Saying goodbye
Your pet has been your friend, your companion and your family member. We understand how difficult this time is for you and your pet because our staff have had personal experiences with losing a pet. From the moment you enter our facility, you won’t be alone. Our compassionate staff are here to help you every step of the way.
Scheduling an appointment
Ventura County Animal Services offers the service of Humane Euthanasia to animals on a non-emergency basis. Appointments are scheduled Monday – Saturday at 10:00am. Please call (805) 388-4341 to schedule an appointment. Please arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment to complete any paperwork. Expect the process to take approximately one (1) hour.
You will have the opportunity to arrange private cremation services if you would like to keep the remains.
If your pet is in distress (i.e. trouble breathing, actively bleeding, etc.) do not wait. Seek immediate medical care. Tap/click here to view a list of 24-hour emergency clinics.
What's next?
After your animal has passed, it is important to take time to grieve. Give yourself permission to express your sorrow. Write about your feelings if that helps. Share photos of your pet on social media. Take a stroll and recall the good times you had together and how you enriched each other’s lives. If you have other pets, allow them to grieve. They will feel the loss of their friend, in their own way. Children should also be given time to grieve as many of them have never known a household without their friend. Here is some related reading to help you talk to your kids about losing an animal.
How To Talk To Your Kids About Pet Euthanasia
Coping With The Death Of Your Pet