INFORMATION SECTION
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PRESS RELEASES
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THE HUMANE SOCIETY OF VENTURA COUNTY PROMOTES “PREVENT A LITTER MONTH”
WITH FREE SPAY/NEUTER VOUCHERS
(Ojai, CA – January 21, 2008) The Humane Society of Ventura believes “Prevention is the Best Policy,” especially in the case of the thousands of unwanted puppies and kittens born each year in this county. February is National “Prevent a Litter Month” when the public is urged to spay or neuter their cats and dogs.
This year the Humane Society wants to help everyone with an adult cat or dog, either male or female, avoid another litter of unwanted babies. Vouchers for free spay or neuter treatments are available by calling the Shelter at 805-646-6505. The vouchers can be redeemed at the Shelter’s clinic. People can drop off their pets beginning at 7 AM and pickup at the end of the day.
“Now is the time to prevent another year of discarded kittens and puppies before the mating season begins in early spring,” said Jolene Hoffman, Shelter Director. “The more we can do to stop these pregnancies, the fewer animals will be left at Animal Regulation to be euthanazied. By June and July, the shelters are filled with young puppies and kittens that people cannot keep.
“We urge people to use our free service through the clinic. We are a no kill shelter, but we can’t take in hundreds of these babies each year. Most are taken by their owners to county facilities, where their lives end. By bringing in your cat or dog to be treated, you will be preventing the elimination of more innocent animals.”
To take advantage of this offer of free spay or neuter treatments, please call 805-646-6505 for your free voucher.
If you believe in preventing unwanted kittens and puppies, please support the Shelter’s efforts in offering free treatment by donating to the Spay/Neuter Fund at the Humane Society of Ventura County. You may send a donation to: Humane Society of Ventura County, Spay/Neuter Fund, 402 Bryant St, Ojai, CA 93023.
The Humane Society receives no governmental funds and relies on donations from the public to continue its services. For 75 years, the people of Ventura County have supported this vital organization through donations. People interested in contributing to continue these efforts may do so online or sending a check to the Humane Society of Ventura County. The website is www.humanesocietyvc.org.
Thrift Shop
It is with great sadness and regret that the Board of Directors of the Humane Society of Ventura County announces the closure of our thrift shop in downtown Ventura. This was, by no means, an easy decision.
We are dedicated to the humane care and protection of animals. As stewards of that commitment, we could no longer continue to operate an endeavor that was losing money and reducing the funds we could devote to the people and animals of Ventura County who need the services we provide.
The thrift shop provided us with a great outreach to the community. We want to thank the many community members who donated items to be sold at the thrift shop. We also want to thank those who shopped for treasures and bargains at the store. We hope that we can count on your continued support even though it will have to be through other avenues.
We also want to thank the many loyal employees and volunteers who kept the thrift shop running all these years. Your hard work and dedication to the thrift shop is greatly appreciated.
Even though we are unable to continue to operate the thrift shop, we will, of course, continue to operate the shelter in Ojai which provides care for animals waiting for adoption. We will continue to operate our spay and neuter clinic in our efforts to reduce the number of unwanted animals. We will continue to operate our Humane Education program for schools and community groups, and we will continue to provide animal protection through our humane officers who investigate animal cruelty and neglect.
As the Day Fire continues to burn through the back country and threatens homes in upper Ojai, our shelter in Ojai has taken in horses, dogs, cats, rabbits, goats, llamas, and various other animals to keep them out of harms way. All of this comes at great expense.
Next year, the Humane Society of Ventura County will celebrate 75 years of caring for animals in this county. We hope you will join us in this celebration and continue your support of the vital work done by the Humane Society of Ventura County.
*We still have lots of used bikes (bicycles), dog houses, pet crates and carriers, small animal and bird cages, collars, leashes, toys, pet bowls and dishes, animal books, and other miscellaneous items for sale at the shelter.*
As of 2-9-07
WE JUST RECEIVED A HUGE ASSORTMENT OF DOG CLOTHES IN ALL SIZES AND COLORS (SWEATERS, HATS, RAINCOATS, ETC.), PERFECT FOR THE COLD WEATHER. WE ALSO HAVE LOTS OF BIRD, FISH, AND SMALL ANIMAL SUPPLIES. WE WILL BE SELLING ALL OF THESE ITEMS AT THE SHELTER FOR A FRACTION OF WHAT THEY'RE WORTH.
