Life events, such as job loss, eviction, divorce or death, can result in a wonderful pet needing assistance or even a new home. In an effort to help families keep their pets and stay out of the shelter system, we have developed this pet assistance page. About 3 out of 5 pet parents are able to help their current situation by using the information found on this page.
COMMON Issues
BEHAVIOR ISSUES: If your pet is displaying behavior issues, please email us at info@vcas.us so we can recommend resources and a local trainer. Also, take a look at our Behavior & Training section for helpful information addressing a wide range of pet issues. Many problems can also be improved by ensuring your pet is spayed or neutered. Please review the Assistance Checklist below for low-cost spay and neuter services. If you didn’t socialize your dog as a puppy, it’s not too late to teach them manners.
DOMESTIC ISSUES: Are you staying in an abusive relationship for fear of what may happen to your pet if you leave? If so, please contact Ventura County’s Interface Program by dialing “211.” After arrangements have been made with the Interface Program, VCAS can place your pet(s) in a secure and private temporary foster home if needed.
If you are a survivor of domestic violence and need immediate assistance, please call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at (800) 799-7233.
EVICTION: If you are being evicted and are looking into housing that does not accept pets, you may have an option. If you have a disability-related need for an Emotional Support Animal (ESA), the housing provider could have no choice but to allow an animal as a reasonable accommodation, unless the housing provider can show that an exception applies. Carefully review the Emotional Support Animals and Fair Housing Law and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for further details.
HOUSING: There are apartments, townhouses, and condos that accept pets; however they can be more expensive. If money is an issue, some places may allow you to spread a pet deposit over multiple months. You can also start a GoFundMe page to help crowdfund for this expense. Further, check out Pet-Friendly Rentals in our county. If you are unsure of your next housing situation, consider asking a friend, coworker, or family member to temporarily care for your pet. That way, the animal can still be in your life until circumstances have improved.
NEW BABY: Here are two (2) resources to help your baby and pet live together: Introduce New Baby to your Dog, and Safety Tips for Kids and Dog.
NOT ENOUGH TIME: Experts agree that dogs require a minimum of 15 minutes of one-on-one time with their owner each day to be happy. Pets reduce personal stress, can add years to your life, and even decrease the amount of medication you take. So, try to make the time for you and your dog.
PET FOOD: If you require temporary pet food assistance, click here to learn about our Pet Pantry Program.
SERVICE MEMBER ASSISTANCE: Contact Dogs on Deployment regarding the safe keeping of your pet while on active duty.
VETERINARY ASSISTANCE: Low-cost vaccinations: Humane Society of Ventura County, Mercy Crusade, local Petco stores, and Theresa’s Country Feed & Pet. Click here for an expanded list of veterinary resources. Low-cost spay or neuter services: Humane Society of Ventura County, Simi Valley Non-Profit Spay & Neuter Clinic, and Spay & Neuter Animal Network.
Pet Pantry
Ventura County Animal Services cares about you and your pets. If you are in need of supplemental and/or temporary pet food assistance during times of need, the VCAS Pet Pantry is available to you. Food provided through this program has been donated by our Pet Pantry Partners as well as caring individuals and businesses in the community. Visit the Camarillo Animal Shelter during normal business hours to ask about pet food at no cost.
Please note
- Because Pet Pantry food is donated, we cannot guarantee specific types and brands of food.
- Please ensure you feed the correct amount of food by referencing recommendations listed on the packaging.
- We suggest slowly introducing the new food over time as your pet may experience some digestive trouble as they adapt to their new food. If temporary digestive issues do not subside, discontinue feeding the new food, and visit a veterinarian if needed.
- By accepting food from our Pet Pantry, you take full responsibility for any adverse effects which may come about due to the introduction of new food, and you agree, along with members of your household, family members, and friends, that Ventura County Animal Services, their officers, directors, member agents, employees, and volunteers shall not be held liable for any claims, liabilities, losses or damages.
Pet Pantry Partners
VCAS has partnered with caring local pet supply businesses to help keep our pet pantry stocked with critical food needed by those in our community. These businesses are official pet food donation DROP-OFF sites where pet food donations can be made.
