Sylvie Belmond 
Adopt Love, Skip the Fee — Ventura County Pets Are Free to Good Homes
(CLAIR | Simi Valley, CA) — Every kennel holds a life waiting to move forward—and right now, too many are stuck on pause. Ventura County Animal Services (VCAS) is waiving all pet adoption fees through December 2025 as overcrowding reaches a critical point at its Camarillo and Simi Valley shelters.
In a recent public message recorded at the Camarillo shelter, VCAS Director Esteban Rodriguez stood in front of a row of kennels and made an urgent appeal.
“Our shelters are over capacity, and VCAS urgently needs the community’s help with adoptions and rescue support,” he said. “263 animals are in the shelter, with an additional 239 in foster care. Of the dogs in our kennels, 61 have been with us for over 100 days, some for over a year.
“When animals are in our shelter for too long, their physical and emotional health begin to decline. They become more susceptible to sickness as their immune systems weaken. As stress builds, it becomes increasingly difficult for our staff and volunteers to safely provide the care and enrichment each animal needs. What these dogs ultimately need is placement outside of the shelter system.”
Feline Friends Hoping for a Home
Among the many cats hoping for a home is Molly Weasley, a sweet tortoiseshell recently featured on social media. Others include Sweet Boy, Peanut, and Puddy Cat—each with their own quirks and charm.
Sibling kittens Buttercup and Westley would love to stay together, while Spooky, a sleek black kitten with bright eyes and a big heart, is ready to prove how lucky black cats really are. Stormy, a gentle senior at 11, still enjoys affection and quiet naps. Mama longs for a calm space away from the noise of the kennels. Poppie, cheerful in orange-and-white, and Shadow, a resilient tripod kitty, are also waiting.
There’s a cat for every kind of household—playful, shy, cuddly, or calm. Cats are low-maintenance, full of personality, and their presence alone can heal a home.
Waiting in Kennel 005: Meet Hueso
Hueso might seem reserved at first, but give him time and he’ll show you the kind of loyalty that doesn’t quit. This two-year-old pit bull mix has soft brown eyes, a calm spirit, and a deep desire to connect.
He may do well with other dogs after slow introductions, and he’d thrive in a home with older kids or adults who respect his need for space at first. “He may take a minute to warm up, but he’s a nice boy,” his foster said.
In foster care, Hueso showed just how affectionate he can be—curling up beside you, resting his head in your lap, and taking treats gently. He loves yard time, toy-chasing, and leaning in for a good scratch.
Now back at the Camarillo shelter, Hueso waits in Kennel 005 for someone who will see him—not just the label, not just the breed, but the dog.
How to Help
Adoption fees are waived for all animals through December 31, 2025, though standard procedures still apply. Available pets and applications can be found at animalservices.venturacounty.gov.
Can’t adopt? You can still help. Fostering, volunteering, and sharing adoption videos on social media all make a difference. Rescue groups are also urged to pull from Ventura County shelters to free up space and give long-stay animals like Hueso a real second chance.
Shelter Locations & Hours
Camarillo Animal Shelter
600 Aviation Drive, Camarillo, CA 93010
Open Tuesday–Sunday, 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM
(805) 388-4341
Simi Valley Animal Shelter
670 W. Los Angeles Avenue, Simi Valley, CA 93065
Open Tuesday–Sunday, 1:00 PM – 6:00 PM
(805) 388-4341