COME SEE WHAT WE'VE GOT!
   
    
  
  
  
 
 
  
Stray policy will
cost owners of unaltered animals
Humane Society of Ventura County officials are
sending out a warning to county residents with unaltered animals. "If they stray, you will pay."
Beginning June 1, Humane Society officials will charge an impound
fee for all unaltered strays brought in to the Ojai Shelter.
This policy is the same as one that is enforced by the county's
Animal Regulation Shelter in Camarillo.
"Unaltered animals usually stray for one purpose,"
explained Tim Dewar, the Humane Society's director of public
relations, "and that is to reproduce."
Dewar said the first time an unaltered animal is brought in,
the owner will pay a $35 fine. "This is more than we charge
for altering cats at our Low-Cost Clinic," he noted.
A second impound of the unaltered animal will earn a $50 fine
and a third occurrence will cost $100.
"There are voucher programs available to help those who
care and want to do the right thing but can't afford it,"
Dewar said. "We need to give those who don't care an incentive
to do the right thing also. That usually means making them open
their wallets."
Shelter officials will, however, allow owners to apply the fine
towards altering their animal at their Low-Cost Spay and Neuter
Clinic.
At the Humane Society's Clinic, altering a dog up to 60 pounds
costs $50. Dogs weighing between 60 and 80 pounds are altered
for $70 and the fee for dogs weighing more than 80 pounds is
$80.
To alter a male cat costs $25, while altering female cats cost
$30.
"It is a fact that there are not nearly enough homes available
for all the animals awaiting adoption," Dewar said. "Allowing
your animal to create even one litter means that many more animals
will suffer or die needlessly."
In addition, he added, altered animals live longer and are healthier
than unaltered animals.
"There are so many great reasons to alter your animals and
not a single good reason why you shouldn't," said Dewar.
To make an appointment at the Humane Society's Low-Cost Clinic,
call 646-6505 or 656-5031. For more spay and neuter information,
visit the Humane Society's web site at www.humanesocietyvc.org.
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FOURTH
OF JULY IS PET PANIC TIME
VENTURA COUNTY - If there was ever a day that should
be named "Pet Panic Prevention Day," it would be July
4. More animals run away from home or are lost this day than
any other day of the year.
"Pet panic is a real problem," explained the Humane
Society of Ventura County Shelter Director Jolene Hoffman. "Loud
noises and bright lights, such as those associated with fireworks
and firecrackers, can frighten animals, causing them to panic
and run. By the time they calm down, they are usually too far
from home and can't find their way back."
Hoffman said the following steps can help prevent pet panic and
increase the chances of recovering a lost pet.
1) Keep all animals inside as much as possible during the entire
holiday period. Leave a radio or television on to help drown
out the sudden loud noises.
2) Make sure your pet is wearing an identification tag. This
holds true for indoor animals as well. In its panic to escape
the commotion, even an animal that has never been outside can
bolt through a door or window.
3) If you must take your pets outside, a sturdy collar and leash
are essential. Keep them on the leash at all times.
4) While you are taking pictures of the holiday festivities,
point the camera in the direction of your pet. Having a current
picture of your pet is essential to help locate and identify
it.
5) If your pet is lost, immediately call the Ventura County Department
of Animal Regulation at 388-4341 and the Humane Society of Ventura
County at 656-5031 or 646-6505.
The Humane Society of Ventura County, at 402 Bryant St. in Ojai,
is open for adoptions Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to
4:30 p.m. During Daylight Savings Time, from April 6 through
Oct. 26, the Shelter is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays,
from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturdays and the front office is closed
Sundays.
The Humane Society of Ventura County, a private, non-profit organization,
has served the people and animals of this area since 1932. It
is the oldest animal welfare agency in Ventura County.
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ANIMALS
SHOULD NOT BE GIVEN AS HOLIDAY PRESENTS
Think Grandma would love a kitten for Christmas?
Thinking of putting a puppy under the tree for Billy and Sara
this year? Officials from the Humane Society of Ventura County
(HSVC) ask that you think again.
While your Aunt Mary may be a saint, her postage stamp-sized
yard isn't appropriate for a Saint Bernard. Although your sister
might like men with long hair, the grooming requirements of a
long-haired cat might be more than she cares to do.
Animals given as gifts frequently end up at the Humane Society's
Ojai Shelter and Adoption Center a few weeks after the holidays.
