HSVC

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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.

09 Apr 2025

Shane goes to Ventura College!

By Humane Society of Ventura County

Shane is a college boy! This past week, the adoptable shelter pup played a very special role at Ventura College helping future veterinary technicians while showing off his calm, friendly nature. The 2-year-old trusty companion was the star of the classroom as students practiced crucial skills in animal care, particularly bandaging techniques. Ventura College's veterinary technician program is well-regarded for providing hands-on experience that prepares students for real-world situations. One of the most important aspects of this training involves mastering the art of bandaging, a skill that's essential when treating animals in various scenarios. For students to become proficient in this skill, they need to practice on live animals, and Shane was happy to lend a paw! Throughout the day, Shane was a willing volunteer, allowing students to practice bandaging techniques on him under the supervision of their instructors. From wrapping "injuries" to ensuring proper support for wounds, the students honed their skills while our favorite Pitbull/Boxer mix remained calm and cooperative, earning plenty of praise for being such a good boy.

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08 Apr 2025

HSVC Cares Makes a Pawsitive Impact in Santa Paula

By Humane Society of Ventura County

HSVC Cares brought smiles to pet owners and wagging tails over the weekend with another free pet vaccine clinic. The team made the trek to Veterans Memorial Park in Santa Paula to offer essential veterinary services at little to no cost. By the end of the day, 127 pets were vaccinated and nine pets received spay/neuter surgeries, helping reduce pet overpopulation and protect community health. HSVC staff were also onsite giving away free bags of dog and cat food to make the day even more impactful. It was a day filled with generosity, community spirit, and a whole lot of tail wags!

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04 Apr 2025

Fun at the Shelter Goes to Glen Park!

By Humane Society of Ventura County

At our shelter, we believe that joy should be shared far and wide, which is why our Fun at the Shelter program has formed a wonderful partnership with Glen Park Senior Living! This special relationship allows the amazing residents of Glen Park to visit the shelter and meet some of our adorable animal friends, and in the following weeks, we bring the fun to their facility. This visit, we had the pleasure of bringing the fun directly to Glen Park, and it was an absolute blast! While we didn’t bring our furry friends along for the ride, our staff still managed to create a lively and engaging experience for everyone! Our Fun at the Shelter team, Arlene and Judy, kicked things off with a couple of rounds of bingo, a favorite game that brings excitement and a little friendly competition to residents. It was heartwarming to see the smiles, laughter, and anticipation of residents as each number was called. Everyone was on the edge of their seats, hoping for that next lucky number to land on their card! And of course, the winners of each round were rewarded with a fun surprise prize that added an extra layer of joy to the game. Residents and their caretakers had a fantastic time, whether they were winning or simply enjoying the company.

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25 Mar 2025

Learning, Collaboration, and Innovation at the ASPCA Right Horse Summit

By Humane Society of Ventura County

HSVC had the privilege of sending Kendra King, Humane Investigations Director, and Christina Malleck, Equine Manager, to attend the ASPCA Right Horse Summit in Fort Worth, Texas. The Summit focused on improving equine welfare through innovative adoption solutions, community partnerships, and creative marketing strategies. The experience was nothing short of enlightening, offering a wealth of insights into the future of equine adoption and the critical role animal welfare organizations play in creating lasting connections between horses and their new homes. Throughout the event, Kendra and Christina participated in a series of dynamic workshops, brainstorming sessions, and hands-on demonstrations. Topics ranged from best practices for equine adoption to creative solutions for rehoming horses, with particular emphasis on keeping horses in their homes and ensuring they receive the ongoing veterinary care they need. One of the summit's highlights was a deep dive into pathway planning—an essential tool that helps animal welfare organizations understand the needs of each horse and tailor a personalized adoption plan. Kendra and Christina also worked closely with ASPCA's partners at the Humane Society of North Texas (HSNT), where they spent an action-packed day immersed in real-world scenarios. At HSNT, attendees had the chance to practice equine behavior assessments, learn how to conduct thorough intake exams, and explore ways to market adoptable horses to a broader audience. The collaboration with HSNT was not just informative but inspiring. Amanda and Steve, the passionate individuals behind HSNT's work, are deeply dedicated to finding loving homes for companion horses in their community. Their commitment and unwavering belief in the importance of each horse’s journey were palpable, and it was clear that their hard work is making a significant impact on the lives of both horses and their adopters.

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24 Mar 2025

Strategic Planning in Action: HSVC Staff Learn from Industry Experts

By Humane Society of Ventura County

At HSVC, our mission is at the heart of everything we do. To ensure we continue providing the best care for the animals and communities we serve, our Board of Directors and staff recently participated in a retreat and training day with strategic planning consultants Jackson Galaxy, aka The Cat Daddy, Kristen Hassen of Outcomes for Pets, and Heather Lewis of Animal Arts. The experience was both inspiring and productive, reinforcing our commitment to growth, collaboration, and innovation in animal welfare.

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22 Mar 2025

Villanova High School Students Lend a Helping Hand at HSVC!

By Humane Society of Ventura County

Our shelter is always grateful for the kindness and generosity of our community, and this week, we had the pleasure of hosting a hardworking group of student volunteers from Villanova Prep! The dedicated students spent the afternoon organizing our Pet Pantry food shed and supply shed, ensuring that pet food, supplies, and essential donations are easily accessible for the animals and families who need them most. Their efforts help us keep our operations running smoothly, allowing us to better serve pet owners in need and provide for the animals in our care. We're so grateful for their efforts!

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19 Mar 2025

HSVC Gets a Special Visit from Fenix Lumiere!

By Humane Society of Ventura County

Our shelter recently had a truly special visitor—none other than Fenix Lumiere,The Happy Dog! Fenix has captured hearts worldwide with his infectious smile, boundless energy, and one-of-a-kind prance. The neurologically disabled Husky mix visited HSVC for a play date with Pepper, a nearly 2-year-old Pit Bull Terrier mix currently available for adoption. The two pups had an absolute blast, chasing each other across the play yard, tails wagging in unison. It was a sight to see—pure happiness in motion!

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12 Mar 2025

Flying into Retirement: Honoring Oliver Bird's 33 Years of Service as HSVC's Mascot

By Humane Society of 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.

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