Ventura Animal Shelter & Control: Adoption Hours 2026
Ventura Animal Shelter usually means Ventura County Animal Services, also called VCAS. This 2026 guide explains the Camarillo Animal Shelter, Simi Valley Animal Shelter, adoption hours, online sign-up window, walk-in adoption rules, fees, lost pets, found pets, surrender waitlist, animal-control routing, licensing, map directions, official video resource and practical call scripts.
Use this page before driving if you searched “Ventura animal shelter near me,” “Ventura County animal shelter hours,” “VCAS adoption,” “Camarillo animal shelter,” “Simi Valley animal shelter,” “lost dog Ventura County,” or “Ventura animal control.” Each search intent is answered with practical next steps, not just keywords.
Ventura Animal Shelter Quick Details
These details answer the most common visitor searches: Ventura Animal Shelter phone number, Ventura County Animal Services hours, Camarillo Animal Shelter address, Simi Valley Animal Shelter, VCAS adoption sign-up, lost pets, found pets and surrender help.
Camarillo main shelter
600 Aviation Drive, Camarillo, CA 93010.
This is the main VCAS shelter, administrative office location and veterinary hospital location for animals in VCAS care.
Simi Valley shelter
670 W. Los Angeles Ave., Simi Valley, CA 93065.
This smaller VCAS facility offers many similar services, including intake, adoption, licensing and reclaim help.
Phone and email
Main: 805-388-4341.
Toll-free: 1-888-223-PETS (7387). Email: info@vcas.us.
Adoption timing
Adoption hours are listed as 1 PM–6 PM.
The online adoption sign-up portal is listed as active from 9 AM–10:30 AM.
Ventura Animal Shelter Near Me: Camarillo vs Simi Valley
People often search “Ventura animal shelter near me,” but Ventura County Animal Services has two listed shelter locations. The right location depends on the animal’s kennel number, listing location, adoption appointment, reclaim situation or intake instruction.
| Location | Official Address | Best For | Important Search Intent |
|---|---|---|---|
| Camarillo Animal Shelter | 600 Aviation Drive, Camarillo, CA 93010 | Main shelter, most animals, administrative offices, veterinary hospital for animals in care. | “Ventura County animal shelter,” “Camarillo animal shelter,” “VCAS adoption.” |
| Simi Valley Animal Shelter | 670 W. Los Angeles Ave., Simi Valley, CA 93065 | Smaller shelter with many similar services including adoption, intake, licensing and reclaim. | “Simi Valley animal shelter,” “Ventura animal shelter near me Simi.” |
| Offsite partner location | Shown on animal profile when applicable | Some animals may be housed at partner stores or offsite locations. | “Why is the pet not at Camarillo?” “What does OFFSITE mean?” |
| Foster home | Handled through VCAS foster/adoption process | Animals listed as FOSTER are still available, but not in a public kennel. | “VCAS foster pet adoption,” “meet foster animal Ventura.” |
Ventura Animal Shelter Adoption Hours 2026
The hours alone are not enough. Adoption, phone help, Simi Valley seasonal timing, holiday closures, lost-pet reclaim and found-animal intake can have different practical rules.
Current official visit guidance
VCAS states that in-person adoption is available from 1 PM to 6 PM at Camarillo or Simi Valley. The online sign-up portal is active daily from 9 AM to 10:30 AM. Animals are returned to kennels by 5:30 PM, and no new animals can be taken out to be seen after that cutoff.
| Service / Location | Listed Timing | What Visitors Should Do |
|---|---|---|
| Camarillo office hours | 9 AM–6 PM | Use for general shelter services and planning. Adoption animal meets are later. |
| Camarillo adoption hours | 1 PM–6 PM | Arrive early enough because animals cannot be taken out to be seen 30 minutes before close. |
| Simi Valley adoption hours | 1 PM–6 PM during daylight saving time; 1 PM–5 PM during standard time | Confirm before visiting because seasonal timing matters. |
| Online adoption sign-up | 9 AM–10:30 AM daily | Use this if you want appointment priority for a specific animal. |
| On-call phone hours | Weekdays 7:30 AM–5:30 PM; weekends 8 AM–4 PM | Use for phone guidance, especially lost/found and animal service questions. |
| Closed holidays | Independence Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day listed | Call before a holiday visit; VCAS notes reclaim/found-animal access may still apply during normal business hours. |
How to Adopt from Ventura Animal Shelter
VCAS adoption has two paths: walk-in adoption and online sign-up. Walk-ins can still adopt, but people with scheduled appointments receive priority for specific animals.
