Ventura County Camarillo Animal Shelter & Adoption 2026
Use this Camarillo shelter dashboard to adopt a pet, reclaim a lost animal, bring in a found animal, check licensing, contact field services, or choose the right Ventura County Animal Services route before you drive.
Verified official detail: the Camarillo Animal Shelter is the main VCAS shelter at 600 Aviation Drive, Camarillo, CA 93010. Adoption hours are listed as 1:00pm-6:00pm, with animals not taken out of kennels for viewing during the final 30 minutes.
Official source checked
Last verified: August 12, 2026. This page uses Ventura County Animal Services official pages and county-linked licensing/field-service information.
5:30pm practical cutoff
Adoption hours run until 6:00pm, but VCAS notes that animals cannot be taken out of kennels during the final 30 minutes of adoption hours.
No fake details
No fake live availability, no fake fees, no unverified euthanasia claim, no fake staff names, no fake ratings, and no BreadcrumbList schema inside this Custom HTML.
Choose What You Need
- Clickable action cards
- Camarillo shelter hours
- Adoption micro-steps
- Adoption fee safety notes
- Lost/found pet steps
- Reclaim checklist
- Animal-control field services
- Pet licensing
- Simi Valley backup location
- Holiday and early closure notes
- Surrender / owner support
- Disaster and evacuation planning
- Before you leave home
- Call scripts
- Map
- Official links
- 10 FAQs
Clickable Camarillo Shelter Help Cards
Tap the matching action. These links and phone routes are built for real user tasks, not generic directory browsing.
Ventura County Camarillo Animal Shelter Hours
The Camarillo location is the main VCAS shelter and also houses administrative offices and the veterinary hospital.
| Service | Official listed time | Practical cutoff / warning | Best action |
|---|---|---|---|
| Office hours | 9:00am-6:00pm | Call before driving for urgent, holiday or special-case issues. | Use for front counter, reclaim, found animals and general service questions. |
| Adoption hours | 1:00pm-6:00pm | Animals cannot be taken out of kennels during the final 30 minutes. | Arrive before 5:30pm if you need a kennel meet. |
| On-call phone hours | Weekdays 7:30am-5:30pm; weekends 8:00am-4:00pm | Use phone routing before assuming the shelter counter is the correct first step. | Call 805-388-4341 or 1-888-223-PETS. |
| Lost-pet reclaim / found-animal intake on closed holidays | Normal business hours when noted by VCAS | VCAS notes it remains open for reclaiming lost pets or bringing in found animals even when closed on certain holidays. | Call first if it is a holiday or early-close day. |
Camarillo Adoption Micro-Steps
VCAS profiles may change quickly. Use this flow before choosing a pet.
Check the online animal page
Start with VCAS dog, cat or other animal listings. Screenshot the animal ID, name, kennel and shelter location.
Confirm Camarillo location
VCAS has Camarillo and Simi Valley shelters. Make sure the animal is actually listed at Camarillo Animal Shelter before driving.
Use adoption hours, not office hours
Office opens earlier, but adoption hours are listed as 1:00pm-6:00pm. Plan to arrive before the 5:30pm kennel-viewing cutoff.
Ask about availability and readiness
Ask whether the animal is still available, on a hold, in foster, on a call-to-action list, under medical review, or ready for same-day adoption.
Prepare household approval
Bring ID, landlord approval if renting, and the full household decision before finalizing a dog/cat adoption.
Ask care questions
Ask about behavior notes, medical notes, vaccines, spay/neuter status, microchip, license requirement and first-week decompression.
Adoption Fee Safety Notes
VCAS adoption fees and promotions may vary by animal, event, city residency, license requirement and current shelter promotions. This page avoids guessing a final checkout price.
Ask for final total
Before checkout, ask the counter for the exact adoption fee, license charge if applicable, promotion status and payment method.
License may apply
VCAS licensing is mandatory for dogs over 4 months in Ventura County, and cats over 4 months in Moorpark and Oxnard.
Promotions can change
VCAS sometimes runs adoption events or fee promotions. Do not copy old social posts as the current price.
Lost or Found Pet in Ventura County
For lost/found cases, speed matters. Use the Camarillo shelter route, online listings, microchip updates and in-person checks together.
If your pet is lost
- Call VCAS at 805-388-4341 or 1-888-223-PETS.
