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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.

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28 Aug 2024

Save the Date! Fall 2024 Open Boarding Meeting

By Humane Society of Ventura County

Save the date! Our 2024 Fall open board meeting will be held on Tuesday, September 17th, at 5 p.m. The meeting will take place at the Humane Society of Ventura County, located at 402 Bryant St. in Ojai, in front of the Harry Valentine Visitor Center. We hope to see you there! Each year, the Board of Directors conducts two open board meetings to provide an opportunity for the public to learn more about the HSVC, ask questions, and find out how to get involved with the nonprofit's animal rescue efforts. These meetings are the perfect opportunity for our community to learn more about the different services the Shelter has to offer and how you can help. If you have any questions about our upcoming open board meeting, please feel free to call the shelter at 805-646-6505 or email [email protected]. Thank you, and we look forward to seeing you all on October 18th!

Latest News
27 Aug 2024

HSVC Attends Ventura County Volunteer Fair

By Humane Society of Ventura County

   It was a gorgeous day at the harbor last Saturday as shelter staff and volunteers attended the Ventura County Volunteer Fair. The event, hosted by Habitat for Humanity Ventura and Portside Ventura Harbor, was a day of food, fun, and more to encourage volunteerism throughout the county. We were thrilled to be included in such a fantastic event!

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26 Aug 2024

Glen Park Senior Living Visits HSVC for Fun at the Shelter

By Humane Society of Ventura County

   The Humane Society of Ventura County recently welcomed friends from Glen Park Senior Living for an afternoon of animal interactions and activities! They were joined by Programs Director Arlene MacSween and Administrative Assistant Judy Robertson for bingo, snacks, and information about all things HSVC. The group even got a visit from Tetley the Corgi! Each visitor got to give Tetley a treat while his owner, HSVC's Office Manager, Karen, performed a series of tricks with the adorable pup. Thank you to the members of Glen Park for stopping by for a visit, and shout out to their Activities Director, Hollyn Heron, for helping coordinate the fun!

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25 Aug 2024

Thank You Oaks Restorative Ranch!

By Humane Society of Ventura County

   The HSVC would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Kali Brooks and volunteers from Oaks Restorative Ranch for giving our round horse arena a much-needed makeover! The group came to the shelter on Wednesday, August 21st, to partner with Equine Manager, Christina, on several projects in our barn. The group spent several hours pulling weeds, racking, and leveling the dirt in our round pen, which had become overgrown and soft due to ongoing severe weather. We are so grateful for their time and dedication to helping create a clean and safe place for our horses to exercise!

Latest News
23 Aug 2024

Foster Spotlights, The Heroes Behind the Scenes

By Humane Society of Ventura County

In the world of animal rescue, there are stories that capture our hearts and remind us of the extraordinary impact that kindness and perseverance can have. Many of these comeback kid stories are those of helpless foster animals and the loving foster caregivers who help them reach their full potential. To finish off Foster Appreciation Week, we'd like to shine a light on just a few of our many foster parents who go above and beyond the call of duty to make a difference in the lives of these animals.     Meet Val and Julie, a compassionate couple with a passion for feline welfare. Their journey began when they decided to foster cats, driven by a love for animals and a desire to make a difference. Their lives took a turn when they encountered a sister duo, Buttercup, and Blossom, diagnosed with FIP, a viral disease that, until recently, was often considered a death sentence for cats. It can cause severe inflammation in various organs and is notoriously difficult to treat. The condition causes many other rescuers to shy away from due to the high stakes involved. When Val and Julie first took in the FIP-positive sisters, they were aware of the immense challenges ahead. They were determined to give the kittens a chance at recovery, administering meticulous care and medication. Their efforts paid off as the kittens showed signs of improved health and vitality. Val and Julie grew deeply attached to the kittens during this time. When the time came to find permanent homes for the now-healthy cats, the couple decided to adopt the kittens themselves, feeling a profound sense of responsibility and commitment to their well-being. Their home was now filled with the joyous purrs and playful antics of the once-sickly cats. After successfully treating Buttercup and Blossom, they also fostered and later adopted another FIP-positive kitten named Stormy. The tale of Val and Julie is a reminder that every effort, every bit of care, and every ounce of love counts. Their journey with the FIP-positive cats exemplifies the power of perseverance and the profound impact of fostering. By choosing to adopt the cats they had saved, they not only gave them a second chance at life but also enriched their own lives in ways they could never have imagined. In a world where stories of heartache and struggle often dominate, this story stands out as a shining example of the good that can come from compassion and commitment. It reminds us that behind every successful rescue is a story of dedication, sacrifice, and an unwavering belief in the power of love.    Honey was brought into Santa Barbara Animal Services after being found as a stray in Santa Maria. She gave birth to her eight adorable pups shortly after arriving, and all were named after sweeteners to go along with her name. Ann, a local animal lover, heard about Honey and her pups through the Nextdoor app and opened up her home to foster the bunch until they were ready to find their forever homes. The adorable brood grew before our eyes to become the most lovable and friendly fur babies who have all found their forever homes. Day by day, Ann saw just how special Honey was and it became clear that their bond was unbreakable. Now Honey has a permanent place to call home filled with love, laughter, and endless love. Here's to Ann and Honey proving that sometimes the perfect match is right in front of you.     Andrea is a true angel in our shelter community! Not only does she pour her heart into volunteering at the shelter, but she also has a special way with every cat that comes through our doors. Her dedication and kindness are unmatched. She is currently fostering Pino, a 3-year-old kitty who was struggling in the shelter environment. Thanks to Andrea’s unwavering love and incredible patience, Pino is thriving and ready for a forever home. If you’re looking for a special cat to add to your family, Pino would love to be yours! Andrea's story is a reminder of the incredible impact one person can make. Thank you, Andrea, for opening up your home for not just long-term fostering but for volunteering your time at the shelter with the cats and kittens.

