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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
11 Feb 2025

Cupid's Guide to Valen'tails Day Pet Safety

By Humane Society of Ventura County

Valentine’s Day is all about love, and who better to share that love with than our furry companions? However, amid the romance and sweet treats, it’s important to keep in mind that not all Valentine’s Day goodies and decorations are pet-friendly. From chocolates to flowers, there are a few hazards that can turn a heartwarming holiday into a pet emergency. Let’s ensure your pets stay safe while you enjoy all the love this season brings! Happy Valen'tails Day to you and your four-legged companions! Chocolate: One of the most well-known dangers of Valentine’s Day is chocolate. While we indulge in delicious chocolate hearts and truffles, our pets can suffer severe consequences if they ingest it. Chocolate contains theobromine, which is toxic to dogs and cats, even in small amounts. Dark chocolate is the most dangerous, but even milk chocolate poses a risk. Keep all chocolate far out of reach of your pets, and don’t forget to dispose of wrappers properly! Symptoms of chocolate poisoning can include vomiting, diarrhea, rapid breathing, and seizures. Flowers: Valentine’s Day bouquets are beautiful, but certain flowers can be harmful to pets. Lilies, for example, are highly toxic to cats, even in small amounts. Roses are generally safe for pets, but be cautious of thorns that can injure your furry friends. Always place flowers in areas that are out of reach to avoid any curious nibbling. Ingesting even a small piece can cause symptoms like drooling, vomiting, or lethargy. Sweets: Candies and sweet treats are a staple of Valentine’s Day, but many of them contain xylitol, a sugar substitute that’s extremely toxic to dogs. Even small amounts of xylitol can cause a rapid insulin release, leading to hypoglycemia, seizures, and even liver failure. Gummy candies, mints, and sugar-free chocolates are common culprits. Keep all candy out of your pet’s reach.

Latest News
10 Feb 2025

HSVC Welcomes The Cat Daddy, Jackson Galaxy!

By Humane Society of Ventura County

   Jackson Galaxy, renowned cat behaviorist, bestselling author, and beloved TV host of My Cat From Hell, recently brought his expertise and passion for feline welfare to the Humane Society of Ventura County. Known as "The Cat Daddy," Jackson has dedicated his life to understanding and advocating for cats, especially those with behavioral challenges. Jackson, along with his associate Kristin Hassen, shared invaluable insights to help some of our harder-to-adopt residents find their forever homes. With his trademark mix of compassion, wisdom, and a little bit of cat mojo, Jackson worked with staff to better understand these special animals and give them the best chance at adoption. Thank you, Jackson and Kristin, for making the journey to Ojai and advocating for animals in need!

Latest News
06 Feb 2025

HSVC Cares Serves over 200 Animals at Oxnard Clinic

By Humane Society of Ventura County

   Last Saturday, HSVC Cares proudly hosted an offsite pet vaccination clinic at the Alano Club of Oxnard, bringing essential veterinary services directly to the community. Throughout the day, our dedicated Clinic team worked tirelessly to provide vaccinations to a total of 188 dogs and cats, with an additional 14 spay/neuter surgeries performed onsite in our mobile Pet Wellness Clinic vehicle. This event was the most successful offsite clinic to date, reflecting our shelter's commitment to supporting pet owners who may face barriers to accessing traditional veterinary care. Way to go team!

Latest News
05 Feb 2025

Touchdown for Super Bowl Pet Safety

By Humane Society of Ventura County

  The Super Bowl isn’t just a game—it’s an event. Whether you're hosting a party, attending a gathering, or just enjoying the game with your family, there’s plenty of excitement to go around. However, with all the noise, food, and chaos, it’s important not to forget about your furry friends. Pets can easily become stressed or even get into trouble during the Super Bowl festivities. To help you keep your pets safe and comfortable while you cheer on your team, we’ve put together a list of pet safety tips for the big day. Photo credit: People Entertainment   Create a Safe Space for Your Pet The Super Bowl is filled with loud cheers, unexpected noises, and flashing lights—all of which can be overwhelming for pets, especially those who are sensitive to sound. To help your pet feel safe and calm, designate a quiet area away from the action where they can retreat. This space should have their bed, water bowl, and maybe even a few of their favorite toys to keep them occupied. If your pet is crate-trained, this can be a great time to use their crate as a calming sanctuary. Keep Dangerous Foods Out of Reach Super Bowl snacks are a big part of the fun, but many of the foods you enjoy could be harmful to your pet. Foods like chocolate, onions, garlic, avocado, and certain nuts (like macadamia) are toxic to pets. Additionally, fatty foods and salty snacks like chips and dip can cause digestive issues and even pancreatitis in pets. Keep all human food out of reach, and be sure your guests are aware of what’s safe (and what’s not) for pets.  Say No to Chicken Wings Stay focused on the game despite those adorable puppy dog eyes! It’s tough to resist when your pets are begging for a taste of your chicken wings, but it’s important not to give in. Smaller bones from chickens and other birds can pose a choking hazard for your furry friends. If a bone splinters, it could lead to serious injury in your pet’s digestive system. Plus, the extra salt can be harmful, too. Keep an eye out for symptoms of too much salt consumption, which may include diarrhea, vomiting, tremors, or even elevated body temperature and seizures. Your pet’s safety is worth it! Watch for Loud Noises The Super Bowl is known for loud halftime shows and enthusiastic crowds. While exciting for many, these sounds can frighten pets, especially anxious ones. To help your pet stay calm, consider playing soothing music or keeping the TV volume reasonable. Use calming tools like pheromone sprays, or consult your vet about anti-anxiety medication if your pet panics during loud events. The commercials are also often loud and abrupt, with flashing lights and high-energy visuals, which can stress sensitive pets. If your pet shows signs of anxiety during the game or commercials, distract them with treats, toys, or calming activities. Keeping the TV volume low or muting it during loud ads is advisable. Supervise Interactions with Guests If you're having people over to watch the game, be mindful of how your pet interacts with guests. Not everyone knows how to properly approach or handle a pet, so it’s important to supervise these interactions. Some pets may get overwhelmed or anxious with too much attention, especially from strangers. Set boundaries and ensure your guests respect your pet’s space. If your pet is more social, make sure they’re not getting too much attention or becoming overstimulated, which can lead to anxiety or accidents.

