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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.

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.

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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.

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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!

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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

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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.

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20 Jan 2025

You Can Make a Difference, Become A Foster Pawrent Today!

By Humane Society of Ventura County

Above from left to right: 2-year-old Reese, 7-year-old Kirim (from Pasadena Humane), 2-year-old Jake, & 3-year-old Zinna (from Pasadena Humane) Over the past week, we have received many inquiries from folks wanting to foster a pet displaced from the ongoing wildfires. We appreciate our community's willingness to help! However, while we were actively ready to accept evacuated animals, only three horses arrived at the shelter seeking refuge and four cats that were transferred from Pasadena Humane Society. We're happy to report the equines have been returned to their homes safely. But that doesn't mean you can't still help a shelter animal in need!

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16 Jan 2025

Evacuated Equines Find Their Way Back Home

By Humane Society of Ventura County

Update (1/22/25): CalFire is reporting over 23,000 acres burned and 68% contained. Many have seen the devastating damage caused by the Palisades Fire, which broke out on the morning of January 7th in Pacific Palisades, CA. Over a week has passed since its initial spark, with CalFire reporting over 23,000 acres burned and only 22% containment. HSVC immediately opened its doors to offer emergency housing to anyone in need of a safe haven for their animals. On the evening of Thursday, January 9th, our shelter took in three horses that had been evacuated from the active Palisades Fire. A dedicated team of HSVC staff worked late into the night to ensure Rocky, Brody, and Mister were safely received, comforted, and cared for upon their arrival. Brody (below middle) was familiar with the rodeo chaos of evacuation, as he was transported to HSVC during the Woolsey Fire of 2018. We're happy to report that the trio of horses are now safely heading back to their home a week later with their family! "We were genuinely happy to provide them with a safe place to evacuate during such a rough time. The uncertainty of the situation weighed heavily on our minds, so we couldn't imagine the overwhelming fear that Larry and Lori must have felt amidst the chaos surrounding them. It is important to us to create an environment where individuals can find solace and security, especially during moments of distress. Our commitment to ensuring safety and comfort for those in need remains steadfast, and we strive to be a beacon of hope when it is most desperately needed," Kendra King, Humane Investigations Director.

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13 Jan 2025

Staying Prepared and Safe During an Emergency

By Humane Society of Ventura County

A red flag warning remains in effect from Monday, January 13th, beginning at 10 pm PST, until Wednesday, January 15th, ending at 12 pm PST. This warning is for the mountains of Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties, as well as the Santa Ynez Mountains eastern range, Lake Casitas, and Ojai Valley. Residents should expect gusty east winds and low humidity with periods of east winds 20 to 35 mph and potential gusts up to 50 mph. When fires are actively burning near your area, it's critical to prioritize safety, stay informed, and take proactive steps to prepare for an emergency. Wildfires threaten not only homes and communities but also the lives of people and their beloved pets. Check out these essential fire safety tips, preparation strategies, and resources to help you protect yourself, your pets, and your loved ones during this dangerous time. Photo credit left: Los Angeles County Fire Department Stay Informed: When wildfires are active, staying updated on their progression is vital for making timely decisions. Sign Up for Alerts: Register for emergency notifications through apps like WatchDuty or DisasterAlert. These will provide real-time updates on fire locations, evacuation orders, and air quality. Track Wildfire Activity & Monitor Air Quality: Use resources like VC Emergency, Cal Fire, the National Interagency Fire Center, and airnow.gov to track up-to-date information on fire spread and air quality levels in your area. Monitor Local News: For accurate and current information, follow local government websites, news stations, and social media accounts. Prepare for Possible Evacuations: You may have very little time to leave safely if a wildfire is nearby. Preparing now can save precious minutes later. Prepare an Emergency Go Bag for Humans and Pets: Things to Pack or Humans: water and non-perishable food (3 days supply minimum) first-aid kit copies of important documents (IDs, insurance policies, medical records, passport) medications and hygiene items flashlight, batteries, and phone chargers extra clothing and sturdy shoes Things to Pack for Pets: pet carrier or crate (labeled with your contact information) leash, collar with ID tag, and harness food and water with bowls (3 days supply minimum) medication and vaccination records comfort items (blanket, toys, etc.) waste disposal items (litter, plastic bags, poop bags) photo of your pet (in case you get separated) Plan Evacuation Routes: Identify multiple exit routes in case some roads are closed. Prepare your Vehicle: Keep your gas tank full, and store an extra phone charger, blanket, and additional supplies in your car. Protect Your Home: While your safety comes first, reducing your home's vulnerability can make a difference. Create Defensible Space: Remove flammable materials like leaves, debris, and dry vegetation within 30 feet of your home. Seal Openings: Close windows, vents, and doors to prevent embers from entering your home. Wet Down Surrounding Areas: If time permits, use a hose to wet your roof, lawn, and surrounding areas to slow fire spread. Secure Pet Areas: Remove flammable items from outdoor pet enclosures or yards. During an Evacuation Order: When authorities issue an evacuation order, act immediately to ensure everyone's safety. For Humans: Leave Early: Don't wait for the fire to get closer. Roads can become congested, and conditions may deteriorate quickly. Wear Protective Clothing: Long sleeves, pants, sturdy shoes, gloves, and a mask can protect you from heat, embers, and smoke. Follow Designated Routes: Stick to official evacuation routes and avoid shortcuts, as fire conditions can change unpredictably. Notify Loved Ones: Let family or friends know your location and destination. For Pets: Evacuate Together: Never leave pets behind. If it's unsafe for you, it's unsafe for them. Use Carriers: Transport pets in secure carriers or with harnesses to prevent escape. Know Pet-Friendly Shelters: Research shelters or hotels in advance that accommodate pets. Protect Your Health During Wildfires: Even if you're not in immediate danger, wildfire smoke can pose serious health risks. For Humans: Stay Indoors: Keep windows and doors closed to minimize some exposure. Use an air purifier with HEPA filters to improve indoor air quality. Wear N95 Masks: These masks filter out fine particles and can reduce exposure to harmful smoke. Limit Outdoor Activity: Avoid strenuous outdoor activities to minimize inhalation of smoke. For Pets: Keep Pets Indoors: Wildfire smoke affects animals just as it does humans. Protect Their Lungs: Keep Pets in rooms with the best air quality, and avoid walks or outdoor time. Monitor for Symptoms: Watch for signs of respiratory distress in pets, such as coughing, lethargy, or difficulty breathing. Contact your veterinarian immediately if symptoms appear or worsen. Resources to Help You Prepare: Take advantage of these resources to stay prepared and informed. HSVC Disaster Preparedness Plan ASPCA Disaster Preparedness for Pets Red Cross Wildfire Preparedness CalFire Wildfire Preparedness FEMA Ready.gov Preparedness Cal Fire Wildfire Map Updates Smoke and Air Quality Updates vcemergency.com & lafd.org/alerts After the Fire, Returning Home Safely: Once the danger has passed and authorities give the all clear, exercise caution when returning home. For Humans: Inspect your Property: Look for hidden embers or hotspots that could reignite. Document Damage: Take photos for insurance claims. Dispose of Contaminated Items: Food, beverages, and personal items exposed to heat or smoke may no longer be safe. Seek Support: Local shelters, the Red Cross, and FEMA assist those affected by wildfires. For Pets: Check for Hazards: Look for broken glass, debris, or smoldering embers in outdoor areas where pets play. Reintroduce Gradually: Pets may be stressed after an evacuation. Create a quiet, safe space for them to recover. Schedule a Vet Checkup: Smoke inhalation or stress can have delayed effects even if your pet seems fine.

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