When the shelter opens, we will ask if anyone is here for a specific pet.* If so, we will hold a drawing. A ticket will be selected at random in front of everyone. We will draw two tickets. If your ticket is chosen first, you will have the first opportunity to interact with the pet and possibly adopt. Adoptions are contingent on meeting with an adoption counselor and a MYM form being completed. If you choose not to adopt, the second place party will then have an opportunity to interact with the pet and possibly adopt.
                                                                                                                                         
Please note: Winning the drawing does not guarantee an adoption. If we feel the match is not a good fit, we will help you find a pet best suited for you and your lifestyle.

**It is the department's policy that any person recorded to be the source of the animal's impound, that turns over a stray animal to this Department has the first option to adopt the animal when it becomes available for adoption. The finder must be present when the animal first becomes available for adoption, and if one or more persons wish to adopt the animal at that time, the finder has the right of first refusal.**

ADOPTION DISCOUNTS:
Ventura County Animal Services offers a number of discounts to adopters:
1) Any dog or cats who is 5 years or older can be adopted for half of the adoption fee (does not include a possible license fee).
2) Any human who is 55 years or older can adopt a dog or cat for half of the adoption fee (does not include a possible license fee).
3) Any VETERAN of the United States Armed Forces can adopt a dog or cat at fee-waived (does not include a possible license fee). Must show a government issued identification which indicates your status as a veteran. EFFECTIVE JANUARY 1, 2020.

These discounts do not guarantee the adoption of a shelter pet. All interested parties must meet with an Adoption Counselor to make sure the best possible matches are made.

THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO PET ADOPTION

4. PAPERWORK & AGREEMENT

CONGRATULATIONS! You've found your next best friend! All that's needed is do a little paperwork and pay the Adoption Fee. The adoption fees for small animals (rabbits, hamsters, iguanas, guinea pigs, rats, etc.) vary depending on species. All adoptions include lots of extras, like:

$90 (LICENSING FEES MAY APPLY) DOG ADOPTION FEE INCLUDES:	$80 (LICENSING FEES MAY APPLY) CAT ADOPTION FEE INCLUDES:
Spay or Neuter Surgery	Spay or Neuter Surgery
Bordetella, DAPPL4 and Canine Influenza Vaccinations	FVRCP Vaccination
Flea Preventative	Flea Preventative
Deworming Preventative	Deworming Preventative
Rabies Vaccination (4 months of age or older)	Rabies Vaccination (4 months of age or older)
Microchip with Free Lifetime Registration	Microchip with Free Lifetime Registration
1-Year Dog License (if applicable)	1-Year Cat License (if applicable)
Free Health Check-Up Voucher	Free Health Check-Up Voucher
Lifetime of Love	Cardboard Carrier and a Lifetime of Love

Adoption Policy

Adoptions end 30 minutes before closing time. Make sure to allow for plenty of time to meet your new friend and get the adoption process completed. The shelter remains open for the last 30 minutes for visitors. We accept cash, check, money order, VISA, and MasterCard.

If you would like more information about an animal, we highly recommend visiting the shelter in person.

While the listing of animals that are available for adoption is updated every 30 minutes, we cannot guarantee that any of the adoptable animals will still be available when you inquire in person or by email. Animals are adopted frequently and quickly.

Our goal is to find homes for the animals so unfortunately we are not able to take requests to hold or reserve an animal.

A large majority of animals come to the shelter with unknown medical histories. Most veterinarians honor a free health check visit for a newly adopted shelter pet. We will give you a list of participating veterinarians when you adopt. Keeping pets healthy is very important; we do recommend regular check-ups with a veterinarian.

For more information, please read about Caring For Your Pets.