The Humane Society of Ventura County is thrilled to announce the official badging of Lacie Lopez as our newest Humane Officer. After months of dedicated training, field experience, and unwavering commitment to animal advocacy, Officer Lopez has taken the oath and joined the HSVC Investigations Team as a fully badged member.

Lacie’s journey with HSVC began in mid-March 2024, when she joined our Animal Care team, bringing a strong foundation in animal welfare and training with her. Just months later, in November 2024, she stepped into the role of Humane Officer Trainee, a move that reflected her deep-seated passion for protecting animals and her ambition to make a lasting difference in the community. With a love for dogs that started at age 12, Lacie has long been a voice for the voiceless. Her early experience working alongside her aunt, a trainer for service pets supporting veterans, gave her a powerful perspective on the unique needs of animals and the critical role they play in human lives. That background not only shaped her training philosophy but also fueled her desire to work with more challenging cases, especially fearful and reactive dogs in shelter environments.

Before making Ventura County her home, Lacie briefly sharpened her skills at the San Diego Humane Society, where she worked with a wide varietyof animals and gained hands-on experience in rehabilitation and adoption. At HSVC, she quickly became known for her incredible ability to connect with animals who need a little extra patience, care, and understanding. Her calming presence and specialized training techniques have helped many of our more anxious shelter dogs build confidence and take important steps toward their forever homes. Officer Lopez is also passionate about expanding her experience with horses. With a growing interest in equine care and training, she is eager to deepen her knowledge in this area, understanding that these majestic animals deserve the same level of care, respect, and advocacy as their canine companions.

Above: Members of Officer Lopez's family were present during her official badging ceremony to show their support. 

“Lacie has been a standout team member since day one,” said Humane Investigations Director Kendra King. “Her dedication, compassion, and ability to connect with animals on a deep level make her an incredible asset to our investigations team. We’re beyond proud to officially welcome her as a Humane Officer.”

As part of her new role, Officer Lopez will respond to reports of abuse and neglect, educate the public on responsible animal care, and collaborate with community members and local partners to advocate for animals in need and ensure their safety and well-being throughout Ventura County.

Please join us in congratulating Officer Lacie Lopez on this exciting achievement. We’re honored to have her on the front lines of our mission, standing strong for the animals who need love most!