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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
06 Sep 2024

You Can Help Support HSVC!

By Humane Society of Ventura County

   As a private nonprofit, HSVC is only able to accomplish its goals with the help of our community. There are infinite ways you can support the work we do every day! For our final day of back-to-school education week, we want to share all the ways you can get involved with HSVC and support the animals under our care.

Latest News
06 Sep 2024

Ophelia has Found Her Furever Family!

By Humane Society of Ventura County

We are ecstatic to share that after over three years in and out of the shelter, Ophelia has finally been adopted into her forever home! It's been a long journey to happily ever after, but we could not be happier for our girl!    Above: Ophelia at four days old (left), eight-weeks-old (center), and six-months-old (right). Pretty girl Ophelia was born at the shelter on Easter Sunday in 2021. Her mama, Juliet, gave birth to 13 healthy puppies, and our staff cared for them until each pup was old enough to find their forever families. Ophelia was no exception and was adopted into a home at 8-weeks-old. However, she was returned to the shelter four months later through no fault of her own. Ophelia was adopted for a second time at 6-months-old but was returned four months later due to her energetic personality. April 10th marked her one-year anniversary at the shelter, just after her third birthday.      As a long-term resident of the shelter, our staff and volunteers grew to care for Ophelia deeply. Staff insisted on spoiling the sweet dog on her big day. "Every dog deserves to feel loved on their birthday and every day, even if they're in a shelter!" said our animal care staff. Ophelia was treated to a special "Happy Birthday" cookie and a new birthday toy for her milestone. 

Latest News
06 Sep 2024

Don't Judge a Book By Its Cover: Breaking Down Shelter Animal Behaviors

By Humane Society of Ventura County

One of the most important reminders we share with potential adopters is not to judge a book by its cover. This age-old mantra applies to shelter animals as well as humans! An animal shelter can be a stressful environment full of loud noises, unknown visitors, and anxious furry friends. Rescue dogs and cats can cope in many different ways while within the shelter walls. For today's back-to-school education week lesson, we are discussing common animal behaviors you may see in a shelter and breaking down what they mean.     

Latest News
04 Sep 2024

Our Clinic Does It All!

By Humane Society of Ventura County

It's day three of our back-to-school education week! Today we want to spotlight the wide range of services our Clinic offers and why they are important. From low-cost spay/neuter and vaccines to microchipping and TNR, each service is as vital as the next to help keep the animals of our community safe, happy, and healthy!

Latest News
03 Sep 2024

Understanding the Surrender Process and Resources to Keep Pets in Homes

By Humane Society of Ventura County

One of the largest challenges facing animal welfare organizations, including HSVC, is the number of animal owners needing assistance rehoming their animals. We’ve learned that there are a variety of challenging and unforeseen circumstances that can cause pets to lose their homes. Such conditions can include poverty, illness, lack of affordable vet care, and shortage of pet-friendly housing. Any of these situations can force even the most devoted pet owner to relinquish their beloved furry friend to a local shelter. Upon entering a rescue, these animals are referred to as owner-surrendered animals. While the HSVC accepts owner-surrendered animals, we strive to first provide resources to help keep pets in their homes and out of shelters. Today's Back-to-School Education Week spotlight will explore the resources our shelter offers to help pets remain with their families and our process for surrendering an animal.

Latest News
03 Sep 2024

HSVC Now Performing Open Adoptions!

By Humane Society of Ventura County

It's back-to-school education week at HSVC! We have so many exciting new things happening at the shelter. What better time to share with our animal-loving community than the start of the new school year? Each day this week we will be educating the public on a different element of shelter life. From new policies and programs to resources and behaviors, we can't wait to share all the excitement with you!     Did you know HSVC is now performing open adoptions? It's true! Like many shelters, we recently updated how we perform adoptions to make the process more accessible and welcoming for those looking to adopt. This approach involves removing barriers that may prevent people from adopting pets and creating a non-judgmental environment. We have replaced the formal application process with a simplified interest form and more flexible adoption policies. Our staff provides quality one-on-one counseling and resources to set animals and their new owners up for success. These changes were put in place with the hopes of encouraging more people to adopt animals in need! 

Latest News
30 Aug 2024

Long-Term Residents Find Homes: Congrats Bandito, Zuko, and Koda!

By Humane Society of Ventura County

Congratulations Bandito! After 223 days, Bandito has finally found his forever home with Loren and Carl!One-year-old Bandito first came to the HSVC after spending time in foster care with his siblings. He was diagnosed with Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) shortly after returning to the shelter and was placed back into a loving foster home with foster pawrent, Chris. After completing treatment, he spent several months patiently waiting for a home before Carl and Loren came along looking for a friendly, playful adult cat.  The couple was introduced to Bandito and made aware of his medical conditions and shy personality. Our staff explained that it would take time to gain his trust. However, once that trust was achieved, Bandito would happily melt in their lap for endless cuddles. Loren and Carl weren't afraid of his FIP diagnosis and were willing to take the chance on the adorable shorthair. Thank you, Carl and Loren, for giving our sweet Bandito the loving home he deserves! A special shoutout goes out to Bandito's foster pawrent, Chris, for giving Bandito the love and care he needed during his battle with FIP. Medical fosters are vital to the survival of high-risk animals that enter the shelter. These specialized caregivers help us fulfill our mission by giving vulnerable animals a fighting chance to reach their full potential. We are so grateful for these fantastic fosters!   Congratulations Zuko! We are thrilled to share that after 290 days at the shelter, Zuko has been adopted by Denise. The 3-year-old Aussie Shepherd mix was surrendered to the HSVC with his friend, Scout, after their previous owner could no longer care for them. Zuko quickly became a staff favorite, but we couldn't figure out why he was having so much trouble finding a home! He is very smart, eager to learn, and the perfect adventure buddy! Denise is a long-term HSVC volunteer who had been working with Zuko for months. With his adorable personality and affinity for tennis balls, Denise couldn’t deny the chemistry the pair had. She decided she wanted to spend every day with Zuko as a forever family member. We couldn’t be happier! Congrats to this awesome pair!  

Latest News
29 Aug 2024

HSVC Staff Complete Equine First Aid Training Course

By Humane Society of Ventura County

     HSVC staff recently attended a two-day training in Santa Paula to expand their equine emergency first aid knowledge. Members of our Investigations and Equine Care teams spent the weekend learning from experts at Rocking Star Equine First Aid. The organization helps animal welfare staff be better prepared for animal emergencies while in the field. We are so grateful for their willingness to help our staff learn more about equine first aid!