Shelters waive adoption fees

Clear the Shelters, an annual nationwide pet adoption campaign, is back this month with a mission to help dogs, cats, rabbits, and other animals find loving homes. Running through August 31, the event features waived adoption fees and special events at participating shelters across Ventura and Los Angeles counties. Ventura County Animal Services (VCAS) will host events at its Camarillo and Simi Valley shelters on August 22, where over 250 animals will be available for adoption. The Agoura Animal Care Center will offer free adoptions on August 29, including pet meet-and-greets, food, coffee, refreshments, and complimentary grooming for adopters.

All animals adopted during the event will be spayed or neutered, vaccinated, microchipped, and flea-treated, with a voucher for a free first veterinary visit. A licensing fee may apply to Ventura County residents. Among the animals available are Jennifur, a playful 7-month-old cat, and bonded rabbits Hoodini and Oreo. The event's poster animal is Tomsk, a 7-month-old Siberian husky-German shepherd mix at the Simi Valley shelter.

As of August 18, VCAS was caring for 231 dogs, 60 cats, 28 rabbits, and 10 other animals. Not every animal will be ready for adoption, and potential adopters will still go through counseling and screening. Since its launch in 2015, Clear the Shelters has helped over 1.3 million pets find homes and raised more than $5.6 million for animal shelters and rescues.

For more information, residents of Simi Valley, Moorpark, and Camarillo can visit vcas.us, while Agoura shelter visitors can go to animalcare.lacounty.gov/animal-care-centers/acc-agoura. This event aligns with Every Dog's Chance's mission to help dogs ages 0–6 find homes, fostering a community where every dog has a chance at love and care.