Building Stronger Bonds for Animal Disaster Response

The California Veterinary Emergency Team (CVET) recently wrapped up an inspiring and productive multi-county trip through Southern California, where we had the privilege of collaborating with an incredible group of partners committed to advancing animal disaster response. From San Bernardino County to Pomona to Ventura County, this journey was all about building relationships, sharing knowledge, and expanding the region’s capacity to care for animals in times of crisis.

Our first stop was with San Bernardino County, where we partnered with San Bernardino County Fire and the Neighborhood Ranch to provide hands-on equine handling training, followed by classroom training on animal triage, equine bandaging, emergency management, and veterinary collaboration during disasters. Animal disaster responders came from all over Southern California and showed up excited and ready to learn!  Everyone was engaged, excited to work hands on with the horses, and were interactive during classroom discussions! Participants loved the emergency management session, learning more about how to integrate with county response operations and how to request resources.

In Pomona, we met with students and faculty at Western University College of Veterinary Medicine—a hub of talent and compassion. Future veterinarians got a firsthand look at the realities of field response and the importance of collaboration during animal emergencies. In light of recent wildfires, the student’s interest and passion for service was palpable, and it was heartening to see the next generation of veterinarians so deeply engaged.

To round out the week, the team traveled to Ventura County, where we connected with Ventura County Animal Services, Girl Scouts of California’s Central Coast, and the Humane Society of Ventura County to facilitate a second equine handling train-the-trainer event in Ventura County. These participants are doing incredible work to protect and care for animals in their communities, and together we enhanced the capability for equine disaster response within the region.

A highlight of the trip was a visit to National Seach Dog Foundation, where this amazing organization trains shelter dogs for live search, looking for survivors during disasters! We shared stories and swapped expertise with dog trainers and search and rescue professionals.

The team also received tours of various county fairgrounds and animal shelters, facilitated county outreach meetings as part of the CVET County Outreach Campaign, and met with a variety of local animal hospitals to discuss collaborative working relationships through the CVET Affiliate Hospital Program. These collaboration efforts weren’t just about meetings—it was about forging new partnerships, inspiring one another, and creating a stronger, more connected network of animal responders.

Thank you to all our partners for their hospitality, insight, and shared dedication. Together, we’re building a safer, more compassionate California—for people and animals alike.