Ventura County Animal Shelter, Adoption & Pets 2026

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Verified Ventura County Shelter Guide

Ventura County Animal Shelter Guide: Adoption, Lost Pets, Fees, Hours, Video & Map

Use this 2026 Ventura County Animal Shelter guide when you need the official phone number, Camarillo and Simi Valley shelter hours, adoption steps, lost-pet search help, owner-surrender guidance, animal-control routing, pet services, map, and a useful official video resource before contacting VCAS.

See Adoptable Pets Call 805-388-4341 Open Map
Main shelter 600 Aviation Drive, Camarillo, CA 93010
Main phone 805-388-4341
Adoption hours 1:00 PM–6:00 PM, Tue–Sun

Quick Answer: What is Ventura County Animal Shelter?

Ventura County Animal Shelter usually refers to Ventura County Animal Services, also known as VCAS. The main Camarillo Animal Shelter is at 600 Aviation Drive in Camarillo, California, and VCAS also operates the Simi Valley Animal Shelter. People use VCAS for pet adoptions, lost and found animals, reclaim help, animal-control field services, licensing, foster, volunteer, vaccines, TNR and community pet support.

Fastest path: if you want to adopt, check available animals online and use the online adoption sign-up window when possible. If your pet is missing, search the official lost/found route and call VCAS. If the situation involves active danger, injury, cruelty in progress, bites, or emergency wildlife risk, use emergency routing instead of waiting for routine shelter hours.

Choose what you need today

Most visitors are trying to complete one urgent task. Choose your situation first, then use the matching section.

Adopt a pet Available animals, online sign-up, in-person adoption and visit timing. Lost my pet Search tools, reclaim steps, proof and microchip action. Found a pet Safe handling, reporting, microchip scan and after-hours option. Surrender help Waitlist, last-option guidance and alternatives. Adoption fees How to verify current fees and what to ask before paying. Animal control Emergency vs non-emergency field-service routing. Video guide Official VCAS video context before visiting. Map and arrival Address, hours, documents and before-you-drive tips.

Verified Ventura County Animal Services facts

Official entityVentura County Animal Services / VCAS
Main shelter600 Aviation Drive, Camarillo, CA 93010
Simi Valley shelter670 W. Los Angeles Ave., Simi Valley, CA 93065
Main phone805-388-4341
Toll-free phone1-888-223-PETS (7387)
Emailinfo@vcas.us
Source-check note: Always confirm directly before driving. Animal availability, adoption specials, fee schedules, online sign-up timing, holiday hours, closure alerts, shelter capacity, and illness-control procedures can change quickly.

Ventura County Animal Shelter hours

Location or service Hours shown by VCAS Important note
Camarillo Animal Shelter office 9:00 AM–6:00 PM Main shelter and administrative/veterinary hospital location.
Camarillo adoption hours 1:00 PM–6:00 PM No new animals may be taken out of kennels to be seen 30 minutes before adoption hours end.
Simi Valley Animal Shelter 1:00 PM–6:00 PM during DST; 1:00 PM–5:00 PM during PST Smaller VCAS facility with many of the same services.
Closed days Mondays and federal holidays VCAS says it remains open during normal business hours for reclaiming lost pets or bringing in found animals even when closed Mondays or holidays.
On-call phone hours Weekdays 7:30 AM–5:30 PM; weekends 8:00 AM–4:00 PM For after-hours stray-dog guidance, VCAS FAQ says call 805-388-4341 and use option 4 if temporary care is not possible.

Official Video Guide: Understand Ventura County Animal Services before you visit

Many people searching for Ventura County Animal Shelter want more than a static address. They want to understand what VCAS does, how sheltering connects with adoption, lost-pet reunions, field services and community help. This video section is included because it matches the real user intent behind adoption, volunteering, donation, lost-pet support and pre-visit research.

How to use this video: watch it for VCAS context, then use the official VCAS website, adoption page, lost/found page and direct phone contact for current rules. A video can explain the shelter’s mission, but it cannot confirm today’s pet availability, fees, holds, appointment priority or service route.
If you plan to adoptUse the video for shelter context, then check the official pet list and sign-up process before driving.
If you want to helpUse the video to understand why VCAS needs adopters, fosters, volunteers, donors, pet-reclaim support and community resources.

Ventura County Animal Shelter adoption process

VCAS allows in-person adoption from 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM at the Camarillo or Simi Valley shelters. VCAS also offers an online adoption sign-up portal that opens between 9:00 AM and 10:30 AM. Online sign-up is not required, but people with appointments receive priority.

