A Leash, a Toy, a New Life: How Your Small Donation Can Make Big a Difference
Daniel Jordan 
Want to Help a Local Shelter Pet? Here’s a Simple Way to Make a Big Impact
(CLAIR | Simi Valley, CA) — If you’ve ever wanted to help a rescue dog or cat but weren’t sure how, here’s your chance. Ventura County is calling on residents to donate a few basic pet items—like a leash or a toy—that will go straight into the hands of families adopting animals this June. It’s part of a new effort to give every adopted pet a warm, thoughtful sendoff from the shelter. And it’s happening right here in Simi Valley and Moorpark.
The Adoption Kits Donation Drive, launched by Ventura County Supervisor Janice Parvin, kicked off on May 11 and runs through June 2. The items will be bundled into “welcome home” kits for animals adopted on California Adopt-a-Pet Day, Saturday, June 7.
“Every pet deserves a warm welcome home,” said Supervisor Parvin. “This is a simple way our community can come together to support adopted animals and the families who open their hearts to them.”
The shelter is asking for new, unopened items. Donors are encouraged to bring leashes and collars to help new pet owners take their dogs or cats home safely. Dog and cat toys are also in high demand—they provide comfort and stimulation during those first few days in a new environment. Treats and chews are always welcome, giving pets a way to relax and bond with their new families. And waste bags? Every new dog owner needs them from day one.
When you donate something like a collar or a chew toy, you’re not just giving a supply. You’re helping reduce the stress that comes with adopting a shelter animal. Many of these pets have been in noisy kennels for weeks or even months. A welcome kit shows their new family that the community is behind them—and it helps that first night at home go a little more smoothly.
These kits also take pressure off the new pet owners. For someone who might be adopting on a tight budget, a starter pack of supplies can make the difference between hesitation and a confident “yes.”
Drop-off locations include:
- Supervisor Janice Parvin’s Office: 980 Enchanted Way #203, Simi Valley, CA 93065
- Simi Valley Chamber of Commerce: 40 W Cochran St. #100, Simi Valley, CA 93065
- City of Simi Valley: 2929 Tapo Canyon Rd., Simi Valley, CA 93063
- Lucky Dog Coffee: 2139 Tapo St. #113, Simi Valley, CA 93063
- Enegren Brewing: 444 Zachary St. #120, Moorpark, CA 93021
- Arroyo Vista Community Park: 4550 Tierra Rejada Rd., Moorpark, CA 93021
- Moorpark Karate & Krav Maga: 252 Los Angeles Ave. #H, Moorpark, CA 93021
For online contributions, items can be shipped directly to the shelter using this Amazon Wish List: tinyurl.com/mvhzp6pk
California Adopt-a-Pet Day is a statewide event aimed at clearing shelter space and helping animals find permanent homes. More than 150 shelters across California will waive adoption fees for the day, thanks to funding from the ASPCA and other partners.
The Ventura County Animal Shelter, which serves Camarillo and Simi Valley, is currently over capacity. Staff say community support like this helps ease that burden while encouraging more adoptions.
Bruno, the 4-year-old dog featured on the flyer, is just one of many pets hoping for a fresh start. With a small donation, you can help make that happen.
For more information about the drive or the adoption event, contact the Office of Supervisor Janice Parvin at 805-955-2300 or visit animalservices.venturacounty.gov.
