Instructions
Enroll in one of the many online courses administered by the Federal Emergency Management Administration. All disaster teams require their volunteers be certified through FEMA's online courses in disaster response, command center organization, safety requirements and other topics related to emergency management. The online courses allow you to read through printable chapters and then take a final exam. Upon completion and achieving a grade of 80 percent or higher on the exam, you can download a printable Certificate of Completion. You're required to have several of these specific certificates before becoming a registered disaster animal response team member.
Visit the Humane Society of the United States' website to fill out a National DART team application. The HSUS NDART is a well-trained organization of volunteers from all over the country who respond to natural and man-made disasters, as well as puppy-mill raids and other emergency situations.
Attend a workshop administered by the United Animal Nations. UAN hosts an Emergency Animal Rescue Services program. To become an EARS member you must attend a workshop held in one of many cities around the country. To find a workshop near you, visit the UAN website and follow the links for EARS training. See Resources for the applicable UAN.
Search for local or regional DART teams forming or already in progress in or near your community. Many humane societies, animal rescue organizations and animal control agencies are putting together task force teams to work in tandem with one of the national organizations such as the HSUS or UAN.
How to Join an animal disaster relief team
The images on television from the after effects of hurricane Katrina brought tears to the eyes of pet lovers around the country. Watching people leave their animals behind brought an onslaught of public outcry and demands for government regulations to address the needs of pet owners during disasters. In response, the "No Pet Left Behind" legislation was passed. This legislation, formally the "Pets Evacuation and Transportation Standards Act of 2006," requires communities to provide for companion animals during an evacuation. Since its enactment, individuals have formed disaster animal response teams all around the country.