The Ventura County Department of Animal Regulation has a full time staff veterinarian, Dr. Craig Koerner, DVM and several Registered Veterinary Technicians who provide care and treatment to impounded animals. We do not provide veterinary services to the public. We have extensive veterinary capabilities available for treating impounded animals until the owner can be found. We also treat most wounded wildlife that are indigenous and do not pose a public safety threat. Your shelter has a complete facility with isolation and quarantine kennels, x-ray, and operating room. Surgical sterilization, (spaying and neutering) of adopted dogs and cats is performed on-site by contract veterinarians provided by Dr. Robert Buffum, DVM.
The county charges a very reasonable fee (if the owners can be located) for veterinary services. All fees must be paid before the animal is reclaimed. If an injured or ill animal becomes healthy enough, has a good disposition, and an owner cannot be located, it may be placed up for adoption with instructions provided for follow-up care and treatment at a private Veterinary facility.
As a public service, your shelter also treats, vaccinates, and kennels police K9 dogs at the request of local law enforcement and public safety agencies. Through agreements with local human service providers, animals belonging to homeless individuals are vaccinated, treated, licensed, sterilized and cared for at no charge to the clients.