-
Dioji K-9 Resort
www.dioji.com
633 E. Ventura Blvd.
Oxnard, CA 93036
-
Healthy Pet Camarillo
www.healthypetstores.com
850 Arneill Rd.
Camarillo, CA 93010
-
Healthy Pet Newbury Park
www.healthypetstores.com
67 N. Reino Rd.
Newbury Park, CA 91320
-
Healthy Pet Thousand Oaks
www.healthypetstores.com
1775 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd.
Thousand Oaks, CA 91362
-
Pet Supplies Plus
www.petsuppliesplus.com
379 Carmen Dr.
Camarillo, CA 93010
-
Pet Supply Camarillo
www.pet-supply-camarillo.business.site
516 Las Posas Rd.
Camarillo, CA 93010
-
Petropolis
www.petropoliscamarillo.com
5800 Santa Rosa Rd. Suite 144
Camarillo, CA 93012
-
Protein For Pets
www.proteinforpets.com
5722 Telephone Road
Ventura, CA, 93003
-
Theresa's Country Feed & Pet
www.theresascountryfeedandpet.com
1836 Erringer Rd.
Simi Valley, CA 93065
-
Theresa's Country Feed & Pet
www.theresascountryfeedandpet.com
144 Los Angeles Ave.
Moorpark, CA 93021
-
Theresa's Country Feed & Pet
www.theresascountryfeedandpet.com
111 S. Westlake Blvd.
Westlake Village, CA 91362
Rescue Groups
There are several non-profit transfer rescue groups who may be able to provide assistance including the transfer of ownership. Below is a list of Animal Rescue Groups in Ventura County and surrounding counties.
-
Ace of Hearts
www.acesangels.org
dogsfrfomheaven@aol.com
310-358-3344
Bully Breeds
-
All For Love Animal Rescue (AFLAR)
www.allforloveanimalrescue.org
info@allforloveanimalrescue.org
805-445-3535
Any Breeds
-
Bailing Out Bently Animal Rescue www.facebook.com/p/Bailing-Out-Bentley-100064728339214
Info@bailingoutbentley.org
All Breeds
-
Boston Buddies
www.bostonbuddies.org
contactus@bostonbuddies.org
310-364-4543
Boston Terriers
-
Boxer Rescue LA
www.boxer-rescue-la.com
310-862-0044
Boxers
-
Bunny Bunch
www.bunnybunch.org
caroline@bunnybunch.org
833-372-2248
Bunnies
-
Bunnies Urgently Needing Shelter (BUNS)
www.bunssb.org
info@bunssb.org
805-683-0521
Bunnies
-
Canine Adoption Rescue League (CARL)
www.carldogs.org
info@carldogs.org
805-644-7387
Any Breeds
-
Daisy Lu Ranch Foundation
www.daisyluranch.org
hello@daisyluranch.org
Senior Dogs
-
Foxy and the Hounds
www.foxyandthehounds.org
foxyandthehounds@gmail.com
Any Breeds
-
Hank’s Legacy Foundation
www.hankslegacyfoundation.org
info@hankslegacyfoundation.org
818-446-9532
All Breeds
-
LIFE Animal Rescue
www.lifeanimalrescue.org
lifeanimalrescue@gmail.com
818-707-2007
Dogs & Cats
-
Love Leo Rescue
www.loveleorescue.org
loveleorescue@gmail.com
Any Breeds
-
Meade Canine Rescue & Sanctuary
www.meadecaninerescue.net
4dots@att.net
805-239-4004
Small Senior Dogs
-
Muttville Senior Dog Rescue
www.muttville.org
info@muttville.org
415-272-4172
Senior Dogs
-
Outta the Cage
www.outtathecage.org
getem@outtathecage.org
Any Breeds
-
Paw Works
www.pawworks.org
info@pawworks.org
805-852-1744
Any Breeds
-
Pet Adoption Fund
www.petadoptionfund.org
admin@petadoptionfund.org
818-340-1687
Any Breeds
-
Power Pups Rescue
www.powerpupsrescue.org
info@powerpupsrescue.org
805-633-0919
Cats only
-
Precious Pals Pet Rescue
www.preciouspalspetrescue.org
preciouspalspetrescue@gmail.com
Any Breed
-
Pug Nation
www.pugnationla.org
310-327-7871
Pugs
-
Purrmaid Cafe & Adoption Center
www.purrmaidcatcafe.com
purrmaidcatcafe@gmail.com
(805) 419-6116
Cats only
-
Road Dogs Rescue