Search official available animals.
Start with the VCAS adopt page and animal search. Do not rely only on screenshots, social posts or older videos because pet availability can change quickly.
Use the online sign-up window if you want priority.
The portal is generally open from 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM. If you want one specific pet, an appointment may matter because appointments receive priority over walk-in interest.
Visit during adoption hours.
Adoption hours are listed as 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM. Arrive early enough because new kennel visits stop 30 minutes before adoption hours end.
Ask direct match questions.
Ask about energy level, known behavior, medical notes, foster notes, other-pet history, children, leash behavior, litter habits, noise sensitivity and first-week adjustment.
Bring practical supplies.
Bring ID, a secure cat carrier if adopting a cat, a safe leash/vehicle plan for a dog, and enough time for staff guidance.
Confirm fees and included care.
VCAS says fees change annually, so check the current adopt page or ask staff before assuming a fee from an older post.
Official Adopt Page Adoption Process

Ventura County Animal Shelter adoption fees and fee questions

VCAS explains in its FAQ that adoption rates and fees change annually and directs users to the official adopt page for the current fee schedule. Because overcrowding specials and temporary adoption promotions can also change, treat any old social post or third-party listing as a clue, not the final fee.

User need What to check Why it matters
Current adoption fee Check the official VCAS adopt page or ask staff by phone. VCAS says fees change annually, and promotions may change normal costs.
What is included Ask whether spay/neuter, vaccines, microchip, flea/deworming care or license-related costs apply. Included care can vary by animal type, age, timing and residency requirements.
Ventura County resident costs Ask whether licensing fees or local requirements apply to your city. County resident requirements may affect the final amount due.
Payment method Ask whether card, cash or other payment is accepted that day. It avoids delays during short adoption windows.
Fee script: “Hi, I’m planning to adopt from VCAS. Can you confirm today’s adoption fee, whether any promotion is active, what the fee includes, and whether a license or microchip cost applies to Ventura County residents?”

Before you visit for adoption: quick checklist

Check the pet page firstConfirm the animal is still listed and note the animal ID, name and location.
Use online sign-up when possibleAppointments receive priority if another person arrives for the same pet.
Arrive before the final 30 minutesVCAS notes no new animals can be taken out of kennels to be seen 30 minutes before adoption hours end.
Bring safe transportUse a secure carrier for cats and a safe leash/vehicle plan for dogs.
Ask adjustment questionsAsk what the first three days and first three weeks may look like for that animal.
Confirm total costAsk about current fee, active specials, license requirements and accepted payment.

Lost dog or cat in Ventura County: what to do first

If your pet is missing, act quickly. VCAS handles lost and found services, and its contact information lists phone and email support. Do not wait for one social post or one search page to solve the problem; search, call, update the microchip and check in person when needed.

Search the official lost/found tools.
Use the VCAS lost/found page and animal search route. Lost animals may not appear the same way as adoptable animals.
Call VCAS.
Call 805-388-4341 or 1-888-223-PETS. Give species, breed/mix, sex, color, collar, microchip status, last-known location and city.
Email clear photos if needed.
Use info@vcas.us for contact when appropriate. Include front, side and full-body photos plus unique markings.
Update the microchip registry.
Use AAHA Universal Pet Microchip Lookup if you do not remember the registry. Update phone, email and backup contact.
Check physically when needed.
Descriptions and breed labels can be wrong. A scared pet may look dirty, smaller, darker or different from your usual photos.
Bring proof of ownership.
Bring photos, vet records, adoption papers, microchip records, license information, rabies certificate or other proof if reclaiming.
Monday and holiday note: VCAS says it remains open during normal business hours for those reclaiming lost pets or bringing in found animals even when closed on Mondays or holidays.
Official Lost & Found AAHA Microchip Lookup

Found a pet in Ventura County: what not to do

Found pets may have families actively searching. A dog or cat without a visible tag may still have a microchip or a family nearby. The safest approach is to report the found pet through VCAS, scan for a chip and avoid giving the animal away without proof of ownership.

Do not assume abandonmentA clean indoor pet can look rough after one day outside in heat, rain, traffic or wind.
Scan for a microchipA shelter or veterinarian may be able to scan the pet and locate the owner quickly.
Use safe handlingDo not approach aggressive, injured, sick or frightened animals if it puts you in danger.
After-hours stray dogVCAS FAQ says if you cannot temporarily care for a stray dog found at 2 AM, call 805-388-4341 and use option 4 for after-hours service.
Found-pet call script: “Hi, I found a dog/cat near [street/city]. The pet is [description]. I can send photos and I’m trying to locate the owner. Should I bring the pet to Camarillo, Simi Valley, use a report form, or contact city animal services first?”

