17 Dec 2020
COVID-19 Update
By Amy King
To clear up any confusion regarding the status of the Humane Society of Ventura County: We are closed to the public for casual visits, but we are anything but “Closed.”
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.
To clear up any confusion regarding the status of the Humane Society of Ventura County: We are closed to the public for casual visits, but we are anything but “Closed.”
Hearts were broken at the Humane Society of Ventura County when the staff learned of the passing of Chuck Bowman on Dec. 15, 2020. Most people would recognize Chuck as a carrier for the USPS in the Oak View. But the staff, volunteers, and supporters of the HSVC knew Chuck as the volunteer Santa for the annual HSVC Santa Paws fundraiser.
Thank you Avery Sontheimer of Corry, PA, for donating a Walmart gift card to the Humane Society of Ventura County. According to Avery, the HSVC was one of many random animal shelters chosen throughout the US to receive a gift card as an act of kindness. Avery, 13, suffers from Ewing Sarcoma Cancer and has devoted her time during treatment and recovery to express herself by giving back to a cause that means so much to her – animal welfare.
We would like to extend a big thank you to Ellen for filling up her HSVC piggy bank and donating it back to the shelter! The money collected will benefit the lives of animals in need throughout Ventura County. Thank you to all who donated!
The HSVC would like the thank Ryan and Davina DeCant of Industry Horror for providing their screen printing services to bring our ERT vests and fire coats to life! Industry Horror is an amazing nonprofit organization that employs kids and adults with special needs to help them learn trade skills, contribute to their community in a rewarding way, and express themselves using fashion.
December 4th is the three year anniversary of the devastating Thomas Fire of 2017. The blaze raged through Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties for over two months, burning over 281, 893 acres, destroying 1,063 buildings, and claiming the lives of 23 people directly and indirectly. The largest fire at the time, the Thomas Fire is now considered the fifth-largest wildfire in modern California history.
The devastation of natural disasters is felt throughout the state of California every year. Ventura County has witnessed and suffered through the Thomas fire of 2017, the Hill and Woolsey fires of 2018, and the Easy and Maria Fires of 2019. For years, the Humane Society of Ventura County has functioned as an evacuation center for animals in need of refuge as a result of California’s many wildfires. During such emergencies, our shelter has relied heavily on volunteers to provide extra helping hands in the midst of chaos. These dedicated people work tirelessly to provide care for the multitude of animals seeking sanctuary.
The rise of COVID-19 brought many challenges in 2020, forcing our shelter to close its doors to the public in March. We had to adapt a new way of operating to keep our staff, our animals, and the public safe while continuing to offer services to those in need. Like many others, our shelter was not immune to the financial hardships brought on by COVID-19. While we were able to continue providing vital services to Ventura County, our funding has significantly decreased since the start of the pandemic. This GivingTuesday, we ask you to consider making a donation to the Humane Society of Ventura County so we can continue providing protection and care to animals in need.