Ventura County Animal Services

Ventura County Animal Services asks people who are looking for a new pet to check out the dogs being housed at the Camarillo protection, 600 Aviation Drive, in the airport complex. On any given day the Camarillo Shelter cares for more than 175 dogs, in addition to numerous cats, bunnies, horses and other critters.

Dogs end up at a shelter through no responsibility of their own. 29 percent surrendered their dogs due to behavior problems, 29 percent because of the family’s housing situation, 25 percent cited incompatibility with the family’s lifestyle and 15 percent surrendered their dogs due to the family’s preparation and/or expectations At the Camarillo shelter, 17 percent of the dogs in 2009 were owner surrenders; however, 70 percent were loose dogs picked up with no license or visible owner information. Fewer than 25 percent of those strays were broken by their owners. Shelter dogs are not damaged goods. Renowned dog trainer Joel Silverman says shelter animals make good pets—proper training is the key.