Owner surrender or rehome request: read this before submitting

VCAS says the pet surrender request form is for legal owners who have been unsuccessful securing alternative placement with family, friends, coworkers or other options, and who consider surrender to the shelter the last and only option. Submitting the form adds the pet to a waitlist after confirmation, not an instant walk-in drop-off.

Important: never abandon an animal outside the shelter, at a park, in a parking lot or at a public location. Call first, use the official surrender request form and ask about alternatives.
Before submittingWrite down the pet’s age, breed, sex, spay/neuter status, vaccine history, medical conditions, behavior notes, bite history and reason for surrender.
Understand the waitlistA confirmation email may mean your pet has been added to the waitlist. It does not always mean immediate intake.
Try safe alternativesFamily, friends, coworkers, temporary foster care, food help, training support or rehoming resources may keep a pet out of the shelter.
Be honestMedical and behavior information helps protect staff, volunteers, adopters and the animal.
Official Surrender Form

Animal control, cruelty, barking, bites and emergencies

VCAS provides field services, cruelty investigations, lost/found services and emergency disaster response. But emergency routing depends on the situation. If there is immediate danger, do not wait for an email or routine shelter hours.

Immediate dangerCall 911 for life-threatening situations, active attack, serious injury or cruelty in progress.
VCAS main lineCall 805-388-4341 for VCAS service questions and use the proper option for after-hours guidance.
Pet poisoningCall ASPCA Animal Poison Control at 1-888-426-4435. A fee may apply.
Examples of urgent animal issues: stray aggressive animals blocking safe entry or exit, animal bites with an at-large animal, sick or injured animals, active cruelty, high-risk wildlife inside a residence and animals trapped in unsafe conditions.
Do not use this page as emergency dispatch. Animal-Shelter.org is not animal control, not police, not an emergency dispatcher and not a veterinarian. Use the correct emergency or municipal route for active danger.

Licensing, vaccines, TNR, spay/neuter and pet services

VCAS provides or links residents to multiple public pet services, including pet licensing, TNR surgical services, low-cost rabies vaccination clinics, spay/neuter information, foster and volunteer programs, and emergency/disaster preparedness resources.

Pet licensingVCAS lists licensing support and notes common documentation such as rabies vaccination proof, renewal notice and proof of age for senior discount.
Vaccination clinicsCheck the official VCAS vaccine clinic page for current clinic dates and requirements.
TNR and community catsUse official TNR surgery resources and local rules. Do not trap during unsafe weather or without a plan.
Foster and volunteerVCAS lists foster and volunteer routes. Requirements may include forms, training, age limits or scheduled shifts.

Call scripts for Ventura County Animal Services

A clear script helps staff understand your situation faster.

Adoption: “Hi, I’m interested in adopting [animal name or ID]. I saw the pet on the official VCAS website. Is the pet still available, and should I use online sign-up before visiting?”

Lost pet: “Hi, my [dog/cat] went missing near [city/intersection]. The pet is [description], has [collar/microchip], and I can send photos. Can you check whether a matching animal has been brought in?”

Found pet: “Hi, I found a [dog/cat] near [location]. The pet is [description]. Should I bring the pet to VCAS, file a report, or call a field-services route first?”

Surrender: “Hi, I need help with possible owner surrender or alternatives. My pet is [age/species], has [medical/behavior notes], and surrender is my last option. Should I submit the official request form?”

Ventura County Animal Shelter map and arrival planning

The main Camarillo Animal Shelter is located at 600 Aviation Drive, Camarillo, CA 93010. Before leaving, confirm current hours, check whether the animal is still listed, and bring the right documents for adoption or reclaim.

Arrival tip: for adoption, arrive early enough to meet the animal and complete paperwork before the final 30-minute cutoff. For reclaim, bring proof of ownership. For found pets or lost-pet reclaim on Monday or holidays, call first and ask what access applies.

Official Ventura County Animal Services links

Main VCAS siteVentura County Animal Services
Adopt a petOfficial adopt page
Adoption processAdoption process
Lost and foundLost & found pets
Pet surrender formOwner surrender request
Report animal abuse or neglectReport concern
LicensingPet licensing
Official YouTubeVCAS YouTube

Common mistakes that slow people down

Arriving too late to meet animalsVCAS says no new animals are taken out of kennels to be seen 30 minutes before adoption hours end.
Ignoring online sign-upWalk-ins may adopt, but appointments receive priority for specific animals.
Using old fee screenshotsVCAS says fees change annually, and specials may change normal costs.
Only checking adoptable animals for a lost petLost/found and adoption listings may not be the same route.
Assuming Simi Valley has every animalCamarillo is the main shelter and houses the majority of animals coming into VCAS.
Waiting on a missing petCall, search online, update the microchip and check in person when needed.