Search official animals first
Start on the official VCAS animal search page. Write down the animal name, ID, kennel number, location and profile tag. Do not rely on screenshots or social posts because availability can change quickly.
Check the profile tag and adoptable date
VCAS explains that animals may show tags such as pending adoption, rescue transfer pending, under evaluation, rescue transfer preferred, medical hold or quarantine. A pet not yet adoptable cannot be taken out of the kennel to be seen.
Use the online sign-up window for priority
The sign-up portal is open from 9 AM to 10:30 AM. VCAS says appointments receive priority, especially if more than one person wants the same animal.
Watch for confirmation mistakes
If you do not receive a confirmation text or do not appear on the list, VCAS says it may be because the phone number was entered incorrectly. Recheck your number before submitting.
Ask match questions before saying yes
Ask about energy level, medical notes, foster notes, leash behavior, children, other pets, litter habits, noise sensitivity, prey drive, fear, handling concerns and first-week adjustment.
Confirm release timing and total cost
Ask whether the animal is ready to go home today, whether spay/neuter has been completed, what the fee includes, whether a license applies and which payment methods are accepted.
Ventura Animal Shelter Adoption Fees
VCAS publishes a detailed fee table, but fees and included services can change. Treat the amounts below as planning information and confirm before checkout.
Dog and puppy fees
- Ventura County resident dog adoption: listed at $120.
- Ventura County resident puppy under 16 weeks: listed at $200.
- Out-of-county dog adoption: listed at $95.
- Out-of-county puppy under 16 weeks: listed at $175.
- Dog fees include services such as spay/neuter, vaccines, flea/deworming preventives, microchip and a free health check voucher.
Cat fee and inclusions
- Cat adoption is listed at $85.
- Cat adoption includes sterilization and microchip.
- Additional license fees may apply.
- VCAS describes cat inclusions such as FVRCP, rabies vaccine, flea/deworming preventives, microchip, health check voucher and cardboard carrier.
Small animal fee examples
- Rabbits: listed at $50.
- Guinea pigs and cavies: listed at $10.
- Rodents and insects: listed at $5.
- Common birds: listed at $15.
- Common reptiles and amphibians: listed at $10.
Adoptable Dogs, Cats, Rabbits and Other Pets
Different pet types have different questions. A good article should not treat dog adoption, cat adoption and rabbit adoption as the same experience.
Dogs
Ask about kennel stress, energy level, leash manners, dog reactivity, children, bite history if any, foster notes and decompression needs.
Cats
Ask about shy behavior, litter habits, indoor-only needs, other cats, children, carrier transport and first-room setup.
Rabbits
Check the Bunny Brigade schedule, ask about indoor housing, hay, litter, chewing, bonding and rabbit-savvy vet care.
Other species
For reptiles, birds, poultry and small mammals, ask about legal housing, temperature, enclosure, food, handling and long-term care costs.
| Animal Type | Search Intent | Practical Question to Ask |
|---|---|---|
| Dog adoption Ventura | User wants a dog from VCAS quickly. | “Is this dog available today, where is the kennel, and what behavior notes should I know?” |
| Cat adoption Ventura | User wants a cat or kitten and may need a carrier. | “Is the cat shy, bonded, in foster, or ready to go home today?” |
| Rabbit adoption Ventura | User may not know rabbit rules differ. | “Do I need a Bunny Brigade appointment or special rabbit adoption process?” |
| VCAS foster animal | User sees FOSTER on a profile. | “How do I meet an animal that is in foster and not at the shelter?” |
| OFFSITE animal | User sees a partner-store listing. | “Which partner location has the pet, and is the adoption handled onsite or through VCAS?” |
Lost and Found Pets at Ventura Animal Shelter
Lost-pet intent is urgent. Do not only search adoptable animals. A lost pet may appear in a different lost/found route, a public found-pet listing, foster hold, reclaim area or not yet updated online.
