You can adopt a shelter animal in-person from 1:00pm – 6:00pm at the Camarillo or Simi Valley Animal Shelters, or by using our online adoption sign-up portal below which is open between 9:00am – 10:30am. While online sign-ups are not required to adopt an animal, priority is given to those with appointments. This means if you come to adopt a specific animal in-person, and learn that animal already has an appointment scheduled, the person with the appointment will have priority. To see if an animal already has an appointment, look for an orange Adoption Pending tag below their profile picture. These tags are usually placed before we open at 1:00pm.
Walk-In Adoptions:
You are welcome to walk through the shelter, meet available animals, and adopt them between 1:00pm – 6:00pm. Please note, adoption priority is given to those who have scheduled adoption appointments.
Online Sign-Ups: (Recommended)
If you’d like to secure the opportunity to adopt a specific animal, we recommend signing up using the portal below. The portal is active daily from 9:00am – 10:30am. After signing up, you will receive a text message confirming you’re on the waitlist. We will call the first two (2) people who have signed up for the same animal. During that call, we will share more information about the animal, and if it seems like a potential match, we will schedule an appointment to meet the animal that afternoon. If it seems like a match may not be ideal, we’ll call the next person on the waitlist for that animal. IMPORTANT: 1) Please do not sign-up for animals whose Adoptable Date has not yet been reached. 2) While appointments are mostly made for animals just becoming available that day, you can still sign up for any available animal. For rabbit adoptions, please see below.
Appointments:
When you arrive at the Camarillo Shelter for your scheduled appointment, go directly to the red Info Center to check-in. You should be able to clearly see it from the front gate.
Shelter Closing:
While the shelter closes at 6:00pm, all animals are returned to their kennels by 5:30pm and no new animals can be taken out to be seen.
Rabbits Adoptions:
Rabbits are also available on both a walk-in and appointment basis. Visit animalservices.venturacounty.gov/rabbits to view the Bunny Brigade schedule to see walk-in adoption hours, schedule an appointment, and/or complete an online application.
ADOPTION SIGN-UP Portal
The adoption portal below is open daily from 9:00am – 10:30am.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)
WHY DO I NOT APPEAR ON THE WAIT LIST? WHY DID I NOT RECEIVE A CONFIRMATION TEXT MESSAGE? It is likely due to an error made when you entered your phone number when signing up. If the number was incorrect, we have no way of reaching out to you. Please sign-up again.
WHY CAN’T I SIGN UP ON THE ADOPTION PORTAL? The list is ONLY active between 9:00am – 10:30am. It remains inactive at all other times. If the portal is open and you’re still unable to sign-up, try a different computer, mobile device, or browser.
WHY DO I APPEAR LOWER ON THE LIST WHEN I’M SURE I SIGNED UP FIRST? It is likely because other people completed the sign-up process before you. Keep in mind, dozens, sometimes hundreds of other people may also be signing up the moment the portal goes live.
CAN I STILL SIGN-UP IF I DON’T HAVE INTERNET ACCESS? Yes. You can also have a friend sign-up on your behalf. But they will receive the text messages and phone calls, so stay close by.
WHY HAVEN’T I RECEIVED A CALL YET FROM AN ADOPTION COUNSELOR? Due to the popularity of some animals, we will only be able to call the first two (2) parties who have signed up for the same animal. If you did not receive a call back, it is likely because you’re not the first or second party for that animal.
WHY CAN’T I FIND THE ANIMAL I WAS LOOKING FOR ONLINE ANYMORE? If an animal’s profile is missing, it is likely because they have been reclaimed by their owner — 60% of stray dogs are reclaimed by their owner. To inquire about a specific animal, please call (805) 388-4341 or visit VCAS during normal business hours.
WHAT IS THE ADVANTAGE OF SIGNING UP ONLINE? Those who have signed up online and have subsequently scheduled an appointment with an Adoption Counselor to see an animal in-person, will have priority over those who have walked into the shelter without an appointment. People typically sign-up online when a specific animal becomes available for adoption, but they can sign-up to adopt any available animal.
