Two-day event aims to address pet overpopulation as local shelters face surge in arrivals
(CLAIR | Simi Valley, CA) — Local pet owners will have access to low-cost spay and neuter services on July 14 and 15 as part of a county-wide effort to address rising shelter intake numbers.
Ventura County Animal Services reported that 492 animals arrived at county shelters in the last two weeks. During the same period, 294 animals left through adoption, return to owner, or rescue placement. The gap between arrivals and departures has put pressure on shelter capacity and underscored the need for proactive population control measures.
The upcoming clinic will be operated by the SNIP Bus team in Camarillo and made available to residents of contracted cities including Simi Valley, Moorpark, Camarillo, Oxnard, Ventura, Port Hueneme, Fillmore, and Ojai, as well as unincorporated areas of Ventura County. Funding for the event comes from a donation by Wings of Rescue, with the VCAS Foundation sponsoring the services.
SNIP organizers expect to perform approximately 100 surgeries over the two days. The cost to pet owners is a $20 non-refundable deposit, collected when appointments are scheduled. No additional fees will be charged for the procedures.
Registration opens now and closes on July 1. Spots are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. To register, residents should email snipevent@venturacounty.gov with their full name, a reliable phone number, address, and details about each pet including species, sex, age, breed and size. SNIP will contact registrants by phone after the registration period closes to schedule specific appointment times.
While shelters work through the current influx, rescue organizations have stepped in to help. Between June 1 and June 14, five partner groups pulled 17 animals from county facilities. SPARC, Foxy and the Hounds, Paw Works, Pet Adoption Fund, and the Sam Simon Foundation collectively took in 14 dogs and three cats during that window.
Ventura County Animal Services said the July clinic represents part of a longer-term strategy. The goal is to reduce pet overpopulation through sustained access to affordable sterilization services across the county.
Pet owners who miss the July event or need assistance outside the clinic dates can contact Ventura County Animal Services or the Simi Valley nonprofit Spay and Neuter Clnic (simivalleynonprofitspayandneuter.com/) for information on other low-cost spay and neuter resources available throughout the year.