If your pet is missing
- Search official VCAS lost/found pages and animal search tools repeatedly.
- Call 805-388-4341 or 1-888-223-PETS with species, color, sex, microchip, collar and last-seen location.
- Email clear photos when appropriate: face, body, side view and unique markings.
- Update the microchip registry and add a backup contact.
- Check physically if a photo or description may match; shelter breed labels can be wrong.
- Bring proof of ownership if reclaiming: photos, vet records, license, microchip info or adoption paperwork.
If you found a pet
- Keep yourself safe. Do not handle aggressive, injured or traffic-endangered animals if unsafe.
- Use the official VCAS found-pet route and ask whether to bring the animal in or hold temporarily.
- Ask a vet or shelter about microchip scanning if safe.
- VCAS says public-found animals shown on its found page are being cared for in homes and are not available for adoption.
- For a stray dog in the middle of the night, VCAS FAQ says call 805-388-4341 and use option 4 if you cannot keep the dog safe until opening.
Ventura Animal Control, Cruelty, Bites and After-Hours Help
Many people search “Ventura Animal Shelter & Control” when they actually need animal control, field services, cruelty reporting, bite guidance, injured wildlife help or after-hours stray-dog instructions.
Call VCAS first
For non-emergency animal services, lost/found pets, adoption, reclaim, licensing or shelter questions, use 805-388-4341.
Use option 4 for stray dog guidance
VCAS FAQ says if you find a stray dog late at night and cannot keep it safe, call 805-388-4341 and use option 4 for after-hours service.
Use emergency routing
For active attacks, severe injury, immediate public-safety danger or cruelty in progress, use emergency services rather than waiting on routine shelter hours.
Owner Surrender at Ventura County Animal Services
VCAS explains that surrender may need to be scheduled because kennel space must be available for urgent and critical cases. The surrender form is for legal owners who have already tried alternatives and consider surrender the last option.
Before submitting a surrender request
- Try safe placement with family, friends, coworkers or trusted contacts first.
- Prepare the pet’s age, species, sex, spay/neuter status, vaccine history and medical records.
- Be honest about bite history, separation anxiety, fear, escaping, reactivity, litter habits or medications.
- Ask about pet retention resources if food, housing, behavior or temporary hardship is the real problem.
- Watch your spam/junk folder after submitting the surrender form because VCAS says a confirmation email is used.
What not to do
- Do not treat surrender as a same-day drop-off without a waitlist or scheduling step.
- Do not abandon a pet outside the shelter, in a parking area, crate, box or public place.
- Do not hide behavior or medical details to speed intake.
- Do not assume VCAS can immediately accept every owned pet during capacity pressure.
- Do not surrender if a safer support or rehoming option is still possible.
Ventura County Pet Licensing, DocuPet and Documents
People searching “Ventura animal shelter license” usually need a different task than adoption. VCAS says it has partnered with DocuPet for pet licensing support for Ventura County residents.
License support
VCAS licensing information points residents to DocuPet for an enhanced pet licensing experience.
Documents to prepare
VCAS lists proof of rabies vaccination, license renewal notice and proof of age for senior discount as possible licensing documents.
Licensing phone
VCAS lists licensing questions through DocuPet at 1-877-239-6072.
Official VCAS Video Resource
Ventura County Animal Services lists YouTube as one of its official social media accounts. Use the official VCAS video channel for shelter context, adoption stories, public-safety reminders and community updates, but always use the VCAS website or phone line for today’s hours, fees and animal availability.
What to Bring Before Visiting Ventura Animal Shelter
A prepared visit saves time. Bring different items depending on whether you are adopting, reclaiming, reporting a found pet, surrendering or licensing.
Photo ID
Bring valid identification for adoption, reclaim, licensing or official service questions.
Payment method
Confirm the current fee, discount and accepted payment method before finalizing adoption.
Animal ID list
Write down animal names, IDs, kennel numbers, profile tags and location notes before arriving.
Cat carrier
Even if a cardboard carrier may be included, a secure hard-sided carrier is safer for transport.