- Check VCAS lost/found listings and shelter animal pages.
- Visit the Camarillo shelter in person if a matching animal may be there.
- Bring recent photos, microchip number, license tag, rabies/license documents and proof of ownership.
- Update your microchip and DocuPet/HomeSafe profile contact details.
- Post flyers and neighborhood/social alerts with clear photos and exact cross streets.
If you found an animal
- Call VCAS before transporting an injured, aggressive, sick or unsafe animal.
- Record the exact found location, date and time.
- Take clear photos from multiple angles.
- Keep the animal separate from your own pets and children.
- Bring the animal to the correct shelter route if instructed.
- Do not rehome a found pet privately before the official shelter/lost-pet process.
Reclaim Checklist for Camarillo Shelter
Use this when your animal may already be at Ventura County Animal Services.
Photo ID
Bring a government photo ID so staff can match the reclaim record to the owner.
Proof of ownership
Bring photos, microchip number, license tag, vet records, adoption papers or other proof that clearly connects you to the pet.
Rabies / license proof
Bring rabies and license documentation. Licensing is also proof of rabies vaccination in the VCAS/DocuPet system.
Fees
Ask for the exact reclaim, board, license or medical charges before arrival. This page does not guess reclaim fee totals.
Call first
Use 805-388-4341 to ask whether the pet is at Camarillo or another VCAS location and what pickup documents are needed.
Do not wait
Lost-pet reclaim is time-sensitive. Check the shelter, listings and phone route as soon as possible.
Animal-Control and Field Services
VCAS is the county animal-services agency. Field service issues are different from adoption visits.
| Issue | VCAS / public-safety route | What to say | Important caution |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dangerous or aggressive animal | Call VCAS / local emergency route if immediate danger | “There is an aggressive animal at [exact location].” | Do not attempt capture yourself. |
| Sick or injured animal | Call VCAS before transport if unsafe | “Animal appears injured/sick and is located at [location].” | Use caution; injured animals may bite. |
| Cruelty / neglect concern | VCAS field-service / animal-control report route | “I need to report possible neglect/cruelty at [address].” | Document details without trespassing. |
| Barking / nuisance complaint | VCAS field-service route | “This is a recurring barking/nuisance issue at [address].” | Keep dates, times and pattern notes. |
| Animal bite | Call for animal-control / public-health direction | “An animal bite occurred at [location], skin was/was not broken.” | Seek medical care when needed and preserve animal info. |
| Disaster evacuation animal help | Follow VCAS / Ventura County emergency instructions | “I need animal evacuation/shelter guidance for [animal type].” | Emergency shelter locations can change by incident. |
Ventura County Pet Licensing
VCAS partners with DocuPet for licensing. Licensing is more than a tag; it supports reunion if your pet gets lost.
Dog license rule
Pet licensing is mandatory for all dogs over 4 months in Ventura County.
Cat license rule
Cats over 4 months who live in Moorpark or Oxnard must also be licensed.
DocuPet HomeSafe
VCAS says DocuPet tags include HomeSafe 24/7 lost pet service and profile tools.
Documents
Licensing documentation may include rabies proof, senior discount proof, proof of sterilization and renewal notice.
Excluded cities
VCAS does not license pets for Santa Paula or Thousand Oaks residents; use those city-specific routes.
License phone
For licensing questions, VCAS lists 1-877-239-6072.
Simi Valley Shelter Backup Location
The page is focused on Camarillo, but VCAS also operates a Simi Valley shelter. Always confirm where the animal is located.
| Location | Address | Official hours note | Use for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Camarillo Animal Shelter | 600 Aviation Drive, Camarillo, CA 93010 | Office 9am-6pm; adoption 1pm-6pm. | Main VCAS shelter, administrative offices and veterinary hospital. |
| Simi Valley Animal Shelter | 670 W. Los Angeles Ave., Simi Valley, CA 93065 | Official page lists seasonal office/adoption hours. | Some intake, adoption, licensing and reclaim services. |
Holiday and Early Closure Notes
Holiday details matter for adoption visits and urgent lost/found cases.
Closed holidays
VCAS lists Independence Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day as closed holidays.
Early closures
VCAS lists Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve closing early at 3:00pm.
Lost/found exception
VCAS notes it remains open during normal business hours for reclaiming lost pets or bringing in found animals even when closed on holidays.