Ventura County Animal Shelter FAQs

The main Ventura County Animal Services phone number is 805-388-4341. VCAS also lists 1-888-223-PETS (7387).

The main Camarillo Animal Shelter is at 600 Aviation Drive, Camarillo, CA 93010. VCAS also lists the Simi Valley Animal Shelter at 670 W. Los Angeles Ave., Simi Valley, CA 93065.

VCAS lists adoption hours at the Camarillo shelter as 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM. Simi Valley hours vary by daylight saving time and standard time. Confirm before visiting.

VCAS lists Mondays and federal holidays as closed, but notes that it remains open during normal business hours for people reclaiming lost pets or bringing in found animals.

Online sign-up is not required, but VCAS says priority is given to those with appointments. If you want a specific animal, using the online sign-up window can help.

VCAS says rates and fees change annually and directs visitors to the official adopt page for the current fee schedule. Always confirm the current fee and active specials before visiting.

Search the official lost/found tools, call VCAS, update your microchip registry, prepare photos and proof of ownership, and check in person if needed.

VCAS FAQ says if you can keep the dog safe until VCAS opens, do so. If you cannot temporarily care for the dog, call 805-388-4341 and use option 4 for after-hours service.

VCAS provides an official pet surrender request form for legal owners who have tried alternative placement and consider surrender the last and only option. A submission may add the pet to a waitlist.

VCAS lists cruelty investigations among its services and provides an official report animal abuse or neglect route. For immediate danger or cruelty in progress, call 911.

Yes. VCAS has an official YouTube presence, and this guide includes a relevant official video resource for shelter context.

No. Animal-Shelter.org is an independent directory guide. Use the official VCAS website for current rules, fees, hours, animal availability and emergency instructions.

Emergency routing and independent-site disclaimer

Life-threatening or in-progress cruelty: call 911. Pet poisoning: call ASPCA Animal Poison Control at 1-888-426-4435; a fee may apply. Crisis for the handler or owner: call or text 988. For urgent wildlife or emergency animal help, use a qualified emergency veterinarian, municipal authority or Animal Help Now where appropriate.

Animal-Shelter.org is an independent animal shelter and animal control directory. We are not Ventura County Animal Services, not animal control, not an emergency dispatcher, not a shelter, not a humane society, not an SPCA, not a veterinarian, not a wildlife rehabilitator, not a microchip registry, not a pet poison hotline, not a federal regulator, not police, and not an attorney. Always confirm current hours, fees, policies, animal availability and emergency instructions with the official organization.

Final summary

For Ventura County Animal Shelter, start with the official VCAS adopt or lost/found page, call 805-388-4341 for direct shelter questions, use online sign-up if you want adoption priority, and act quickly if your pet is missing. For emergencies, use 911 or the proper urgent animal-service route.

USA-wide shelter helper • adoption, lost pets, found pets, surrender and animal control

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.

Lost Pet PlanSearch, microchip, shelter checks, flyers
Found Pet HelpSafety, scanning, reporting, holding
Adoption PlannerReadiness, questions, supplies, budget
Visit ChecklistDocuments, call script, official links

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.

Important: Shelter rules vary by city, county, agency, and animal type. Always confirm hours, intake rules, fees, appointment requirements, and proof-of-ownership rules with the official shelter or animal control agency before visiting.

Lost pet recovery checklist

Check the steps you have completed. This helps you stay organized during the first urgent hours and days.

0% completed

Found pet safety decision helper

Use this when you find a stray or loose pet and need a safe next step.

Safety first: Do not approach an aggressive, injured, trapped, or traffic-endangered animal if doing so could put you or others at risk. Contact animal control, emergency services, or a qualified professional when needed.

Adoption readiness checker

This helps adopters prepare before visiting a shelter or rescue. It is not a guarantee of approval.

0% readiness signals checked

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.

Helpful reminder: Ask the shelter about pet food pantries, low-cost vet care, behavior support, temporary foster options, and safe rehoming resources before making a final decision.

Animal control contact decision helper

Choose the situation and get a general USA-wide contact path. Local rules may differ.

Emergency warning: If there is immediate danger to a person, a serious bite, traffic hazard, or active attack, contact local emergency services or animal control according to local rules.

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.

USA-wide Shelter user intent Official-source focused

Privacy note: this tool runs in your browser. It does not send your entries to animal-shelter.org.

Independent shelter-help tool. Not affiliated with any animal shelter, humane society, rescue, animal control agency, city, county, state agency, veterinarian, or microchip company. Always confirm current rules, hours, fees, and requirements directly with the official organization.