www.roadogs.org
info@roaddogsandrescue.org
424-236-8420
Bull Dogs and French Bull Dogs
-
Santa Paula Animal Rescue Center (SPARC)
www.santapaulaarc.org
info@santapaulaarc.org
805-525-8609
Dogs & Cats
-
Southern California Bulldog Rescue
www.socalbulldogrescue.org
info@socalbulldogrescue.org
714-612-0265
Bulldogs
-
Southern California Guinea Pig Rescue www.socalguineapigrescue.org
socalguineapigrescue@gmail.com
Guinea Pigs
-
Surf Cat Café
www.surfcatcafe.org
info@surfcatcafe.org
805-500-7125
Cats only
-
Ventura County Humane Society
www.hsvc.org
animals@hsvc.org
805-646-6505
Dogs & Cats
-
Wagging Dog Rescue
www.waggingdog.org
info@waggingdog.org
310-853-0757
Bully Breeds
-
What About Love Animal Rescue
www.whataboutloveanimalrescue.org
Companion Animals/ESAs
-
West Coast Lab Rescue
www.wclrr.org
info@wclrr.org
805-277-0307
Labs & Goldens
-
West Side German Shepherd Rescue
www.sheprescue.org
info@sheprescue.org
German Shepherds
-
Woof Project Rescue
www.woofproject.org
woofproject@outlook.com
Belgian Malinois
Boarding Facilities
- ALL DOGS RULE
- www.alldogsrule.com
- info@alldogsrule.com
- (805) 524-1100
-
2492 Grand Avenue
Fillmore, CA 93015 - NOTE: Required Vaccines – DHPP, Rabies, Leptospirosis, Bordetella, Canine Influenza
- BEACH DOG FUN
- www.beachdogfun.com
- info@beachdogfun.com
- (805) 987-1364
-
4035 Adolfo Rd
Camarillo, CA 93012 - NOTES: Small dogs 40 pounds and under only.
- THE CAT DOCTOR
- www.thecatdoctorventura.com/boarding.html
- (805) 656-2190
-
4587 Telephone Rd.
Ventura, CA 93003 - NOTE: Minimal availability
- CARL's PET CARE CENTER
- www.carlspetcarecenter.com
- reservations@carlsdogs.org
- (805) 525-3212
-
901 Mission Rock Rd.
Santa Paula, CA 93060 - NOTE: Required Vaccines - DHPP, Rabies, Bordetella (dogs) & FVRCP, FELV, Rabies (cats)
- DOGGIN' AROUND
- www.dogginarounddaycare.com
- info@teamdoggin.com
- (805) 223-3630
-
2954 Seaborg Ave
Ventura, CA 93003 - NOTES: Must be spayed/neutered if dog is over 7 months. No dogs over 12y Vaccines – DHPP, Rabies, 6-month Bordetella Assessment/temperament test
- FLYIN HIGH PET RESORT
- www.flyinghighpetresort.com
- flyinghighpetresort@gmail.com
- (805) 445-9099
-
2255 Pleasant Valley Rd
Camarillo, CA 93010 - NOTE: Assessment & temperament test. Vaccines – DHPP, Rabies, Bordetella
- INGLIS PET HOTEL
- www.inglispethotel.com
- (805) 485-7140
-
3889 N Southbank Rd.
Oxnard, CA 93036 - NOTE: Vaccines – DHPP, Rabies, Bordetella
- KITTYLAND RESORT (CATS)
- www.kittylandresort.com
- (805) 207-8600
- carri@kittylandresort.com
-
2443 Portola Rd.
Ventura, CA 93003 -
NOTES: Vaccines – FVRCP
Provide Veterinarian's contact information
- LAUGHIN' DOG INN
- www.laughingdoginn.com
- contactus@laughingdoginn.com
- (805) 586-4390
-
3362 Cajon Circle
Camarillo, CA 93010 -
NOTES: Must attend Dog Play Day within 2 weeks of boarding
Vaccines – DHPP, Rabies, Leptospirosis, Bordetella, Canine Influenza + flea and tick control
Breed restrictions No Pit Bulls, Rottweilers, Mastiffs, German Shepherds, or Chows (no aggressive dogs )
- OUR DOG HOUSE
- www.doghousecamarillo.com
- info@doghousecamarillo.com
- (805) 303-7434
-
294 S. Dawson Dr
Camarillo, CA 93012 - NOTES: Must be spayed or neutered if dog is over 7 months. No dogs over 12y. Vaccines – DHPP, Rabies, Bordetella (given every 6 months). Assessment / temperament test.
