VENTURA, CA - During the month of December, Ventura County Animal Services (VCAS) will reduce pet adoption fees at its Camarillo and Simi Valley shelters to encourage local residents to adopt stray animals at the holidays.

From Dec. 1 – 30, dog and cat adoption fees will be lowered to $60 during the VCAS “Take Me Home for the Holidays” pet adoption event. The regular pet adoption fee is $125.

“We ask people to open their hearts and home to a new pet this holiday season” said Donna Gillesby, interim VCAS director. “For an individual or family that is looking for a new pet, there is no better feeling than adopting a homeless animal. The gratitude you feel from that pet will last all year round!”

For families hoping that Santa will bring a new pet down the chimney, VCAS is selling $60 pet adoption gift certificates. The certificates are good for 30 days and allow recipients to visit a VCAS shelter in January to choose a pet that is the perfect for their family.

When adopted, all VCAS dogs and cats come with a certification of surgical sterilization, preliminary vaccinations, their first rabies vaccine, a Ventura County animal license, an implanted trovan microchip and a certificate for a free health exam at any participating Ventura County veterinarian’s office. In addition, dog adoptions include a free 6 week obedience class.

For people who want to help but are not in a position to adopt, VCAS suggests choosing a “sponsor ornament” off the Camarillo animal shelter’s Christmas tree. For a suggested $10 donation, donors will receive a keepsake ornament featuring a photo of a shelter dog, cat or rabbit and contribute to the care and comfort of the animals housed at VCAS shelters.

For more information, call 1-888-223-PETS (7387) or 805-388-4341 and to view photos of VCAS adoptable animals online, go to www.vcas.us.

About Ventura County Animal Services

Ventura County Animal Services (VCAS) is a division of the Ventura County Public Health Department; a department of the Ventura County Health Care Agency.

The mission of VCAS is to improve the lives of animals under their care, be timely and compassionate in response to customers, educate through community outreach and public awareness and provide for the health and safety of the citizens and animals of Ventura County.

VCAS rescues, impounds and treats stray, abandoned and sick animals, conducts license sales and rabies clinics, conducts nuisance animal investigations, provides euthanasia and disposal services and assists with animal evacuations during disasters. The agency’s Camarillo Shelter houses impounded, stray, abandoned, lost and homeless animals and provides veterinary care, housing and board while the animals await reclaim or adoption.

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