Most often, the reason for this is because the animal wasn't
right for the person to whom it was given.
"Picking a companion animal is such a personal thing,"
explains HSVC President Joyce George. "It is imperative
that those who will live with the animal have a say in choosing
it."
To accommodate those who wish to give an animal as a gift, HSVC
offers gift certificates that allow recipients to choose an animal
that is perfect for them at a time that is convenient.
HSVC officials also discourage adoptions prior to the holidays
because it is such a high-stress, high-activity time for many
households.
"There is always an adjustment period when an animal arrives
in a new home," George said. "The holidays often mean
vacations, visitors, an excess of activity and little time to
care for a new animal. This combination makes a successful adoption
during this time difficult."
The Humane Society of Ventura County, at 402 Bryant St. in Ojai,
is open for adoptions Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to
4:30 p.m. During Daylight Savings Time,
from April 6 through Oct. 26, the Shelter is open from 10 a.m.
to 6 p.m. weekdays, from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturdays and the
front office is closed Sundays.
The Humane Society of Ventura County is a private, non-profit
organization that has been in existence since 1932. It relies
on donations and bequests
to provide services to the animals and people of Ventura County.
Donations are appreciated and may be mailed to P.O. Box 297,
Ojai, CA, 93024, or may be left at the Shelter at 402 Bryant
St. in Ojai. In addition to monetary donations, the Shelter needs
warm blankets, rugs and towels to use as bedding for the animals.
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Consider all costs
carefully when selecting a pet
When faced with the charms of a delightfully rambunctious
puppy, squirming delightedly at the thought of being adopted,
many find it hard to consider the long-term costs and responsibilities
of pet ownership. When your face is being flooded with puppy
kisses, it is understandable to some degree, but puppies do grow
and financial responsibilities set in.
Before adopting a pet is the time to consider what type of animal
is most appropriate and how much you can afford to pay for the
animal's care.
Far beyond buying an occasional bag of generic food, the costs
of pet ownership can reach more than $300 a year for even the
smallest dog.
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Those considering pet ownership should first price a nutritionally
balanced diet. This will average from $180 to $540 per year depending
on the size animal you will be feeding. |
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Next, call a veterinarian and determine how many office
visits are required each year to keep a pet healthy and what
additional costs, such as vaccinations and spaying or neutering,
will be. |
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Don't forget to factor in the costs of a license and other
necessities such as collar, leash, food and water bowls, flea
treatments, identification tags and boarding when the family
goes on vacation. |
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If your home is not equipped with a suitable fence and
shelter, those are additional costs that should be factored into
the cost of pet ownership. |
While an animal can bring many years of happiness,
there is a cost associated with it. Knowing what you can afford
before you adopt a pet is the best way to ensure you get a pet
that meets your needs and the animal gets an owner who can meet
its needs.
The following are the adoption fees and policies of the Humane
Society of Ventura County.
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ADOPTION FEES |
Dogs: $95
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Cats: $95 |
A yard check will be performed prior to adoption.
In addition to adequate fencing and shelter, the person wishing
to adopt an animal must provide either proof of ownership of
the residence or a rental agreement for that address indicating
that pets are allowed.
No puppy or kitten will be adopted to homes with small children
or to homes where no one is home during the day unless an exception
is made by the Shelter director.
The Humane Society of Ventura County is a private, non-profit
organization. It receives no monetary support from the government
and is supported entirely by private donations. Financial support is appreciated
and may be sent to P.O. Box 297, Ojai, CA 93024.
The Humane Society of Ventura County, at 402 Bryant St. in Ojai,
is open for adoptions Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to
4:30 p.m. During Daylight Savings Time,
from April 6 through Oct. 26, the Shelter is open from 10 a.m.
to 6 p.m. weekdays, from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturdays and the
front office is closed Sundays.
For more information about the Shelter and the many services
available, including the Spay and Neuter Clinic, call 805-646-6505
or 805-656-5031.
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Alternatives to pet ownership are available
There are countless reasons why people who consider
themselves animal lovers aren't able to have pets. Allergies,
living arrangements, cost and lack of time to care for a pet
are just a few.
With numerous studies pointing out the importance of human/animal
interaction, The Humane Society of Ventura County offers a few
suggestions for those who are unable to have an animal in their
lives.
