VC HART

Ventura County Humane Animal Rescue Team (VC HART) - Emergency Animal Rescue and Evacuation Services

The Ventura County Humane Animal Rescue Team (VC HART) is a specialized emergency response unit of the Humane Society of Ventura County (HSVC), dedicated to the rescue and evacuation of animals during natural disasters and emergency situations throughout Ventura County and surrounding areas.

Our Team:

VC HART is staffed by trained and experienced HSVC professionals, including:

• Humane Officers – Field rescue and animal handling specialists
• Equine Specialists – Large animal evacuation experts
• Media and Marketing Personnel – Emergency communications coordinators
• Shelter Directors – Logistics and operations management

This multidisciplinary approach ensures comprehensive care and coordination during every emergency response.

Response Capabilities:

VC HART maintains a dedicated fleet consisting of one vehicle equipped with an animal control box, two trucks and two stock trailers, enabling rapid deployment and efficient transport capacity for animals of all sizes. Our team responds to a wide range of emergency scenarios, including:

• Wildfires
• Floods
• Severe weather events
• Other natural disasters

We provide evacuation services for horses, livestock, domestic pets, and other animals threatened by emergency conditions.

Our Services:

Emergency Response: Rapid deployment and evacuation of animals from disaster zones with safe transport to designated shelter facilities.

Community Preparedness Education: Resources and guidance to help Ventura County residents develop emergency plans for their animals before disaster strikes.

Multi-Agency Coordination: Collaboration with local emergency services and organizations to ensure comprehensive animal welfare during crisis situations.

Service Area: VC HART primarily serves Ventura County and has provided mutual aid support to neighboring communities during large-scale emergency events.

Most recent wildfires in our county: