"Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on Earth." - Muhammad Ali

Volunteer.

JCHC’s Emergency Evacuation Team

The Emergency Evacuation Team (EET) is a standing committee of the Jefferson County Horse Council. Serving at the request of the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office Animal Control Unit, the EET is currently comprised of about 35 dedicated volunteers who provide care for evacuated large animals during wildfires, floods, and other natural disasters.

The EET was formed in 2000, shortly after several JCHC members answered the call for assistance caring for horses and other animals evacuated to the Jeffco Fairgrounds during the Hi Meadow Fire. In a true display of neighbors helping neighbors, the JCHC volunteers attended to 276 animals over the course of the evacuation period.

Since the Hi Meadow Fire, the EET has been officially activated 25 times, and has provided care for over 1300 animals, including:

  • 830 Horses

  • 120 sheep

  • 102 cattle

  • 81 alpacas

  • 67 llamas

  • 47 goats

  • 23 chickens *

  • 11 donkeys

  • 3 rabbits *

  • 2 geese *

  • 2 pigs

  • 2 yaks

  • 2 dogs *

  • 1 mule

  • 1 emu

* Small animal intake and care is now provided by Foothills Animal Shelter.

The team has evolved over the years, and procedures, inspired by the 2006 PETS Act have been put in place to ensure that all volunteers are well trained, well prepared, and well protected during activations. In 2023, JCHC entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with the JCSO Animal Control Unit, solidifying the relationship between the organizations. Revisions of the 2013 Operating Guidelines are currently underway which will update and modernize operating procedures, based on the past 20+ years of experience.

The EET is always looking for new volunteers. We provide training and our agreement with the County provides liability protection for volunteers during activations. Horse handling experience is NOT necessary, as there are several roles that do not require direct contact with the animals. Please fill out the form to the right or email our Volunteer Coordinator at EET@jeffcohorse.com