Join Us in Welcoming Vanessa Evans as HART's New Animal Care Manager!
Vanessa joined HART in March of 2026 as HART’s Animal Care Manager, bringing extensive, well-rounded experience and a deep love for animals to her role. She oversees the daily care of the shelter, including feeding, housing, behavior, sanitation, and monitoring the health and wellbeing of all cats and kittens.
She began her career as a foster parent and later an Adoption Counselor for an organization in Lodi, California. Vanessa went on to complete a two-year, in-person Veterinary Technology program at Western Career College in Stockton and has been a licensed RVT in California since 2009. She spent five years in private veterinary practice before moving to San Luis Obispo County.
Vanessa then went on to spend 8½ years at SLO County Animal Services, where she coordinated medical care, assisted with large-scale animal seizures, supported intake, vaccinated and microchipped pets, trained interns and inmates, and contributed to billing, ordering, and standard operating procedures. After a brief return to private practice, she joined Woods Humane Society, where she spent two years assisting with high-volume, high-quality spays and neuters (HVHQSN).
Continuing her commitment to Shelter Medicine, Vanessa completed a two-year online Shelter Management Program through University of the Pacific and is currently beginning the Shelter Care Specialist course through the UC Davis Koret Shelter Medicine Program.
Vanessa shares her home with her Miniature Schnauzer, Princess Peach, and two cats, Scooter and Cookie. She enjoys paddle boarding, nature walks, antiquing, exploring local wineries with friends, and spending time with her adult daughter. She looks forward to ensuring HART cats receive the attentive care, comfort, and support they need while they wait for their forever homes. Vanessa is pictured here with two of her first rescues at HART, Oliver and Nimbus.
She began her career as a foster parent and later an Adoption Counselor for an organization in Lodi, California. Vanessa went on to complete a two-year, in-person Veterinary Technology program at Western Career College in Stockton and has been a licensed RVT in California since 2009. She spent five years in private veterinary practice before moving to San Luis Obispo County.
Vanessa then went on to spend 8½ years at SLO County Animal Services, where she coordinated medical care, assisted with large-scale animal seizures, supported intake, vaccinated and microchipped pets, trained interns and inmates, and contributed to billing, ordering, and standard operating procedures. After a brief return to private practice, she joined Woods Humane Society, where she spent two years assisting with high-volume, high-quality spays and neuters (HVHQSN).
Continuing her commitment to Shelter Medicine, Vanessa completed a two-year online Shelter Management Program through University of the Pacific and is currently beginning the Shelter Care Specialist course through the UC Davis Koret Shelter Medicine Program.
Vanessa shares her home with her Miniature Schnauzer, Princess Peach, and two cats, Scooter and Cookie. She enjoys paddle boarding, nature walks, antiquing, exploring local wineries with friends, and spending time with her adult daughter. She looks forward to ensuring HART cats receive the attentive care, comfort, and support they need while they wait for their forever homes. Vanessa is pictured here with two of her first rescues at HART, Oliver and Nimbus.
























