Our mission at HSVC is to serve the people and pets of our community, especially those in the underserved burrows of our county. Members of our community outreach program, HSVC Cares, did just that last week by hosting an emergency vaccination clinic for pets living with their owners in an unhoused community of Ventura. The area, known as the "Outback", had a recent Parvovirus outbreak affecting many pets in the community. This virus can be deadly if left untreated, and treatment is often very expensive. The HSVC Cares team offered several free medical services, including vaccinations and medical exams, and performed three Parvovirus treatments. They serviced 42 dogs in total, and we are so proud of them for springing into action to help!

Members of the HSVC Cares team dressed in full personal protective equipment (PPE) to minimize exposure to the virus. Though not contagious to humans, canine Parvovirus is extremely contagious to other animals and can linger on surfaces long after the infected animal leaves an area. They worked with extreme care and caution to avoid bringing the virus back to our shelter or their personal pets. 

"We were alerted by community members early this week that there was a Parvovirus outbreak in the "Outback." Members of HSVC Cares quickly mobilized to go on-site to provide care for sick dogs, including treatment with a new Parvovirus Monoclonal Antibody Serum and Parvovirus prevention vaccination for healthy dogs. We will be returning in a few weeks with our new mobile spay/neuter vehicle to provide vaccine boosters and spay/neuter services. We're as grateful we were to be able to provide these lifesaving services," said HSVC Director of Veterinary Services, Christina Sisk. 

Thank you, HSVC Cares team, for consistently serving animals in need throughout Ventura County!