From Ventura County Animal Services –
Are you experiencing job loss, eviction, deportation, divorce or the death of a loved one and need help caring for your pet? Ventura County Animal Services (VCAS) is here to help.
To support families and keep pets out of the shelter system, VCAS has created a Pet Assistance page at www.vcas.us/PetAssistance. About three out of five pet owners are able to improve their situation using the resources provided and avoid surrendering their pet.
If you need assistance, visit the Pet Assistance webpage, call VCAS at (805) 388-4341 during normal business hours, or email info@vcas.us. Some of the areas VCAS may be able to assist with include:
Behavior Issues
If your pet is displaying behavioral problems, email info@vcas.us for recommended resources and referrals to local trainers. You can also explore the VCAS “Behavior & Training” section for information addressing a wide range of concerns. Many issues can also improve after spaying or neutering.
Deportation
If you fear deportation or are voluntarily relocating, know that in many cases you can bring your pets with you. The VCAS Pet Assistance page provides a list of select countries and their requirements for importing animals. While some countries may not require certain treatments, such as parasite prevention, they are still recommended. Ventura County Animal Services is available to help guide you through the process.
Quarantine may be required if necessary health certificates and/or vaccination records are not provided.
Domestic Violence
Are you staying in an abusive situation out of fear for your pet’s safety? If so, contact Ventura County’s Interface Children & Family Services’ Domestic Violence Intervention & Prevention Program (icfs.org) by dialing their 24/7 hotline at (800) 636-6738. After arrangements are made, VCAS may be able to place your pet in a secure, private temporary foster home if needed.
If you are in immediate danger, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at (800) 799-7233.
Eviction
If you are facing eviction and considering housing that does not allow pets, you may still have options. If you have a disability-related need for an emotional support animal (ESA), a housing provider may be required to allow the animal as a reasonable accommodation, unless an exception applies. Review Emotional Support Animals and Fair Housing Law at www.calcivilrights.ca.gov and information from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for more details.
Housing
While pet-friendly rentals may be more expensive, some landlords may allow pet deposits to be paid over time. You may also consider creating a GoFundMe to help offset costs. Additional listings can be found at www.zumper.com by searching for pet-friendly rentals.
If your housing situation is uncertain, consider asking a friend, coworker or family member to temporarily care for your pet so the animal can remain in your life until circumstances improve.
Pet Food Assistance
If you need temporary or supplemental pet food, the VCAS Pet Pantry is available. Food is donated by Pet Pantry partners, community members and local businesses. Visit the Camarillo Animal Shelter during normal business hours to request free pet food, or visit vcas.us/petpantry for more information.
Service Member Assistance
Call or email VCAS to learn more about the “Dogs on Deployment” program, which provides care for pets while service members are on active duty.
Veterinary Assistance
For free or low-cost vaccinations and spay/neuter services, contact:
- Humane Society of Ventura County – www.hsvc.org
- Mercy Crusade – www.dogcatfix.com
- Local Petco stores
- Theresa’s Country Feed & Pet – www.theresascountryfeedandpet.com
- Simi Valley Non-Profit Spay & Neuter Clinic – www.simivalleynonprofitspayandneuter.com
Visit the VCAS Pet Assistance page for more information: www.vcas.us/PetAssistance