- SIMI VALLEY PET RESORT
- www.simivalleypetresort.com
- simivalleypetresort@gmail.com
- (805) 522-3294
-
1655 E. Los Angeles Ave
Simi Valley, CA 93066 - NOTES: Pets must be over 4 months old. Vaccines – DHPP, Rabies, Leptospirosis, Bordetella (given every 6 months). Assessment / temperament test.
- SEND ROVER ON OVER
- www.sendroveronover.com
- info@doghousecamarillo.com
- (805) 650-3294
-
1255 Callens Rd
Ventura, CA 93003 - NOTES: Must be spayed or neutered if dog is over 8 months. Vaccines – DHPP, Rabies, Bordetella. Assessment / temperament test
- VENTURA DOG RANCH
- www.venturadogranch.com/services
- hello@venturadogranch.com
- (805) 643-3647
-
4692 N Ventura Ave
Ventura, CA 93001 - NOTES: Vaccines – DHPP, Rabies, Leptospirosis, Bordetella (given every 6 months). Vaccines must be given at least 5 days before boarding date. All dogs over 1 year old must be spayed or neutered (no female dogs in heat)
Veterinary Assistance Programs
Actors and Others for Animals
www.actorsandothers.com/emergency_medical_assistance.html
818-755-6045
Resources Offered: Veterinary Assistance
Requirements: None.
Animal Health Foundation
www.animalhealthfoundation.org/financial-assistance
Resources Offered: Financial Assistance Resources
Requirements: None.
Bow Wow Buddies Foundation
www.bowwowbuddies.com/apply-for-grant
720-259-2251
Resources Offered: Veterinary Assistance
Requirements: No preventative care, spays/neuters, dentals, chronic illness, or end of life care.
Brown Dog Foundation
www.browndogfoundation.org/ask-for-help
browndog@browndogfoundation.org
Resources Offered: Veterinary Assistance
Requirements: None.
Canine Cancer Awareness
www.caninecancerawareness.org
Resources Offered: Cancer Assistance & Resources
Requirements: None.
Diabetic Cats in Need
www.dcin.dreamhosters.com/assistance-programs
info@dcin.info
Resources Offered: Veterinary Assistance
Requirements: Offers Glucose Testing Kit + Insulin.
Feline Veterinary Emergency Assistance
www.fveap.org
Amysawy@fveap.com/ Josephplummer@fveap.com
Resources Offered: Veterinary Assistance
Requirements: Cats Only.
FETCH A Cure
www.fetchacure.org/resource-library/financial-resources
Resources Offered: Cancer Assistance & Resources
Requirements: None.
For the Love of Alex
www.fortheloveofalex.org/help-my-pet
610-866-2539
Resources Offered: Veterinary Assistance
Requirements: Emergencies Only.
Frankie’s Friends
www.frankiesfriends.org/apply-for-assistance-3
888-465-7387/helprequests@frankiesfriends.com
Resources Offered: Veterinary Assistance
Requirements: Cancer Treatments Only.
Friends Vet Helping Pets
www.friendsandvetshelpingpets.org/need-assitance
859-201-1177/info@friendsandvetshelpingpets.org
Resources Offered: Veterinary Assistance
Requirements: No routine/preventative care, no diagnostics. Proof of low income.
Go Get Funding
www.gogetfunding.com/category/animals-pets
Resources Offered: Fundraising Platform
Requirements: None.
Grants For Seniors
www.elderlypet.org/pet-insurance-grants-for-senior-pets
Resources Offered: Veterinary Assistance
Requirements: Pets 6+ years, pet must be on pet insurance.
