Shelter Statistics

It is a sad but very real fact that animals are destroyed at the Ventura County Animal Shelter. While every effort is made to either locate the animal owner or find a qualified, loving adoptive placement, the situation is that there are still more animals than there are responsible animal owners. Over 2200 animals are turned in to our Shelter by their owners each year for a variety of not so valid reasons Top 10 Reasons for Relinquishment.

Unfortunately, a large number of the dogs passing through our facility are undisciplined, un-socialized, ill mannered, ill-tempered street dogs of either pit bull or chow origin. These dogs are virtually impossible to place in homes and there are few if any Rescue organizations dealing with those breeds and mixes. Last year there were over 700 feral (wild) cats brought into the Shelter that could not be handled, socialized or adopted. While there are several local Rescue groups caring for feral colonies, their resources and volunteers are limited and they are unable to take on such a large number of additional cats to monitor and care for. These are facts, not excuses. Until the people of Ventura County become more responsible animal caretakers we will continue to have to kill animals. But there is hope. Over the past 20 years (PDF stats) there has been marked improvement in reducing both the numbers and percentages of animals destroyed each year. Adoptions are up thanks to the tireless work of the dozens of Rescue Organizations that we work with. Unwanted animal births are down thanks to the efforts of many local spay/neuter advocacy groups and organizations and reclaims by owners are steadily increasing due in large part to the success of the microchip program.

We still have a long way to go if we are ever to achieve our goal of NO UNNECESSARY animal deaths. In order to attain that goal we must rely on the people of Ventura County to become responsible animal caretakers, to realize that the adoption of an animal is a commitment for the life of that animal and that living animals, unlike Chia pets, are not disposable.

2010-2011 Statistics

2009-2010 Statistics

2008-2009 Statistics

2007-2008 Statistics

2006-2007 Statistics

2005-2006 Statistics

2004-2005 Statistics

2003-2004 Statistics

Related Links

National Council on Pet Population

National Statistics

HSUS Pet Overpopulation Estimates

The Asilomar Accords