From fostering to everyday giving, there’s a way for everyone to make a difference—plus, a heartfelt story of how one shelter dog changed a family’s life
(CLAIR | Simi Valley, CA) — At Ventura County Animal Services (VCAS), hundreds of animals are cared for every day—dogs waiting patiently for walks, cats peeking out from cozy corners of their enclosures, and sometimes even more unexpected residents like roosters, turtles, or frogs. Each one has their own story, and all are there because they need safety, care, and a fresh start.
For residents wondering how they can help, the good news is that there are plenty of ways to make a difference—whether you have time to spare, space in your home, or even just a Ralphs rewards card in your wallet.
Some animals just aren’t made for the noise and bustle of shelter life. Whether they’re shy, healing from medical issues, pregnant, aging, or simply overwhelmed, many benefit from a quiet home where they can rest and recover. That’s where foster parents step in. VCAS relies on fosters to provide temporary homes, especially for underage or underweight kittens who often require bottle feeding. There’s also a pressing need for experienced fosters to care for large-breed dogs like Huskies, Shepherds, and Pit Bull-type dogs. These pups are often overlooked due to breed stereotypes and can develop behavioral challenges from long kennel stays. A loving home environment can make all the difference.
Volunteers are the heart of any animal care organization, and their support makes a profound difference in the lives of animals—whether at a county shelter or a local humane society. From walking dogs and socializing cats to assisting with medical care, marketing, or fundraising, volunteers help fill in the gaps and provide the extra attention animals need to thrive.
For Ojai resident John Chille, volunteering at the Humane Society of Ventura County (HSVC) has become a deeply fulfilling part of his routine.
“It’s basically changed my life,” Chille told Clair. He spends as many afternoons as he can at the HSVC’s shelter in Ojai. Each time, he checks the board to see which dogs haven’t been out yet and gives them some time to stretch, play, and just be dogs—whether that’s a walk around the grounds or off-leash fun in the agility yard.
“It’s my happy place,” he said. “I can forget about everything else, being with the dogs and seeing them happy. Creating even an hour’s worth of happy time for those dogs—that’s what it’s about.”
Chille emphasized how well the animals are cared for at HSVC, but also noted how crucial volunteers are. “They depend on volunteers to fill in the gaps—to spend more time with the dogs, to give them those extra moments of attention.”
The Humane Society of Ventura County is a compassionate care shelter and non-profit organization dedicated to the protection and adoption of animals in need throughout Ventura County.
Their mission: “The Humane Society of Ventura County, through shelter, adoptions, programs, and services, boldly ensures the welfare of animals in Ventura County.”
Learn more or get involved at www.hsvc.org.
Closer to home, the VCAS Simi Valley Animal Shelter also welcomes volunteers. The facility is located at 670 W. Los Angeles Ave., Simi Valley, and like its Camarillo counterpart, depends on the dedication of community members to give animals the enrichment and attention they need while they wait for adoption.
Not everyone can foster or volunteer—but there are still easy, meaningful ways to help. VCAS maintains an Amazon Wish List where supporters can donate much-needed supplies like food, toys, and cleaning products. And through the Ralphs Community Rewards Program, a portion of your everyday grocery purchases goes to the shelter when your card is linked to VCAS. Small gestures, big impact.
Note: VCAS recently updated their website domain. You can now find them at
https://animalservices.venturacounty.gov/ for volunteer applications, donation links, foster information, and a look at adoptable pets.
And sometimes, helping a shelter pet changes your life—and makes room for another animal in need.
In 2012, my daughter and I visited the shelter in search of a dog to adopt. That’s when we met Dakota. Her eyes met ours with a quiet, soulful look, and when she leaned her weight gently against us, we just knew—she was the one. Dakota was with our family for nearly 14 years. She taught us how to be more compassionate, gave us endless love, and became a constant source of comfort and joy. When she could no longer walk, we looked into those same eyes and knew it was time. We spent her last day together, surrounding her with love and gratitude. A kind vet came to our home, and Dakota passed peacefully. Even in her final moments, she showed us the meaning of grace.
In her honor, we adopted again—a husky, her favorite breed. We now share our home with two rescued cats as well. It’s not always easy, but it’s always worth it.
There’s something extraordinary about the bond we form with animals who’ve been through hard times. When you support the shelter, you’re giving those animals the chance to find healing—and helping people like me meet their Dakota.
Every animal in a shelter is waiting—not just for a home, but for someone to see them, care for them, and believe they matter. Whether you foster, volunteer, donate, or adopt, you become part of that animal’s story. And in doing so, you strengthen the circle of compassion that keeps our shelters—and our community—going strong.
