California Veterinary Emergency Team - CVET

05/05/2026

Firefighters are trained to respond to just about anything but emergencies involving animals bring a different kind of challenge. That's where CVET comes in!

We are working alongside the UC Davis Fire Department to help prepare responders for those moments through a new pilot training program. This hands-on course introduces firefighters to animal behavior, safe approach techniques, and basic handling skills for a range of species they may encounter in the field, from household pets to livestock.

By training together, we’re also learning from each other. Insights from fire personnel help us shape more relevant, field-ready training, while veterinary expertise adds another layer of safety and awareness to emergency response.

This course is a practical way to build confidence, reduce risk, and improve outcomes for both responders and animals during emergencies, a strong example of how collaboration can strengthen disaster preparedness across California.

UC Davis firefighters are gaining hands-on animal safety training that could help shape emergency response across the region and state.

04/08/2026

We’re excited to celebrate our inaugural undergraduate intern, Olivia “Liv” Morgans, on her acceptance to the UC Davis Weill School of Veterinary Medicine.

During her time with CVET, Liv helped plan our first Responder Mock Deployment and supported multi-agency disaster trainings across California, gaining firsthand experience in veterinary emergency response. Her drive to serve animals and communities helped inspire the continued growth of our internship program.

Read her story:

At the California Veterinary Emergency Team (CVET), preparing for disasters means investing not only in training and readiness today, but also in the next generation of veterinarians who will lead responses in the future. That’s why we launched the CVET Undergraduate Internship Program and why we....

03/26/2026

Animal disaster response takes coordination long before emergencies happen. That's why the CVET Management Team recently joined leaders from Community Animal Response Teams (CARTs) across California at the 2026 Cal CARTs Leadership and Training Summit to share updates, strengthen partnerships, and help lead hands-on training exercises.

Read more about the summit and CVET’s role in supporting animal disaster preparedness across the state:

Members of the California Veterinary Emergency Team (CVET) Management Team recently joined animal response leaders from across the state for the sixth annual Cal CARTs Leadership and Training Summit, held near Fresno, California.

03/25/2026

So proud to be part of this amazing community, and to be able to help animals (and their human companions) in times of crisis.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 24, 2026

Cal CARTs 2026 Leadership and Training Summit Unites 160 Animal Responders Statewide

Sixth Annual Summit Advances Standardization of Animal Disaster and Emergency Response Across Northern and Southern California

Friant, CA — More than 160 animal responders from across California gathered March 17-18 at Table Mountain Casino and Resort in Friant for the 2026 California Community Animal Response Teams Leadership and Training Summit. The venue was chosen to draw participants from both Northern and Southern California, reflecting Cal CARTs’ commitment to uniting a statewide animal emergency response umbrella.

Read the full release at https://www.calcarts.org/post/2026-cal-carts-leadership-training-summit-held-to-enhance-animal-response-coordination

2026 Summit Sponsors include: Humane World for Animals, Jameson Animal Rescue Ranch, TS & KD Glide Foundation, Nevada County Sheriff's HEART, North Valley Animal Disaster Group, Napa Community Animal Response Team - Napa CART, California Veterinary Emergency Team - CVET, Halter Project, Central California Animal Disaster Team, Farmed Animal Immersive, Joybound People & Pets, Resqfast, San Mateo County Large Animal Evacuation Group Smclaeg, California Animal Welfare Association, and LASER.

03/13/2026

Before they were veterinary disaster responders…they were just kids with big hearts for animals. Today, they’re part of the CVET Management Team, supporting California’s disaster response to protect animals and the communities that care for them.

03/03/2026

Marin Humane is hiring an Emergency Response Program Manager to lead Marin Humane’s disaster preparedness, emergency response, and recovery efforts, ensuring the organization is operationally ready to protect animals and support the
community before, during, and after emergencies.

Apply online at:

Meet Us Join our fun-lovin' crew and help animals! Love animals? Marin Humane offers professional development, career growth, and a fun, supportive atmosphere (plus lots of opportunities to snuggle furry friends!) We're mission-driven, fast-paced, and thrive in a progressive work environment. Intere...

12/31/2025

As we look back on this year, we’re filled with gratitude for the people who make the California Veterinary Emergency Team what it is.

This summer our responder database grew to more than 500 dedicated volunteers, a powerful milestone that reflects a shared commitment to showing up for animals and communities when they need it most. We put that commitment to the test during a successful Full Deployment Exercise in Templeton, CA where we practiced protocols, strengthened coordination, and sharpened our readiness for real-world emergencies.

Throughout the year, our team participated in trainings, attended conferences, and continued building the skills and connections that make effective disaster response possible. We also had the privilege of recognizing volunteer responders whose dedication, compassion, and professionalism embody the very best of CVET.

To every responder, trainer, partner, and supporter: thank you for giving your time, expertise, and heart in service of others. Your preparedness today helps ensure a stronger, more resilient tomorrow.

We’re proud of how far we’ve come and deeply thankful to stand alongside you as we head into the new year.

12/05/2025

This , we proudly recognize and celebrate the incredible volunteer CVET responders! Your compassion and unwavering commitment make a life-saving difference for animals and communities across California.

Thank you for showing up. Your expertise and generosity help us protect animal lives and strengthen our state’s disaster response efforts.

11/19/2025

At the heart of every disaster response are the people who show up to protect animals and the communities who depend on them. Earlier this month, we held our first annual Responder Appreciation event to honor those individuals and the mission they make possible.

We were proud to recognize Dr. Elaine Kreig as our CVET Responder of the Year for her unwavering commitment, leadership, and service in advancing CVET’s mission to safeguard animal health during emergencies.

Thank you to every responder who stands ready to deploy. Your work saves lives, strengthens communities, and ensures California is better prepared for whatever comes next.

Pictured: CVET Responder Specialist Ali Harman (left) presenting the Responder of the Year award to Dr. Elaine Krieg (right)

11/07/2025

Re*****on is no stranger to being the “sacrifice” as a veterinary teaching tool. First pulled from a nearby shelter for a program that helped veterinary students learn valuable dog handling skills, Re*****on was quickly adopted by then-student Briana Hamamoto…who is now our Disaster Management Veterinarian!

This good boy has been letting students and professionals practice their bandaging skills (among many other important life-saving techniques) for almost a decade. Keep an eye out for Re*****on and some of our other owned “sacrifices” in CVET handling demos and other educational materials!

P.S. Re*****on was actually selected by Dr. Hamamoto’s classmates to be part of her graduation ceremony — which meant he was literally by her side when she got hooded as a veterinarian. He’s a dog-tor himself 🥰