Between fires, floods, earthquakes, mudslides and other natural and man-made disasters, the Department is always in need of volunteer assistance. Volunteers play an integral role in the rescue and removal of animals threatened by fire and flooding conditions. If you have experience in livestock handling and hauling, have a tow vehicle and trailer that you aren’t afraid to get dirty, have an interest in marine mammal welfare, or have some time available to assist on the phones etc. we want you!
Volunteers are currently being recruited for the following tasks:
EVRT volunteers, working in pairs, use their own equipment in the rescue of large animals. The conditions require that people be physically able to endure extremes of heat, cold and/or exposure. There is no pay, no benefits and no reimbursement for lost or damaged personal equipment, but the satisfaction that you will get for assisting animals that cannot help themselves make it worthwhile. Because of the potential for injury, and liability, volunteers performing actual rescue and transport must be over the age of 18 years. Experienced younger volunteers are needed and welcome to assist at evacuee holding sites.
If you think that you would like to help, please complete the EVRT Application Form. If you have questions e-mail The Department of Animal Regulation or call Officer Callaway at 388-4341 extension 8881.
The Department of Animal Regulation relies on these and hundreds of other animal rescue organizations to assist in finding qualified, responsible, caring permanent homes for the animals that pass through our shelter. Since our housing space is very limited, thus limiting the time that we can keep individual animals beyond required holding periods, it is crucial to the animals that these “rescuers” continue to provide their valuable services. These groups rely solely on donations and volunteers, unlike the Ventura County Department of Animal Regulation who receives funding from County and City government. Rather than diminish the limited resources available to these local organizations by siphoning off potential volunteers who would only duplicate or supplant the tasks already provided by County staff, we encourage people wanting to get involved with animal welfare to volunteer their time to one of these worthwhile groups. Animal lives depend on your willingness to help these organizations.
Fortunately for the animals, there is a rescue organization for almost every species, size, color, gender, breed, and age of animal. Some groups handle only specific breeds, some only specific species and many welcome all comers. For an idea of the number and focus of just some of the animal rescue groups that we work with check out the HART/MUTTMATCHERS site.