Animal Rescue (HEART)

The Nevada County Sheriff's Humane Emergency Animal Rescue Team (H.E.A.R.T.) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to helping animals and their owners in the community who need rescue and evacuation during an emergency. The Sheriff's Office partnered with highly skilled and well-trained volunteers from the community to form the Sheriff's HEART and continues to welcome new HEART volunteers to the team today. The Sheriff's HEART carries out animal rescue and evacuation functions for Nevada County. Follow HEART on Facebook.

Meeting information:

The community is invited to attend monthly meetings. Learn more about the Sheriff's HEART, its role in the community and volunteer opportunities.

• When: The second Monday of every month
• Time:  6:00 - 7:00 p.m. 
• Where: Nevada County Board of Supervisors Chambers, Eric Rood Center, 950 Maidu Ave. Nevada City, Ca. 95959

How to Become a Sheriff's HEART Volunteer:

Becoming a member of the Sheriff's HEART is a commitment and requires dedication to the team. To get started, fill out the HEART application. 

Following the application and background process, applicants are interviewed and required to complete a series of emergency-related trainings. 

For more information, please email info@sheriffsheart.org. 

 The basic trainings required are as follows:

• Incident Command System and CalTopo Training: This training provides basic knowledge in navigating an emergency event while following chain of command, communication, and learning how to use our CalTopo map system during an incident.
• Fire Awareness Training: This training provides a basic understanding of fire behavior and safety while responding to evacuations in fire zones.
• Small and Large Animal Handling and Behavior Training: Training in how to safely and effectively handle small and large animals during emergency situations, as well as understanding animal behavior during stressful rescues. These hands-on training courses are taught by experienced local licensed veterinarians.
• Truck and Trailer Training: Trailers are inspected for readiness and safety. The teams will display how to effectively and safely navigate a driving course to obtain certification.

History of Animal Rescue

In 2006, the PETS Act was passed shortly after Hurricane Katrina. During Katrina there was no plan in place that included the evacuation of animals. Since rescue efforts did not account for animal family members, 44% of people chose not to evacuate and stayed in their homes with their animals. The PETS Act gives FEMA the opportunity to support the creation, operation, and maintenance of pet-friendly emergency shelters, along with other emergency preparedness actions for animals, such as those conducted by HEART.