ADOPTION

The sweetest word in any language!

If you've decided to open your heart and home to an animal in need, the dedicated staff of Ventura County Animal Services is here to assist you. When you think that you are Ready To Adopt there are a few helpful hints that may help solidify your decision.

You can peruse our shelter inventory lists of dogs, cats, and other animals but the real magic happens when you walk through our kennels. It is there that soul reaches out to soul in hopes of forming a timeless bond.

After those languid eyes or precious paws have reeled you in, here are the things you'll need to know about adopting a companion from our shelter:

AVAILABILITY:

Not all of the animals at the shelter become available for adoption at the same time. Each animal rotates through a specified holding period. Owner relinquished animals will become available sooner than strays that must be held for possible reclaim. Some animals are merely being held for safekeeping or quarantine and will be returned to their owners at the end of their holding period without ever becoming available for adoption. Animals cannot be shown out of their enclosures until they become the property of Ventura County Animal Services.

Placards on the cages engraved with the letter A indicate that an animal is currently available. A GREEN A means the animal is already spayed/neutered and can go home immediately. A RED A means the animal is available for adoption, but must stay to be surgically altered. A YELLOW A means that there are special requirements that must be met in order to adopt the animal. A BLUE S says, "SORRY! I found a new home and I'm going home right after my surgery!" If there is no placard on an animal's cage, the projected adoption date will be listed on the cage card on the front of each cage or you can inquire about its availability date by asking front counter personnel.

If you are interested in an animal that is not yet available, please let the counter staff know of your intention to return to adopt the animal. We do not allow anyone to "reserve" a specific animal but if we know that someone is interested, we may be able to hold it awhile longer depending on a number of variables. If there is more than one person interested in a specific available animal, a drawing will be held.

REQUIREMENTS FOR ADOPTION:

In an effort to make the best possible human/animal match, we need to verify the following information:

• Must be over 18 years old
• Must show a valid, photo ID
• Must be willing to make the animal part of the family (no dogs sold as "yard" or "guard" dogs, no cats for barn duty or rodent control)
• All cats MUST leave in an approved carrier (one specifically constructed to hold CATS).
• All potential cat adopters must agree to keep the cat indoors at all times.
• Some animals, depending upon breed, disposition, or past behavioral history, may require the completion of an application to adopt and subsequent home check

YOUR NEW COMPANION WILL COME WITH THE FOLLOWING:

• Certification of surgical sterilization
• Preliminary vaccination(s)
• First Rabies vaccine
• Ventura County license
• Trovan microchip (already "installed", for permanent identification!)
• Certificate for a free health exam at any veterinarian's office in Ventura County

Cost of Adoption:

• In County adoption $125
• Out of County adoption $105 - license charge not included

If you have not found the companion you've been looking for on our shelter inventory, or in our kennels, consider visiting the websites linked here.