The primary goal of HAROTC is to provide a network of foster homes for the care and rehabilitation of hooved animals that have been impounded by local law enforcement for neglect and/or abuse, pending prosecution of the owners. Harotc has no paid staff.

​

HAROTC is the result of a shared idea between Connie Patterson and Joyce Bell that came into reality in November of 1998 when HAROTC received Washington state non-profit status.   The organization achieved federal tax-deductible donation status, 501(c)(3), in March 2000.​