Latest News
21 Aug 2024

Back to School Pet Safety Tips

By Humane Society of Ventura County

   Now that kids are back in school, it's time for back-to-school safety tips! While new school supplies are fun for kids, these items may not be safe if your pet gets into them. Kids may leave their belongings on the floor at home after a busy day at school, making them an irresistible target. Curious pets can find their way into open backpacks and lunchboxes and help themselves to the contents inside. It is good practice to keep lunchboxes and backpacks in a designated area or room in the house to which your pets don't have access. This may mean keeping those items behind a closed door, cabinet, or closet or hanging them on a high, unreachable hook or shelf.  There are many common foods found in lunch boxes or backpacks that can be toxic to pets if ingested. Fruits like grapes, raisins, apple cores and seeds, grapefruit, pitted fruits like cherries and peaches, avocados, and tomatoes can cause severe health problems if consumed. Other common lunchtime snacks like macadamia nuts, chocolate, onions, garlic, and gum (xylitol) can also be hazardous. Cold packs are used to keep food cool, but they can be deadly if consumed by furry friends. Markers, crayons, pencils, and glue sticks commonly stored in backpacks can damage internal organs or make our pets sick if ingested. Consuming vital backpack items like medications and inhalers may also land your pet in a veterinarian's office. 

Latest News
20 Aug 2024

We're Celebrating Foster Appreciation Week!

By Humane Society of Ventura County

   It's Foster Appreciation Week, and we are here to express our gratitude for the dedication our foster parents put into the process. Every year, countless animals find themselves without a home, vulnerable, and in need of care. While shelters and rescue organizations work tirelessly to provide for these animals, there’s a group of unsung heroes who play an equally vital role in this mission: animal foster parents. During Animal Foster Appreciation Week, we take the time to honor these extraordinary individuals who open their hearts and homes to animals in need. Animal fostering is more than just providing a temporary home for pets; it’s about giving them a second chance at life. Foster parents step in when animals are too young, sick, or traumatized to be placed in a shelter. They provide a safe, loving environment where these animals can heal, grow, and prepare for their forever homes. This important role not only saves lives but also helps shelters manage their populations more effectively. The impact of fostering is profound, benefiting both the animals and the foster parents. Animals that go through foster care often have a higher chance of being adopted. This is because foster homes allow pets to develop social skills, become accustomed to home environments, and overcome any behavioral issues they might have. For foster parents, the experience is equally rewarding. Many describe fostering as life-changing, filled with moments of joy, love, and fulfillment. It’s an opportunity to make a tangible difference in an animal’s life, knowing that their efforts directly contribute to a happy ending for each pet they care for. Despite the many benefits, some misconceptions about fostering persist. Some people fear they’ll become too attached and won’t be able to let the animal go when it’s time for adoption. While it’s true that saying goodbye can be difficult, foster parents often find comfort in knowing that they’ve helped an animal on its journey to a loving home. Others may think fostering is too time-consuming or that they lack the experience to care for an animal with special needs. HSVC provides extensive support, including training, veterinary care, and supplies, to ensure foster parents feel confident and prepared to support HSVC’s mission to protect, serve, and ultimately save more lives.

Latest News
12 Aug 2024

Honey Finds Her Furever Home!

By Humane Society of Ventura County

   Mama Honey found her furever home in the most heartwarming way! Her journey began in foster care, where she quickly won the heart of her foster mom, Ann, with her sweet personality and playful spirit. Honey was brought into Santa Barbara Animal Services after being found as a stray in Santa Maria. She gave birth to her eight adorable pups shortly after arriving, and all were named after sweeteners to go along with her name. Ann, a local animal lover, heard about Honey and her pups through the Nextdoor app and volunteered to foster the bunch until they were ready to find their furever homes. Day by day, Ann saw just how special Honey was and it became clear that their bond was unbreakable. Now Honey has a permanent place to call home filled with love, laughter, and endless love. Here's to Ann and Honey proving that sometimes the perfect match is right in front of you. Congrats and happy tails to all!