Our History

Animal Evacuation Volunteers (AEV) started in 2002 when a group of dog sled mushers assisted Animal Control in Park and Jefferson Counties when the Snaking, Black Mountain, and Hayman fires forced emergency evacuations of foothills areas. The assistance given to County personnel was greatly appreciated, and it became obvious that this type of assistance would be invaluable in emergencies where many people could not return home to rescue their animals.

Animal Evac Volunteers focuses on evacuating smaller animals. Other groups focus on evacuating animals that are large enough to require a horse trailer.

Many of AEV’s volunteers are animal lovers who just want to help. Many others have experience handling and caring for small animals, including veterinarians, certified veterinary technicians, and former animal control officers. For more information on our organization, please e-mail us at info@animalEVAC.org.

Our Goals

Our goals are to provide organized assistance to County personnel in rescuing animals under emergency conditions. The Counties have the legal authority to enter private property and to do what is necessary to rescue animals. AEV operates under the supervising County's authority.

Governance

AEV is a 501(c)(3) non-profit governed by a volunteer Board of Directors.
All donations to AEV are tax-deductible under US and CO law.

The Basics: How we Operate in an Emergency

Under the direction and auspices of County sheriffs and/or animal control officers, we assist in pet and other small animal pickup, transport, and delivery to a designated safe location, where the animals are cared for until they can be reclaimed by their owners. One of our members acts as a Dispatcher who is contacted by county personnel when they may need AEV's assistance.The Dispatcher contacts volunteers from the list of those available. Volunteers who are able to help in a given emergency receive their response instructions from the Dispatcher.

Our services are provided free of charge.

Our Members

Our membership includes volunteers from all over the Front Range.

AEV Rescue Trailers

AEV has obtained two trailers that can haul small animals as well as all of the rescue materials necessary to remove pets during an emergency. With a lot of work from our members and community, they were cleaned up, painted, and rewired. They are valuable additions to our equipment for high-volume rescues.

How you can Help

Join Us

AEV is always looking for more volunteers! If you would like to join the effort, please contact us by sending an email to info@animalEVAC.org. The minimum age for volunteers is 18 unless in the company (under direct supervision) of a parent or guardian.