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Youngsters can be encouraged to help a relative or
friend care for their pet. Walking and bathing another's pet
provides a good opportunity for youngsters to learn to care for
animals before owning their own. With today's busy schedules,
a youngster's help with these chores would almost certainly be
appreciated by both the animal and its owner.
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Reading books and watching television programs about
animals will help youngsters choose a pet in which they can develop
a long-term interest. Not every child prefers a dog or cat and
is more likely to care for an animal if it is one in which they
have an interest.
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The Humane Society offers programs that allow people
of all ages to interact with animals. Being a shelter volunteer
is an easy way to help dogs and cats of all types get some much
needed attention while they are awaiting adoption. The shelter
also has Pet Therapy Program volunteers who take animals on visits
to nursing homes and hospitals and elementary schools.
The Humane Society of Ventura County, at 402 Bryant St. in Ojai,
is open for adoptions Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to
4:30 p.m. During Daylight Savings Time,
from April 6 through Oct. 26, the Shelter is open from 10 a.m.
to 6 p.m. weekdays, from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturdays and the
front office is closed Sundays.
For more information about the Shelter and the many services
available, including the Spay and Neuter Clinic, call 805-646-6505
or 805-656-5031.
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Facts
about the Humane Society
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The Humane Society of Ventura County is a non-profit
organization dedicated to the protection and adoption of homeless
animals throughout Ventura County.
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The Humane Society operates an adoption Shelter and Spay
and Neuter Clinic in Ojai, California.
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The Humane Society is supported entirely by donations and bequests.
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The Humane Society's Spay and Neuter Clinic performs 12
to 14 low-cost spay and neuter operations per day, five days
a week.
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The Humane Society of Ventura County handles thousands
of animals every year. The adoption rate is approximately 84
percent for dogs and 75 percent for cats.
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A committee of five Humane Society staff members
decides which animals must be euthanized. It is the policy of
the Society that no animal be euthanized just to make room for
incoming animals. There are strict guidelines used by the committee
to make this determination.
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The Society relies on volunteer help in many areas.
There are currently 120 volunteers assisting the Shelter, resulting
in approximately 1,200 hours of service each year.
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Humane Society Officers investigate cases of
suspected animal abuse and/or cruelty. In keeping with
the Humane Society's policy of trying to educate pet owners to
correct problems before resulting to stricter measures, no cases
have been sent to the District Attorney's Office for prosecution.
The Humane Society of Ventura County,
at 402 Bryant St. in Ojai, is open for adoptions Monday through
Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. During Daylight Savings Time, from April 6 through
Oct. 26, the Shelter is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekdays,
from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturdays and the front office is closed
Sundays. For more information about the
Shelter and the many services it has available, including the
Spay and Neuter Clinic, call 805-646-6505 or 805-656-5031.
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Humane Society provides many free services to county
residences
While the primary mission of the Humane Society of
Ventura County is to provide a safe, temporary home for unwanted
animals while they await adoption, it also provides many other
services to help ensure that animals throughout the county are
treated with the love and respect they deserve.
Among the Humane Society's most important work is promoting low-cost
spay and neutering at its Spay and Neuter Clinic in Ojai.
It is estimated that for every human birth there are 15 dogs
and 45 cats born. These numbers show that there is no way to
provide homes for the county's pet population without an aggressive
effort to cut down on the animal birth rate. Spaying and neutering
as many animals as possible is the answer.
While the Society's low-cost Spay and Neuter Clinic is making
a difference, it is too small to handle the number of animals
that need to be altered. The Society is currently accepting donations
that will allow for an expansion of the facility to serve even
more pets.
The Humane Society of Ventura County also provides a Pet Therapy
program which arranges for volunteers to take animals from the
Shelter to visit patients in the area's nursing homes and hospitals.
Schools throughout the county also take advantage of the Society's
Humane Education Program. Thanks to this free program, school
children are introduced to snakes, birds, dogs, cats and other
animals and are shown how animals of all kinds enhance our natural
world.
In addition, Shelter employees are prepared, 24 hours a day,
to help with the rescue and transportation of animals during
emergencies and natural disasters. Because pets are not allowed
in Red Cross evacuation centers, the Society's Shelter is also
a drop-off point for animals following a natural disaster such
as a flood, fire or earthquake.
Humane Officers from the Humane Society of Ventura County assist
law enforcement agencies by investigating complaints of animal
cruelty and neglect. Humane Officers try to work with animal
owners to correct problems before the matter becomes so serious
that charges are filed in court.
