat you could offer them! Take extra precautions with your animals, especially black cats: Black cats are especially at risk of injury and abuse during Halloween. We recommend, as a safety precaution, to make sure your cats and dogs are brought indoors several days before and after Halloween. Ding-dong! Front door dog manners: Halloween is an exciting night when your doorbell will ring often with eager trick-or-treaters. If you insist that your dog join in on the festivities, it’s important to practice beforehand. Have a friend approach your front door so your dog can get accustomed to visitors. The goal is to help your dog remain calm when the parade of ghosts and goblins arrives on that spooky night. Keep some dog treats handy to reward calm behavior.