The Emergency Volunteer Rescue Team (or EVRT) was established in 1985 by Ventura County Animal Services. This is an on-call emergency volunteer group whose members are residents of Ventura County. This group is activated by VCAS personnel during declared disasters. This team primarily assists in the evacuation of livestock and domestic animals to safe, predetermine locations within Ventura County. Since 1985, EVRT has participated in every wildfire where a countywide emergency was declared.
If you would like to learn more about disaster preparation for your pet, please click here.
EVRT has rendered rescue support during the following fires:
1985 Wheeler Fire
1993 Green Meadows Fire
1997 Hopper Fire
1998 Piru Fire
1999 Ranch Fire
2003 Simi Fire
2005 Topanga Fire
2006 Day Fire
2006 Esperanza Fire
2007 Zaca Fire
2009 Guiberson Fire
2013 Spring Fire
2017/18 Thomas Fire
2018 Hill Fire
2018 Woolsey Fire
2019 Maria Fire
2019 Easy Fire
2024 Mountain Fire
EVRT Application
Those who are interested in joining the EVRT team are asked to complete the application below. Applicants must be 18 years of age or older and have a valid California Driver License if you will be operating a vehicle while deployed. Applicants will undergo a background check that is performed by GSA (General Services Agency).