Latest News
04 Feb 2025

Community Comes Together For Pets in Need

By Humane Society of Ventura County

This past weekend, we gathered for a special event that not only brought our community together but also raised vital funds for a cause close to our hearts—Pasadena Humane Society. Sip & Savor for Good was a beautiful afternoon of delicious treats, refreshing drinks, and, most importantly, generosity in the wake of the devastating Eaton Fire. The event, which took place at Meiners Oaks Community Garden, was a celebration of community spirit. Guests were treated to a variety of mouthwatering offerings, making it impossible not to indulge. The Pinholita Coffee Van kept everyone caffeinated with freshly brewed coffee, while Bake Ojai delighted our taste buds with an array of delectable pastries. For those who preferred something a little lighter, Pinyon Ojai served up fresh, artisanal bagels that were as beautiful as they were tasty. And, of course, no event would be complete without a refreshing drink, so guests enjoyed freshly pressed juices, making for the perfect balance to the savory and sweet treats.   

Latest News
30 Jan 2025

Long-Term Case Pups Ready for A Fresh Start

By Humane Society of Ventura County

Update (2/6/25): Charlie, Precious, Bear, and Precia have been adopted! After nearly two years at the shelter, we are ecstatic to share that Charlie, Bear, Prescia, Precious, and Jasmine are FINALLY available for adoption! The five pint-sized pups have been under protective custody as part of an active humane investigation since March 2023. Thank you to all our staff who diligently cared for these animals during their stay at the shelter. This happy ending wouldn't have been possible without you!

Latest News
28 Jan 2025

Four Cats, One Second Chance: Help Us Find Their Forever Homes

By Humane Society of Ventura County

The recent Eaton Fire in Los Angeles County left many people and animals in need of urgent help. In response, the Pasadena Humane Society quickly stepped in to support their community by providing shelter for the displaced pets forced to evacuate from the fire. As part of their efforts to make room for evacuated pets, four special feline residents were transferred to our shelter, where they’re now ready to find their forever homes. You can read more about their journey to HSVC here.      Above from left to right: 7-year-old Houdini (formerly Kirim), 7-year-old Seana, 3-year-old Zinnia, & 4-year-old Simone

Latest News
22 Jan 2025

HSVC Cares Helps Wherever They Can

By Humane Society of Ventura County

Every day, thousands of people experience homelessness in our community. Many rely on their pets as a constant source of companionship, comfort, and love. These pets, though undeniably loved by their owners, face challenges regarding access to basic healthcare and resources necessary for survival. The Humane Society of Ventura County's community outreach program, HSVC Cares, was born to support the needs of these owners and their pets, allowing pet owners the chance to properly care for the animals they love most.      On January 11th, our mobile Pet Wellness Clinic revisited an unhoused community in Ventura County. Dr. Christina Sisk, Dr. Melodie Degen, and their Clinic team arrived with the goal of providing essential wellness services to pets within the community. The team offered free spay/neuter surgeries and vaccinations, two critical services that help prevent pet overpopulation and protect animals from preventable diseases such as Rabies, Parvovirus, and Distemper. Our staff also took in five 9-week-old puppies surrendered to the shelter by an owner who could no longer care for them. They are currently receiving medical treatment and may be available for adoption soon. Stay tuned! HSVC Cares is committed to ensuring that all pets, no matter their living situation, receive the healthcare they deserve. Our shelter aims to not only improve the well-being of animals within our community but also help prevent unwanted litters and the spread of dangerous diseases. The HSVC Cares initiative helps curb the pet overpopulation crisis and helps pets in need live healthy, happy lives.