Owner Surrender and Pet Support
Owner surrender rules and capacity can change. Do not show up with a pet without checking current guidance.
Call first
Call 805-388-4341 and ask whether owner-surrender appointments, forms, fees or pet-retention support are required.
Prepare records
Bring age, breed, microchip/license info, vaccines, spay/neuter status, medical notes and behavior history.
Ask for alternatives
Ask about pet pantry, behavior resources, foster/rescue options, rehoming help or emergency support before surrendering.
Disaster and Evacuation Planning
Ventura County faces wildfire, flood and evacuation risks. VCAS provides animal emergency guidance, but shelter locations can change during a real incident.
Small pet go-bag
- Medication and medical notes.
- Vaccination records and license copy.
- Microchip information and recent photo.
- Leash, collar, carrier, bowls, food and water.
- Litter box/litter for cats and comfort blanket/toy.
Large animal planning
- Prepare trailer access before fire season.
- Keep halters, feed, water buckets and ID ready.
- Follow Ventura County emergency instructions.
- Do not assume the same evacuation site is open for every incident.
- Monitor official emergency pages and VCAS updates.
Before You Leave Home
Animal ID, shelter location, ID, landlord approval, current-pet info, payment and arrival before 5:30pm.
Photos, microchip, license tag, rabies proof, vet records, exact lost location and phone available.
Found location/time, photos, safe containment, call-ahead for injured/aggressive animals.
Rabies certificate, sterilization proof, senior discount proof if applicable, DocuPet access.
Copy/Paste Call Scripts
Adoption
Hi, I am interested in adopting [animal name / Animal ID]. Is this animal at the Camarillo shelter, still available, and able to meet today before the kennel-viewing cutoff?Lost pet
Hi, my [dog/cat/other] is missing near [cross streets]. Description: [color/size/collar/microchip]. Has a matching animal been brought to Camarillo or Simi Valley?Found animal
Hi, I found a [dog/cat/other] at [exact location]. It is [safe/injured/aggressive]. Should I bring it to Camarillo, and what information do you need?Field service
Hi, I need help with an animal-control issue at [address/location]. The issue is [dangerous animal/sick animal/cruelty concern/barking/bite]. What is the correct next step?Map: Ventura County Animal Services Camarillo Shelter
Use this map for the Camarillo shelter at Aviation Drive. Check the animal’s profile before driving because VCAS also operates a Simi Valley shelter.
Official and Professional Links
The important details are summarized above. Use these official links for live animal status, hours, licensing and current service updates.
Ventura County Camarillo Animal Shelter FAQ
Where is Ventura County Camarillo Animal Shelter located?
Ventura County Animal Services’ Camarillo Animal Shelter is located at 600 Aviation Drive, Camarillo, CA 93010.
What is the Camarillo Animal Shelter phone number?
The main phone number is 805-388-4341. VCAS also lists 1-888-223-PETS (7387).
What are Camarillo Animal Shelter adoption hours?
VCAS lists Camarillo adoption hours as 1:00pm to 6:00pm. Animals cannot be taken out of kennels for viewing 30 minutes before the end of adoption hours.
What are Camarillo Animal Shelter office hours?
VCAS lists Camarillo office hours as 9:00am to 6:00pm.
Can I email Ventura County Animal Services?
Yes. VCAS lists info@vcas.us as a general email address. Some adoptable animal profiles also list animal.care@venturacounty.gov for adopters.
Does Ventura County Animal Services also have a Simi Valley shelter?
Yes. VCAS also operates the Simi Valley Animal Shelter at 670 W. Los Angeles Ave., Simi Valley, CA 93065. Always confirm which shelter an animal is located at before driving.
When should I arrive to meet an adoptable pet at Camarillo?
Arrive before 5:30pm because VCAS notes that animals cannot be taken out of kennels during the final 30 minutes of adoption hours.
Do dogs need a license in Ventura County?
Yes. VCAS states that licensing is mandatory for all dogs over 4 months in Ventura County.
Do cats need a license in Ventura County?
VCAS states that cats over 4 months who live in Moorpark or Oxnard must be licensed.
Who handles Ventura County animal-control field service issues?
Ventura County Animal Services handles animal-related services including sheltering, lost and found, field services, cruelty investigations, licensing, TNR surgical services, clinics, foster, volunteer and emergency disaster response.
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.