IS IT REQUIRED TO SIGN-UP ONLINE TO ADOPT AN ANIMAL? No. But priority is given to those who have signed up that morning using the adoption portal. If come to the shelter during adoption hours and you see an animal you are interested in, go to the red Information Center to learn more about them and to begin the adoption process. Please note that puppies, small breeds, kitten, and rare breeds get adopted quickly, often the day they become available for adoption. If you do not use the sign-up portal, you will likely miss out on the opportunity to adopt that specific animal.
HOW LONG DOES THE ADOPTION PROCESS TAKE? It is vital that the best possible matches are made, thus we will never rush an adoption. Expect the process to take least one (1) hour and sometimes up to two (2) hours or more depending on the day of the week, time of day, number of shelter guests, and other factors. Weekends from 1pm-2pm are the busiest for us.
IF I ADOPT AN ANIMAL, CAN I TAKE THEM HOME THE SAME DAY? If the animal is already spayed or neutered, yes, they can go home with you the same day. If they are not already spayed or neutered, you will be given a date and time to pick them up after surgery when they are fully awake.
HOW OLD DO I NEED TO BE ABLE TO ADOPT A PET? Adopters must be 18 years or older.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO ADOPT AN ANIMAL? Please see our list of adoption fees below.
Welcoming a new pet
Slowly acclimate shelter animals to their new home. Introduce them very slowly to their new animal siblings and do not let them play unattended or around young children for the first several weeks. Rushing introductions between animals can cause conflict which is a top reason animals are returned. The first 30 days should be calm, stress-free and uneventful. No dog parks. No beach trips. No hikes. Don’t worry, you’ll have those amazing experiences, just allow your new family member to get used to their new surroundings.
Are you ready for a new pet?
- Ensure everyone in the household is prepared to care for another living being. No one should be surprised you're bringing home a new pet.
- Animals must have access to fresh water, nutritious food and shelter.
- Annual vet check-ups and dental cleanings are required to maintain optimal health.
- Ensure pets are current with their vaccinations and are licensed.
Which animals can you adopt?
- Animals whose Adoptable Date has been reached can likely be adopted. This date may change over the course of an animal’s stay. Each animal’s Adoptable Date is located on their online profile and is updated continuously.
- Animals who have a tag across their profile picture cannot be adopted. Such tags include: Pending Adoption, Rescue Transfer Pending, Under Evaluation, Rescue Transfer Preferred, Medical Hold, and Quarantine. Tap/click here to view these tags and their meanings.
- Animals who are not yet available for adoption cannot be taken out of their kennels to be seen. Tap/click here to ensure the animals you’re interested are still available.
Please be aware of the following scenarios that may prevent you from adopting an animal:
- An animal’s “Adoptable Date” may change throughout their time with us. Bookmark the animal’s profile page and check this date regularly to ensure you do not miss the opportunity to adopt. This is a common occurrence.
- An animal you are interested in may get reclaimed by their owner at any time, including the day you come to adopt that pet.
- An animal may get reclaimed by their owner even after you have adopted them, only if that animal is still under our control. This is rare, but it can happen.
- Finder’s First Rights: Please scroll down and review what happens when someone wants to adopt the animal they found and brought to the shelter.
ADOPTION FEES:
Dog adoptions fees include: Spay/neuter surgery, vaccinations (Bordetella, Distemper, Parvovirus, and Rabies), flea preventative, deworming preventative, microchip implant, and a free health check-up voucher.
Cat adoption fees include: Spay or neuter surgery. FVRCP vaccination, flea preventative, deworming preventative, rabies vaccination, microchip implant, 1-year cat license (if applicable), free health check-up voucher, cardboard carrier.
