Area Animal Shelters Need Holiday Help from Malibu

The animals at the Agoura Hills and Ventura County animal shelters could use a helping hand this holiday season.

Donations of funds in any amount to enable the shelters to purchase what is needed most are guaranteed to start a chorus of ho-ho-hos resonating throughout the animals’ quarters.

Both shelters also would welcome the donation of Kuranda dog beds—safe comfortable platforms that provide a raised sleeping area so animals housed in shelters don’t have to sleep on cold concrete. Gift donations can be made in the name of a loved one. A gift card will be sent to the person with information on the shelter bed program: http://Kuranda.com/donate.

Both shelters are delighted to receive a wide range of material contributions, including tarps, towels, full-sized blankets, baby blankets, canned and dry pet food, healthy pet treats and biscuits, and dog-and-cat-safe play and exercise toys.

Store gift cards that can be used for pet supplies are always appreciated, and even basic household items like printer paper, dish soap, work gloves, brushes and sponges make a difference.

The Ventura Shelter rabbits, who have reportedly been “very good all year,” have written to Santa asking for exercise pens, dog crates, litter boxes, 32-oz water bottles, plastic Slinky toys, baby keys and rattles, untreated grass mats and baskets, Whiffle balls, heavy food crocks, white vinegar, spray bottles, gift cards from pet stores and cash donations, payable to ARVA, ATTN: Rabbits. “What we want most for Christmas is a loving forever home,” the rabbits wrote. “If we can’t have that, can we please have these things to make our time at the shelter more comfortable?”

The same sentiments are echoed by the dogs, cats, guinea pigs, roosters, iguanas and horses at both shelters, in addition to their overriding hope that Malibuites will put them on their holiday wish lists and give them a forever home.

Questions can be directed to the volunteer coordinator at Ventura County Animal Shelter at volunteer@ventura.org or the Agoura Animal Shelter at 818-991-0071.