Ventura County Animal shelters filled to capacity due to 4^th of July strays

The 4^th of July is one of the busiest days of the year at animal shelters due to the fact that household pets become frightened by fireworks and escape from their homes and yards.

According to Donna Gillesby, Ventura County Animal Services (VCAS) interim director, VCAS operations are being pushed to the limit due to the fact that more than 140 stray dogs have been taken in at the Camarillo and Simi Valley animal shelters since July 3. Unfortunately, many of the animals were not properly collared, licensed or microchipped making owner identification challenging or impossible.

“Although it is typical to have an influx of strays after the 4^th of July holiday, this year it was like someone opened the floodgates,” said Gillesby. “We currently have hundreds of animals in our care and more continue to arrive each day.”

VCAS posts photos and descriptions of all animals on their website at www.vcas.us. If an animal is not reclaimed within the state-mandated stray holding period, it is put up for adoption.

The $125 adoption fee of includes:

• Certification of surgical sterilization
• Preliminary vaccination(s)
• First rabies vaccine
• Ventura County license
• Trovan microchip (already "installed" for permanent identification!)
• Free obedience classes
• Certificate for a free health exam at any participating Ventura County veterinarian

“Our hope is to reunite each one with its family or, for those that are not reclaimed, find them a loving adoptive family.” said Gillesby. “We urge the public to open their hearts and home to an animal in need.”

For more information, call VCAS at 1-888-223-PETS (7387), 805-388-4341 or visit www.vcas.us.