Another free service to the community, provided by the Society's
Humane Officers, is to help those with large animals, such as
cows and horses, learn how to provide proper care so neglect
complaints are not lodged in the first place.
The Humane Society of Ventura County is a private, non-profit
organization. It receives no monetary support from the government
and is supported entirely by private donations. Financial support is appreciated
and may be sent to P.O. Box 297, Ojai, CA 93024.
The Humane Society of Ventura County, at 402 Bryant St. in Ojai,
is open for adoptions Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to
4:30 p.m. During Daylight Savings Time,
from April 6 through Oct. 26, the Shelter is open from 10 a.m.
to 6 p.m. weekdays, from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturdays and the
front office is closed Sundays.
For more information about the Shelter and the many services
it has available, including the low-cost Spay and Neuter Clinic,
call 805-646-6505 or 805-656-5031.
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Web Site offers high-tech
help to animals looking for home
VENTURA COUNTY - Use a mouse to find a cat? It's
possible at The Humane Society of Ventura County's (HSVC) new
web site. The site features photos and information about animals
available for adoption at the HSVC’s Bayless Memorial Shelter
in Ojai.
The site address is http://www.humanesocietyvc.org and e-mail
may be sent to animals@humanesocietyvc.org
The site offers several options, including dogs available, cats
available, information about adoption requirements, Shelter hours,
donation procedures, and an interactive map that gives driving directions from
a person's home to anywhere they wish to go.
"Providing this comprehensive web site is another way we
are trying to make it as easy as possible for people to find
a pet that is appropriate for them," explained HSVC Board
Vice-President Joyce George. "Nothing can take the place
of a visit to the Shelter, but the web site should help those
in outlying areas time their visits when they are most likely
to find the perfect pet."
Shelter staff members shoot videos of each animal to be featured,
then, using video-capture technology, a still-frame photograph
is made and is posted to the web site along with information
about the animal. The site will be updated every week.
If your animal is lost, officials warn
that calls should be made to the Shelter (850) 646-6505
and to the Ventura County Department of Animal Regulation (388-4341).
The Humane Society of Ventura County, at 402 Bryant St. in Ojai,
is open for adoptions Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to
4:30 p.m. During Daylight Savings Time,
from April 6 through Oct. 26, the Shelter is open from 10 a.m.
to 6 p.m. weekdays, from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturdays and the
front office is closed Sundays.
For more information about the Shelter and the many services
it offers, including its low-cost Spay and Neuter Clinic, call
646-6505 or 656-5031.The Humane Society of Ventura County is
a private, non-profit organization. It relies on donations and bequests. Tax-deductible
donations can be sent to the Humane Society of Ventura County,
P.O. Box 297, Ojai, CA 93024.
The Humane Society of Ventura County is a private,
non-profit organization. We receive no monetary support from
the government or national animal welfare organizations such
as the Humane Society of The United States. We are funded entirely
by private donations. Financial support is appreciated and may be sent to
P.O. Box 297, Ojai, CA 93024.
The Humane Society of Ventura County, at 402 Bryant St. in Ojai,
is open for adoptions Monday through Friday 10 a.m. to 6
p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
For more information about the Shelter and the many services
available, including the Spay and Neuter Clinic, call 646-6505
or 656-5031.
 You can now make financial contributions to the Humane
Society of Ventura County electronically. Simply click on the
cat's face to the right and let Paypal.com do the rest. Thank
you for helping us help animals.
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You can also sign up online for the e-scrip program.
Many leading retailers and credit card companies will donate
a portion of your purchase totals to the Humane Society. Learn
more about this program at http://www.escrip.com |
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What if
The Humane Society of Ventura County
had a penny for
every time I searched the Internet?…..
Now it can!
Search the web with www.goodsearch.com and money from our
advertisers will go to your favorite charity without you spending a dime!
* GoodSearch.com will donate 50% of advertising revenue, estimated to be about a penny per search, to the charities selected by its users.
 Have a car you would like to donate? The
Humane Society is happy to accept the donation of used automobiles,
trailers, RVs, boats, motorcycles and other motor vehicles. Please
click here to fill out our on-line
donation form. |
E-mail us  animals@humanesocietyvc.org
or to report animal abuse or ask questions about
animal behavior, e-mail our humane officers at investigations@humanesocietyvc.org
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