Help-A-Pet
www.help-a-pet.org/apply.html
Resources Offered: Veterinary Assistance
Requirements: Annual Income: < $20k/yr. for individual or < $40k/yr. for family.
Jameson Humane CAAP
https://us12b.sheltermanager.com/service?account=az1802&method=online_form_html&formid=53
707-927-3536/helpinganimals@jamesonhumane.org
Resources Offered: Veterinary Assistance, Food, Trainers, Spay/Neuters, Pet Rent Deposit
Requirements: Must apply for Care Credit to qualify.
Magic Bullet Fund
www.themagicbulletfund.org/apply
Resources Offered: Veterinary Assistance
Requirements: Cancer Treatments Only.
My Pet Child
www.mypetchild.com/financial-aid-program
info@themosbyfoundation.org
Resources Offered: Veterinary Assistance
Requirements: Proof of financial hardship, pet must be spayed/neutered.
Oscar Newman
www.oscarnewman.com/pages/violets-friends-applicant-pre-requisites
603-406-1400/info@oscarnewman.com
Resources Offered: Veterinary Assistance
Requirements: Must have positive, long-term prognosis.
Paws 4 A Cure
www.paws4acure.org/askforhelp.php
Resources Offered: Veterinary Assistance
Requirements: No routine care.
Peanut Fund
www.peanutfund.org/how-to-apply
info@peanutfund.org
Resources Offered: Veterinary Assistance
Requirements: Non-basic, Non-urgent care.
Peninsula Cat Works
www.peninsulacatworks.org/needhelp.php
408-831-2280/info@peninsulacatworks.org
Resources Offered: Veterinary Assistance
Requirements: Cats Only.
Pet Assistance Inc.
www.petassistanceinc.org/financialaid
petassistance1973@gmail.com
Resources Offered: Veterinary Assistance
Requirements: No Corporate Vets (Banfield, VCA).
Plumfund
www.plumfund.com/pet-fund
Resources Offered: Fundraising Platform
Requirements: None.
R.U.F.F.
www.ruffrescue.org
949-580-1092
Resources Offered: Veterinary Assistance
Requirements: None
Red Rover Relief Program
www.redrover.org/relief
916-429-2457/info@redrover.org
Resources Offered: Temporary Boarding, Veterinary Assistance, National Assistance Programs
Requirements: None.
Sam Simon Foundation
www.ssfmobileclinic.org/free-surgery-clinic
1-888-364-7729/clinic@samsimonfoundation.org
Resources Offered: Veterinary Assistance
Requirements: None
Saving Gracie
www.saving-gracie.org/angel-fund-apply-for-help
Resources Offered: Veterinary Assistance
Requirements: Pet must have life-threatening emergency.
Star Relief
www.starelief.org/aid-a-pet-grant-application
203-636-0971/care@starelief.org
Resources Offered: Veterinary Assistance & Temporary Boarding
Requirements: Routine care, emergency, & preventative care.
The Mosby Foundation
www.themosbyfoundation.org/apply-for-aid
540-885-2260/info@themosbyfoundation.org
Resources Offered: Veterinary Assistance
Requirements: Pet must be spayed/neutered.
The Murphee & Sugar Angel Foundation
www.murpheeandsugarangelfoundation.org/apply
888-228-8114/murpheeandsugar@gmail.com
Resources Offered: Veterinary Assistance
Requirements: Pet must be spayed/neutered, must have veterinarian sign off.
The Onyx & Breezy Foundation
www.onyxandbreezy.org/grant-application-faqs.html
info@onyxandbreezy.org
Resources Offered: Veterinary Assistance
Requirements: None.
The Pet Fund
www.thepetfund.com/for-pet-owners
Info@thepetfund.com
Resources Offered: Veterinary Assistance
Requirements: Non-basic, Non-urgent care.
Voice for the Animals Foundation
www.vftafoundation.org/helping_friends
310-392-5153/info@vftafoundation.org
Resources Offered: Veterinary Assistance
Requirements: Southern California residents only.
Waggle
www.waggle.org/about-us/how-we-work
Resources Offered: Fundraising Platform
Requirements: None.
