An animal lover, Hebard became involved in the training of rescue dogs and was a co-founder of the United States Disaster Response Team, which participated in earthquake rescue missions in Mexico, Armenia, Japan and Turkey, using the ability of the dogs to located trapped survivors. She also participated with her dogs in rescue and recovery operations involving bridge collapses, floods, fires, and people lost in the wilderness. She and her dogs also participated in search and rescue operations in the aftermath of the Oklahoma City bombing and the September 11 World Trade Center attack.