Adoption Fee | Animal Species |
|---|---|
$120 | Dog adoption for Ventura County residents. Includes license, sterilization, and microchip. |
$200 | Puppy (under 16 weeks) for Ventura County residents. Includes license, sterilization, and microchip. |
$95 | Dog adoption for out-of-county residents. Includes sterilization and microchip. |
$175 | Puppy (under 16 weeks) for out-of-county residents. Includes sterilization and microchip. |
$85 | Cat adoption includes sterilization and microchip (additional license fees may apply) |
$5 | Rodents and insects. |
$15 | Birds. Common caged. |
$200 | Birds. Exotic animals. |
$15 | Fowl or poultry. Common variety. |
$150 | Exotic Mammals or Reptiles (i.e. chinchillas, ball pythons..etc.). |
$10 | Reptiles. Common and amphibians. |
$50 | Rabbits. Indoor domestic. Spayed/neutered. |
$15 | Turtles and tortoises. |
$50 | Tortoises (Sulcata). |
$10 | Guinea Pig and Cavy. |
Please note: Adoption fees and included services are subject to change.
KENNEL LOCATIONS:
- Kennels 001 – 899. are located at the Camarillo Animal Shelter – 600 Aviation Drive.
- Kennels 900-998 are located at the Simi Valley Animal Shelter. – 670 W. Los Angeles Ave.
- Kennel “OFFSITE” are animals located at a partner store location. See below for these locations.
- Kennel “FOSTER” are animals being cared for by VCAS Foster parents. They are still available to adopt and can be found here.
ANIMALS HOUSED OFF-SITE AT PARTNER LOCATIONS:
VCAS has partnered with several pet supply stores throughout the county to help find loving homes for animals in our care. At this time, only cats are housed offsite in these locations. If a cat is being housed in a partner store, their store location will be listed on the pet’s profile. Our partners include:
-
Petco - Camarillo
177 W. Ventura Blvd.
Camarillo, CA 93010 -
Petco - Granada Hills
10819 Zelzah Ave.
Granada Hills, CA 91344 -
Petco - Moorpark
205 N. Moorpark Rd.
Moorpark, CA 91360 -
Unleashed by Petco
2643 Tapo Canyon Rd.
Simi Valley, CA 93063 -
Petco - Port Hueneme
545 W. Channel Islands Blvd.
Port Hueneme, CA 93041 -
Petco - Ventura
4300 E. Main St.
Ventura, CA 93003 -
Petco - Westlake Village
3835 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd
Westlake Village, CA 91362 -
PetSmart - Camarillo
2530 Las Posas Rd.
Camarillo, CA 93010
-
PetSmart - Newbury Park
2685 W. Hillcrest Dr.
Thousand Oaks, CA 91320 -
PetSmart - Oxnard
2141 N. Rose Ave.
Oxnard, CA 93036 -
PetSmart - Simi Valley
450 Cochran St.
Simi Valley, CA 93065 -
PetSmart - Ventura
4840 Telephone Rd.
Ventura, CA 93003 -
PetSmart - Westlake
5766 Lindero Canyon Rd.
Westlake Village, CA 91362 -
Pet Food Express
656 Town Center Dr.
Oxnard, CA 93036 -
Pet Food Express
1330 N. Moorpark Rd.
Thousand Oaks, CA 91360 -
Pet Supply Plus
379 Carmen Dr.
Camarillo, CA 93010
ADOPTION DISCOUNTS AND PROMOTIONS
Adoption promotions are held at various times throughout the year and are announced on our social media platforms. Follow us to ensure you receive alerts when new promotions are announced. Facebook, Instagram, TikTok.
Year-round pet adoption discounts are available and as follows:
- SENIOR ANIMAL DISCOUNT – 50% off the regular adoption fee for dogs and cats 5 years or older.
- SENIOR CITIZEN DISCOUNT – 50% off the regular adoption fee for dogs and cats for people 55 years or older. Discount does not apply to puppies under 16 weeks of age.
- MILITARY SERVICE DISCOUNT – 50% off adoption fee for dogs and cats for active service personnel of the United States Armed Forces. Discount does not apply to puppies under 16 weeks of age.