Re-Homing TIPS (Checklist)
If, after all your efforts, your situation has not improved and you find yourself needing to re-home your pet, please follow these helpful suggestions. Please keep in mind that animals housed at the shelter can stay with us for weeks, months, and sometimes years, thus surrendering your pet to VCAS must be the final option when all other avenues have been explored. Keeping animals in a home style setting should be a top priority.
- Returning your pet: Did you acquire your pet from a private breeder or animal rescue organization? If so, you would have likely signed a contract stipulating that the pet can or should be returned to them if you can no longer keep them. These groups are usually foster-based thus your pet would be in a home-style environment versus a kennel at a shelter.
- Make Your Pet More Adoptable: Animals who are spayed or neutered, vaccinated, and groomed have a better chance at finding a new home. Continue reading for low-cost vaccination and spay and neuter resources.
- Photos: Take beautiful portraits of your pet: on the couch, outside (if they’re a dog), and with a person. Use these photos when making a flyer or advertising your pet.
- Flyer: Click/Tap here to create an eye-catching flyer. Include their name, age, breed, species, spay/neuter status, vaccination status, likes and dislikes, food preferences, preferred toys, trainings, known commands, and define any limitations (example: not good with cats, small children, other dogs, etc.) Include your contact information, but ALWAYS meet people in a public place. Use this flyer to post on social media and around the neighborhood.
- Ask Around: This is no time to be shy! Tell friends, family and co-workers that you’re looking to re-home your pet. If you are honest, open, and authentic, you are likely to be able to re-home your pet through someone you know.
- Advertise: Post flyers at work, at your family and friends’ workplaces, grocery stores, department store, dog parks, hiking trials, vet offices, pet supply stores, grooming shops, malls…etc. Share the flyer on social media pages, ask shelters and animal rescues if they can do a courtesy post on your behalf, and list your pet on the following sites using the flyer you created:
- 805 Animals to Good Homes Facebook Group
- 805 Pets for Adoption Facebook Group
- Adopt-A-Pet (portal below)
- Craigslist
- Dog Rehoming in California Facebook Group
- Get Your Pet Rehoming Site
- Next Door
- Oxnard, Port Hueneme, Ventura Pets Facebook Groups
- Precious Pets for Rehoming Facebook Group
- Rehoming Pets in Los Angeles Facebook Group
- Ventura/Oxnard/Camarillo Pets Facebook Group
- Ventura County Humane Society
- Ventura County Pets Facebook Group
- Interested Party: When someone responds to your efforts, you have an opportunity to interview them. Do an initial phone interview before meeting in person. This way you can eliminate unsuitable potential adopters.
- Sample interview questions:
- Past pet experience? Evaluate their responsibility level. Let them talk about past pet experiences as that can tell you a lot about how they would treat your animal. If they had an animal, ask how old they lived and what was the cause of death. Ask to see photos of their past pets. Most animal-lovers will have photos to share. They should also have a few photos of them with their pets to prove the pet they are referring to was theirs.
- Who is the pet intended for? If not them, ask to speak with the potential owner.
- If there is a yard, is it fenced? Unfenced yards may encourage people to tether/chain dogs, a practice that is discouraged and has the potential to be dangerous.
- Will this be an indoor pet, outdoor pet, or indoor pet with outdoor access? Pets need human contact. If the pet will be outdoors, they must have access shelter, water, and human contact.
- Will they walk the dog regularly or provide exercise? Especially important for young dogs and/or apartment dwellers. Dogs with yards don’t necessarily mean they get adequate exercise, so ensure they get regular walks.
- What if the pet gets sick? Ensure they would seek veterinary care.
- Do they have children? If so, ask if smaller children will be supervised around them as young children don’t always know how to appropriately interact with animals.
- Alone time for the pet during the day? Address loneliness and boredom. Ensure they understand the potential destructive nature of animals left alone and the importance of having a plan to keep them occupied and secure when alone.
- Own or rent? Pet policies matter! If they rent, they must be allowed to have pets. Don’t accept, “Our landlord doesn’t care.” Consequences range from returning the animal to you or the animal ending up at an animal shelter.
- Will they allow a home visit? If they are unwilling, we suggest immediately ruling them out. If they are willing, bring 2-3 adults with you.
- Would they consider declawing a cat? We suggest immediately ruling them out as declawing is inhumane.
