Emergency Response Team

For years, the HSVC has functioned as an evacuation center for animals in need of refuge as a result of California's many wildfires. To help care for the animals that are evacuated to the shelter, Senior Humane Officer King developed the HSVC Emergency Response Team (ERT) in 2020. Comprised of experienced volunteers, HSVC ERTs will work alongside staff during emergencies.

Members of the ERT program (ERTs) are trained in two teams. One team assists our office staff with evacuee animal intake and data entry in the event of a natural disaster. The second team cleans and cares for the evacuated animals to assist our kennel staff. ERTs are encouraged to participate in training for both teams so they can fill in wherever staff needs assistance most during an emergency.

"My goal is to train the ERTs so they can provide much-needed support for the staff and animals at the shelter during natural disasters. We get so busy so quickly during an emergency, it is often overwhelming for the staff. With more hands-on-deck, we will be able to provide support to those in need in a more organized and timely manner," stated Officer King.

"The development of the ERT program will help our shelter prepare for a disaster before the disaster hits. We are so proud of all the hard work Officer King has put into creating this program, and so proud of our chosen volunteers for rising to the challenge," said Shelter Director Jolene Hoffman.