UPDATE (4/26): The Humane Society of Ventura County was forced to close its doors to the public, including Volunteers, in March of 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Though we were limited, our shelter was able to stay true to its mission of helping those in need by performing our vital services by appointment. However, as Ventura County reopens, the HSVC is following suit by slowly returning to pre-pandemic operations.
We will be welcoming Animal Ambassadors ONLY back to the Shelter at this time beginning Monday, May 3rd. This special group of Volunteers have gone through significant training and are considered our most experienced Volunteers. Animal Ambassadors must have received both their COVID-19 vaccines at least two weeks before returning to the HSVC. We are also requiring all returning Volunteers, including Animal Ambassadors, to attend a return-to-shelter training session to review our new policies. Once completed, Animal Ambassadors may schedule a date and time to volunteer.
HSVC Volunteers who are not currently Animal Ambassadors will be welcomed back to the shelter soon. Those who are interested in participating in the HSVC Volunteer Program, please review the Volunteer page below for more information.
Any questions regarding the HSVC Volunteer Program should be directed to Audra Lucas, Volunteer Coordinator for the HSVC. Audra can be reached at [email protected] or 805-646-6505 x110.
Thank you for your interest in becoming a volunteer at the Humane Society of Ventura County. As a private, non-profit organization that does not receive funding from the government or national animal welfare organizations like HSUS or ASPCA, we depend on people like you who selflessly give their time to the animals and the programs that support them. Becoming a volunteer with HSVC is both a great responsibility and a privilege. We (both shelter staff and volunteers) pride ourselves on our outstanding care of animals and expect the same from incoming team members. But don’t worry! We will provide all the training you will need to make this experience “pawsitive” for you and the animals!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
1. When will regular volunteers be allowed back to the Shelter?
The HSVC will continue to be guided by State and County health mandates and slowly open our doors as the County reopens. No specific date has been set.
2. I am a volunteer; how do I know if I’m an Animal Ambassador?
HSVC Animal Ambassadors have achieved their status after a long history of volunteering at the Shelter and by receiving additional training. Animal Ambassadors can be identified by their teal-colored volunteer shirts.
3. I am a volunteer, how do I become an Animal Ambassador?
The HSVC is not accepting new Animal Ambassadors currently. This may change once the Shelter is fully open to volunteers and casual visits from the public.
4. How do I become a Volunteer for the HSVC?
We are not accepting any new volunteers at this time. For those interested in participating in the HSVC Volunteer Program in the future, please fill out the form at the bottom of this page.
5. Can I foster for the HSVC?
For those interested in the HSVC Foster Program, visit our Foster Page and click the red "Become a Foster" button to fill out an application.
6. Can I visit the animals if I’m not a volunteer?
The HSVC is currently closed to casual visits to the public due to COVID-19. We are planning on opening soon (date TBD) following guidance from State and County health mandates.