- VETERANS DISCOUNT – 100% off the regular adoption fee for veterans of the United States Armed Forces who present a California Driver License or California ID Card with “VETERAN” printed on its face. (Pets For Vets Act, SB-245). Veterans without “VETERAN” printed on their ID may present their DD214 or U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs card at time of adoption to receive a 50% discount off the regular adoption fee for dogs and cats. Discount does apply to puppies under 16 weeks of age.
PETS FOR PATRIOTS – We have partnered with Pets For Patriots, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization, who helps match veterans and active duty personnel with the adoption of a shelter dog or cat. They provide a generous ‘welcome home’ gift card, discounted veterinary care, savings on food, supplies, medication, and more, with a year of post-adoption follow-up support. Learn more and apply at www.pfp.care/adopt.
Please note that adoption promotions and discounts cannot be combined and often do not include the cost of a pet license. Promotions and discounts also do not guarantee the adoption of a shelter pet. All interested parties must participate in the full adoption process to ensure the best possible matches are made.
ANIMAL HEALTH:
Although we take every precaution concerning the health and well-being of the animals in our care, we cannot make a guarantee of any kind regarding the health or physical condition of an adopted animal. Like humans, shelter animals may become infected with an illness but not show any signs or symptoms of illness for many days. Please keep a watchful eye on your newly adopted pet for signs of illness (loss of appetite, decrease energy level, vomiting, diarrhea, increase thirst, weight gain/loss, etc.) Our VCAS Veterinary Team are unable to treat an illness which has not presented itself. Please schedule your free checkup with your veterinarian as soon as possible after your pet comes home. Please be aware that shelter pets, like humans, may bring home unknown illnesses. If your newly adopted pet appears ill, it is recommended you isolate them from other animals in the home and seek veterinary assistance for your other pets as a precaution.
If a medical issue arises immediately after adoption, we would be happy to speak with you about it. Please call (805) 388-4341. Understand that any medical bills incurred for your pet will be solely your financial responsibility.
Most shelter animals come to us as lost/stray, with unknown medical histories. Therefore, a complete check-up by your veterinarian is a post-adoption essential. To ensure the happy and healthy life of your newly adopted family member, we urge you to have your pet examined routinely by a veterinarian.
RETURN POLICY:
If an adoption does not work out for any reason, you may return the adopted animal within thirty (30) days from the date of adoption for a full refund. Returning an animal is a last resort when all other efforts have been exhausted. VCAS Adoption Counselors are standing by to help you with any issues you are facing. Please contact us at (805) 388-4341 or info@vcas.us.
FINDER’S FIRST RIGHTS OF REFUSAL:
Any person, recorded to be the source of the animal’s impound, (known as the “finder”) who turns over a stray animal to VCAS, has the first option to adopt the animal if/when the animal becomes available for adoption. The finder must be present when the animal first becomes available for adoption, and if one or more persons wish to adopt the animal at that time, the finder has the right of first refusal.
- Finders first right of refusal will not be offered for underage/underweight animals, litters, or animals with obvious/severe medical conditions that may extend the due out date (their adoptable date) for treatment or have guarded prognosis. For example: suspected parvovirus, fractures, hit by car, etc.
- Finders first right of refusal will not be offered if an animal is determined to be unplaceable and/or unadoptable due to medical or behavioral conditions.
- Finders of animals with guarded medical/behavioral prognosis may be listed in as an interested party and may be called if the animal becomes available but will not be reserved.
VCAS will contact the finder one day prior to the animal’s scheduled adoptable date to determine their interest in adoption. If the finder expresses a desire to adopt, VCAS will mark the animal as “Adoption Pending” by placing a corresponding tag on the animal’s online profile, indicating that a potential adopter has been identified. If the finder fails to appear for their scheduled adoption appointment, the “Adoption Pending” status will be removed, and the animal will be made available for adoption by the general public.
GOOD PUP:
We are thrilled to share our partnership with GoodPup! GoodPup is an online and app-based training program over video chat that aims to make positive reinforcement training techniques more accessible to pet owners. Through this program, adoptees receive an exclusive discount. Tap/click the button below to learn more about GoodPup and to try it for free!