Oxnard, CA – A small dog was rescued from a dangerous flood channel in Oxnard on Tuesday morning, October 14, after heavy rains caused rising waters in the area.
The rescue involved a coordinated effort between Ventura County Animal Services (VCAS) and the Ventura County Fire Department (VCFD), saving the canine from what could have been a life-threatening situation.
Dog Found Trapped in Flood Channel
The incident began when a passerby spotted a small dog trapped in the Revolon Slough flood channel and immediately contacted VCAS. Animal control officers quickly arrived on the scene and located the dog about 10 feet down the wash, stranded on a small cluster of reeds and debris.
“The dog was stranded on a small collection of reeds and debris in the middle of a vertical wall channel of the Revolon Slough, surrounded by rising, fast-moving water and steep channel walls,” reported the VCFD.
Footage from the rescue shows the dog, estimated to be a 3-year-old female pug or French bulldog mix, shivering and pouting amid the rushing water.
Rescue Operation
To safely extract the dog from the hazardous situation, firefighters extended a 35-foot ladder, allowing a rescue swimmer to reach the animal and bring her safely to shore. According to VCAS, the dog was “shivering, but otherwise unharmed” after the rescue.
- Rescue Crew Involved: Ventura County Fire Department, Oxnard City Fire, and VCAS
- Equipment Used: 35-foot ladder and swift water rescue techniques
- Dog’s Condition: Cold and wet but safe
After the Rescue
Following the rescue, the dog was transported to the VCAS Camarillo shelter for a thorough examination and a warm, secure kennel. While the dog was not microchipped and did not have an ID tag, VCAS is actively searching for her owner.
“Huge thank you to the VC Public Works crew for reporting the sighting so promptly, allowing this girl to be rescued safely. We are so grateful to Oxnard City Fire for arriving quickly on scene, and to the Ventura County Fire Department, who ultimately made the rescue,” VCAS shared on their Facebook Reel.
Teamwork Saves Lives
The VCFD praised the swift and coordinated efforts of all teams involved, highlighting the importance of training and teamwork in emergency situations.
“Thanks to the training and teamwork of our firefighters and swift water team, this frightened pup was safely rescued from the rising floodwaters,” the agency stated.
Safety Tips for Pet Owners During Floods
While this rescue had a positive outcome, emergencies like this highlight the importance of preparation:
- Keep pets indoors during heavy rain or flood warnings.
- Have ID tags and microchips on all pets to aid in recovery if lost.
- Avoid walking pets near flood channels or fast-moving water.
- Report stranded animals immediately to local animal services or fire departments.
Thanks to quick reporting, professional rescue teams, and coordinated efforts, this little dog’s story ended safely. VCAS continues to seek her owner and hopes she will soon be reunited with her family.
Have you ever witnessed or participated in a pet rescue? Share your story in the comments below!