Dog transport plan
Bring or plan for leash, collar, harness, crate, car barrier and a calm ride home.
Proof for reclaim
Bring photos, microchip records, vet records, rabies certificate, license and other ownership proof.
After Adoption: First 7 Days at Home
A helpful adoption article should not stop at “pay the fee.” The first week is where many problems begin if the pet is overstimulated or introduced too quickly.
First 24 hours
- Keep the pet in a calm starter space.
- Do not invite visitors or force pet introductions immediately.
- Use a leash or carrier even if the animal seems relaxed.
- Expect stress signs such as hiding, pacing, barking, whining or reduced appetite.
- Save adoption records, vaccine notes, microchip details and medical instructions together.
Days 2–7
- Build a predictable feeding, potty, walk and sleep routine.
- Schedule veterinary follow-up if recommended.
- Introduce resident pets slowly and safely.
- Watch for coughing, diarrhea, vomiting, refusal to eat, limping or severe anxiety.
- Ask for training or behavior support early if concerns appear.
Ventura Animal Shelter Map, Directions & Visit Tips
The map below points to the main Camarillo Animal Shelter. If a pet profile shows Simi Valley, FOSTER or OFFSITE, follow the profile or VCAS instructions instead of automatically driving to Camarillo.
Arrive early
For adoption, arrive early enough to check in, meet the animal and ask questions before the 5:30 PM kennel cutoff.
Confirm location
Check whether the animal is in Camarillo, Simi Valley, foster care or offsite partner placement.
Call for one pet
If your trip depends on one specific animal, call or use the online sign-up process before driving.
Common Mistakes to Avoid at Ventura Animal Shelter
These mistakes match real search problems: “why can’t I sign up,” “why was the pet adopted,” “what does pending adoption mean,” “why can’t I see the animal,” and “which shelter location has the pet.”
Before adoption
- Do not miss the 9 AM–10:30 AM online sign-up window if you want appointment priority.
- Do not type the wrong phone number in the sign-up portal.
- Do not arrive after 5:30 PM expecting to meet a new animal.
- Do not ignore profile tags such as pending adoption, medical hold or quarantine.
- Do not assume FOSTER or OFFSITE animals are in public kennels.
Before lost/found, surrender or control help
- Do not check only adoptable animals when your pet is missing.
- Do not permanently rehome a found pet without following lost/found steps.
- Do not surrender without using the official request process.
- Do not wait on a routine email for active danger or cruelty in progress.
- Do not handle unsafe wildlife or injured animals without proper guidance.
Official Ventura County Animal Services Links
Use official VCAS pages for final decisions. This guide explains the process, but VCAS controls current hours, fees, animal availability, social media, surrender rules, pet licensing and emergency instructions.
Ventura Animal Shelter FAQ
What is Ventura Animal Shelter officially called?
Ventura Animal Shelter usually refers to Ventura County Animal Services, also called VCAS. The main shelter is the Camarillo Animal Shelter, and VCAS also lists the Simi Valley Animal Shelter.
Where is Ventura County Animal Services located?
The main Camarillo Animal Shelter is located at 600 Aviation Drive, Camarillo, CA 93010. The Simi Valley Animal Shelter is located at 670 W. Los Angeles Ave., Simi Valley, CA 93065.
What is the Ventura Animal Shelter phone number?
The main Ventura County Animal Services phone number is 805-388-4341. VCAS also lists 1-888-223-PETS (7387).
What are Ventura Animal Shelter adoption hours?
VCAS lists in-person adoption from 1 PM to 6 PM. The online adoption sign-up portal is active from 9 AM to 10:30 AM, and animals are returned to kennels by 5:30 PM.
Do I need an appointment to adopt from Ventura County Animal Services?
Online sign-up is not required, but VCAS says priority is given to people with scheduled appointments. If you want one specific pet, use the online sign-up window when possible.
Why can’t I sign up on the VCAS adoption portal?
VCAS says the list is only active between 9 AM and 10:30 AM. If it is open and still does not work, try another device, computer or browser and check that your phone number is typed correctly.
How much does it cost to adopt a dog from VCAS?