- Indoor or outdoor cats? Indoor/outside don’t live as long as “indoor only cats”. We strongly recommend all cats be indoor only as outdoor cats are vulnerable to disease, predation, traffic accidents, etc. Cats who live indoors only can live up to twenty (20) years.
- In-Person Meeting: USE CAUTION when you consider meeting potential adopters. Meet in a public place like a coffee shop, police station, or fire station and do not bring your pet with you. It’s a red flag if they refuse to meet in those locations. You may ask for a re-homing fee to deter unscrupulous individuals. You can always donate the re-homing fee to a local animal shelter if you’d like.
- The Hand-Off: If you’ve found a suitable family, schedule a time and place to do the hand-off. Again, this should be done in a public place like a coffee shop, police station, or fire station. Bring their bed, blanket, toys, food, bowls, litter box and litter (if it’s a cat), medication and all paperwork including veterinary records. Provide the contact information of their veterinarian so they can continue their care. Lastly, go to the shelter to transfer ownership so the pet is now in their name.
- Follow-up. Ask for ID and contact information so you can follow-up to see how things are going. Provide any assistance over the phone but do not visit the pet. Seeing the pet will confuse them.
Re-Homing Portal
VCAS has partnered with Adopt-a-Pet.com to improve our courtesy rehoming efforts. In addition to being listed below, owners will now have the option to have their pet listed on multiple sites and receive expert advice from Adopt-a-Pet staff. And with over 3 million potential adopters using Adopt-a-Pet each month, owned animals will find new homes faster while keeping them out of the shelter system.
Please avoid submitting animals from outside Ventura County.
Animals listed below are not available for adoption through Ventura County Animal Services (VCAS). They are being responsibly re-homed by their owner. Please tap/click the pet below to learn more and to contact their owner directly. Thank you!
Disclaimer: Please note that the information concerning animals listed here was provided by each animal’s owner(s). No one from Ventura County Animal Services has met or evaluated any of these animals, nor have we confirmed the accuracy of the information we were provided for inclusion on this webpage. As with all prospective animals, you should take reasonable steps to evaluate the suitability of a particular pet for your home and family. VCAS hereby disclaims all warranties, expressed or implied (including without limitation any implied warranty of fitness, fitness for a particular purpose and/or merchantability) concerning the accuracy, completeness, reliability of the information concerning any animal or the suitability for any particular circumstance of any animal listed here for rehoming. Thank you.
PET BEHAVIOR & TRAINING
Pets don’t come with instruction manuals. Whether you’re a first-time pet owner or a seasoned pet parent, questions will arise. Our dedicated Animal Care Team has provided resources to help address common behavior issues you may be experiencing; from marking in the house to jumping on guests. If you need more direct assistance, please email us at info@vcas.us.
ARTICLES
- Dogs barking too much (ASPCA article)
- Dog chewing on furniture (ASPCA article)
- Dogs interacting negatively with children (Rover article)
LOCAL CERTIFIED DOG TRAINER
- Dog Genie (Genie Tuttle)
Pet Surrender Form
VCAS is dedicated to ensuring the compassionate care of every animal entrusted to us. To help ensure ample kennel space is available for urgent and critical cases, our Pet Retention Coordinator may need to schedule your pets' surrender. Our waitlist operates on a first-come, first-served basis, with priority given to the most critical situations.
If you are the legal owner of your pet and you were unsuccessful in securing an alternative placement for your pet (i.e. with family, friends, coworker, etc.) and find yourself in a situation where surrendering your pet to our shelter is the last and only option, please complete the surrender request form below. Your submission will be promptly acknowledged with a confirmation email signifying your pets' addition to our waitlist. We kindly ask that you also monitor your spam/junk folders to ensure you receive this crucial communication.
If you have any questions or if your situations changes, please do not hesitate to contact our Pet Retention Coordinator at keepmypet@ventura.org.
VENTURA COUNTY ANIMAL SERVICES provides pet retention assistance to those living within our contract cities: Camarillo, Fillmore, Moorpark, Ojai, Oxnard, Port Hueneme, Simi Valley, Ventura and unincorporated areas of Newbury Park and Thousand Oaks. Those who live within the city limits of Newbury Park and Thousand Oaks, are asked to contact the Agoura Animal Shelter at (818) 991-0071.