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Animal Evacuation Volunteers (AEV)
Our History
The Animal Evacuation Volunteers (AEV) started as a gathering of dog sledders (mushers) to assist the Animal Control personnel of Park and Jefferson Counties when the Snaking and Black Mountain fires, and again with the Hayman fire (2002) caused significant evacuations of mountain areas with not much warning. Not only was the assistance given to County personnel greatly appreciated, it became obvious that this type of assistance would be invaluable in emergency cases where many people could not return home to rescue their pets and other animals. In addition to mushers, our group now includes a wide variety of animal lovers and animal care professionals, including veterinarians, certified veterinary technicians, former animal control officers, and others with experience handling and caring for small animals. For more information on our organization, please e-mail us at info@animalEVAC.org.Since 2004, The AEV has had the ability to operate within an active wildland fire zone. Some of our volunteers have completed basic wildland firefighter training and maintain the appropriate certifications and equipment to operate in the fire zone. For more information about this capability, see the Fire Dragons Page.
Our Goals
Our goals are to provide organized assistance to County personnel who become involved in managing and rescuing animals under emergency conditions. The Counties have the legal status to enter private property and to do what is necessary to rescue animals, wherever they are. Operating under the direction of County personnel, the legal status of the AEV is provided as an extension of the County's status.Governance
The AEV is governed by a Board of Directors. Presently the officers are:
President, Dianna Whitlock
Vice President, Mark Stephens
Secretary, Laurel George
Treasurer, Laura Bender
Director, Chuck Cubbison CVT
Director, Mike Fisher
Director, Ken Haykus
Director, Dick Nichols
Director, Debra Su Stephens
Operations
We maintain a Dispatcher who is in contact with County personnel who may need our assistance. The Dispatcher calls volunteers from the list of those available to organize our participation. Volunteers who are able and willing to help in a given emergency should call the Dispatcher before getting involved.
Our Members
Our membership includes members of the Colorado Mountain Mushers, the Rocky Mountain Sled Dog Club, and other individuals knowledgeable in handling small animals.
Joining Us
AEV is happy to have as many participants as possible. If you would like to join the effort, please contact us by sending email to info@animalEVAC.org, giving your experience with animals, your availability, what animals you may be able to transport and how. We will also need this Volunteer Information Form filled out and signed by you. The minimum age for volunteers is 18 unless in the company (under direct supervision) of a parent or guardian.
Our Services
Under the direction and auspices of County sheriffs and/or animal control officers, we assist in pet and other animal pickup, transport, and delivery to a previously specified safe location, where they are cared for until they can be reclaimed by their owners. Our services are happily free of charge to all involved.
