VENTURA COUNTY — In an effort to ensure the safety of our community and our shelter personnel, Ventura County Animal Services (VCAS) is asking everyone to limit the number of people leaving their homes and bringing animals to the shelter. As stated by Jackie Rose, Director of Animal Services, “We are extremely grateful to everyone who continues to care about and for the animals in our community, but we want to also do everything we can to help to “flatten the curve” and promote social distancing efforts. As such, we are continually adjusting our services to best meet these objectives.”
Additionally, in anticipation of the future needs of our community in this ever-changing landscape, VCAS has consulted with industry experts in the field of Animal Welfare. It was strongly advised that municipal animal shelters immediately and proactively prepare for a possible surge of incoming animals from those who have suffered due to COVID-19 and may need temporary or permanent assistance. Should the Camarillo Shelter approach capacity, VCAS must be able to render care to those in the most critical need.
As such, VCAS is asking everyone to adhere to the following guidelines:
VCAS is strongly encouraging residents to only bring in stray animals who appear to be sick or injured.
- Cats: Stray cats who appear healthy must remain in-place as they likely have a source of food, fresh water and shelter and may already be cared for by someone in the neighborhood. National figures indicate that 66% of cats who are reported as “missing”, return home on their own if left undisturbed. Most stray cats you see in the community are, in fact, owned. Please do not take other people’s cats unless they appear sick or injured.
- Kittens: Kittens should only be brought to VCAS if their mother has not returned for them after 6-8 hours. Mothers often leave in order to hunt for food and they expect to return to their babies. Please watch the kittens from a distance and wait for their mother to return. Please do not remove kittens if not absolutely necessary. (Ref. Dr. Kate Hurley, Program Director – Koret Shelter Medicine Program – University of Davis)
- Dogs: VCAS is strongly encouraging residents to provide temporary care to stray dogs who appear healthy and behaviorally manageable. Similar to cats, stray dogs often belong to someone in the area. However, unlike cats, dogs are not as skilled as caring for themselves in the community. Please make all efforts to locate their owner, and if you are able, provide temporary care for them while searching for their family. The law allows residents to legally care for stray animals for up to 30 days while making concerted efforts to locate their families. Such efforts include reporting all found animals to VCAS , posting photos of the lost pet on missing pet Facebook Pages, NextDoor neighborhoods and other online bulletin boards. For a comprehensive list of resources, please visit www.vcas.us/lost-found/i-found-a-pet
The following are additional changes which have been stated in previous press releases:
- The Simi Valley Animal Shelter remains closed.
- The Camarillo Shelter is restricting all on-site, casual visits.
- Pet adoptions have been suspended.
- TNR/Community Cat public spay/neuter services are suspended.
- Lost Pet Pick-Up: Please call (805) 388-4341 before coming to reclaim your lost pet.
- All public and community outreach events are cancelled including rabies vaccination clinics.
- All non-critical services and activities are suspended.
- Animal Control Officers continue to respond to public safety and animal welfare calls, but lessurgent calls will be deferred until further notice.
- All Field Officers will attempt to return found animals to their owners.
- Field Officers will be donning Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) during all interactions withthe public.
- Pet licenses can only be processed online at www.vcas.us/licensing or via U.S. mail. Paymentshould be sent to Ventura County Animal Services 600 Aviation Drive, Camarillo, CA 93010. License-related documents can be emailed to vcas_pet_license@ventura.org
These are very difficult times and VCAS is enacting protocols and stringent measures that may appear drastic. This global pandemic has required all agencies and organizations to take radical steps that are outside the realm of normal operations and VCAS is not immune to this reality. Nonetheless, VCAS is confident that we can endure these changes and continue to care for the animals in Ventura County with the help of the community.
Ventura County Animal Services is committed to ensuring that the highest quality of care is provided to all animals.
- A team of highly dedicated staff are on-site to feed, clean, and provide daily enrichment activities and medical care as needed.
- Lost Pet Reclaims Remains Open to the Public. Please call (805) 388-4341 before coming to the shelter.VCAS continues their commitment to saving animals’ lives and reuniting lost pets with their families. For questions, comments or concerns, contact VCAS at (805) 388-4341 or info@vcas.us
Thank you.
Ventura County Animal Services