VCAS lists Ventura County resident dog adoption at $120 and puppy adoption under 16 weeks at $200. Out-of-county dog adoption is listed at $95 and out-of-county puppy adoption at $175. Confirm current fees and specials before checkout.
How much does it cost to adopt a cat from VCAS?
VCAS lists cat adoption at $85, with sterilization and microchip included. Additional license fees may apply, so confirm the final amount before adopting.
What does FOSTER or OFFSITE mean on a VCAS pet profile?
FOSTER means the animal is being cared for by a VCAS foster parent. OFFSITE means the animal is at a partner location. These animals may still be available, but you should follow the profile and VCAS instructions.
What should I do if I lost my dog or cat in Ventura County?
Search official VCAS lost/found tools, call 805-388-4341, update the microchip registry, prepare clear photos and proof of ownership, and check in person when a listing may match your pet.
What should I do if I find a stray dog late at night?
VCAS FAQ says if you can safely keep the dog until the shelter opens, do so. If you cannot temporarily care for the dog, call 805-388-4341 and use option 4 for after-hours service.
Can I surrender my pet to Ventura County Animal Services?
VCAS provides a pet surrender request form for legal owners who have tried alternative placement and consider surrender the last option. Submission may place the pet on a waitlist and does not mean instant intake.
Does VCAS handle injured wildlife?
VCAS FAQ points injured-wildlife questions to Animal Help Now and recommends a 24-hour emergency animal hospital for animal emergencies. Do not handle unsafe wildlife.
Does Ventura County Animal Services have official YouTube?
Yes. VCAS lists YouTube as one of its official social media accounts at www.youtube.com/VCAnimalServices.
Final Take: Use Ventura Animal Shelter the Right Way
Ventura Animal Shelter generally means Ventura County Animal Services, with the main Camarillo Animal Shelter at 600 Aviation Drive and a second listed shelter in Simi Valley. For adoption, check official pet profiles first, use the 9 AM–10:30 AM sign-up window if you want appointment priority, and arrive well before the 5:30 PM kennel cutoff.
If your pet is missing, search lost/found resources, call VCAS, update the microchip registry and bring proof of ownership. If you found a pet, follow the VCAS route and avoid unsafe handling. If you need surrender help, use the official surrender request form and treat surrender as a last option, not a walk-in drop-off.
Animal-Shelter.org is an independent informational guide and is not affiliated with Ventura County Animal Services, the County of Ventura, VCAS, DocuPet, any city animal-control office, emergency service, rescue, veterinarian, microchip registry, wildlife organization or official shelter portal. Always verify current details with official sources before visiting, adopting, surrendering, reclaiming, reporting or transporting an animal.
Animal Shelter Action Planner: Lost Pet, Found Pet, Adoption, Reclaim & Surrender Helper
Use this free tool to create a practical next-step plan before visiting or contacting an animal shelter, humane society, rescue, or animal control agency. It does not search a live shelter database, but it helps you prepare the right documents, questions, safety steps, and official-source searches.
Build a USA-wide shelter action plan
Select your situation and location. The tool will create a general action plan, search links, call questions, and a copyable checklist.
Lost pet recovery checklist
Check the steps you have completed. This helps you stay organized during the first urgent hours and days.
Found pet safety decision helper
Use this when you find a stray or loose pet and need a safe next step.
Adoption readiness checker
This helps adopters prepare before visiting a shelter or rescue. It is not a guarantee of approval.
Pet reclaim document checklist
If your pet may be at a shelter, prepare proof before visiting. Exact requirements and fees vary by agency.
Owner surrender preparation helper
Surrender rules vary. Many shelters require appointments, proof of residence, behavior/medical information, and may offer alternatives.
Animal control contact decision helper
Choose the situation and get a general USA-wide contact path. Local rules may differ.
Adoption and first-month budget planner
This is a planning guide, not a shelter fee database. Always confirm adoption fees and included services with the shelter.
Your generated shelter plan
Your action plan, search links, call script, checklist, or budget guide will appear here.
Start with the Planner tab
Select your state, city/county/ZIP, pet type, and goal. The tool will create a practical USA-wide shelter action plan.
Privacy note: this tool runs in your browser. It does not send your entries to animal-shelter.org.