RedRover Responders volunteers are the backbone of our efforts to provide lifesaving care and sheltering for animal victims of natural disasters, cruelty and neglect. Volunteers come from across the country and all walks of life, but they have one thing in common: a commitment to helping animals in need.
We welcome volunteers with all levels of experience, from the casual pet-lover to the seasoned shelter worker. All volunteers must meet our qualifications described below and complete our two-part volunteer training program, which includes a half-day workshop and self-paced online training.
RedRover Responders volunteer training program >>
Want to learn more about how the RedRover Responders volunteer program works and what volunteers do on deployments before you register for the training? Turn on your speakers, sit back at your computer and get an introduction to volunteering with the RedRover Responders program by watching our 20-minute volunteer orientation.
What do volunteers do?
Once volunteers complete the training program, they are eligible to be deployed to a RedRover emergency animal shelter. Some of the duties volunteers may perform at an emergency shelter include:
- Setting up and dismantling the shelter
- Walking, grooming and socializing the animals
- Feeding animals and cleaning cages
- Organizing supply donations
- Reuniting animals with caregivers
- Assist with evidence gathering in cruelty cases
- Assisting with veterinary care by taking notes or transporting animals to and from their cages
Even when they are not volunteering at an emergency animal shelter, RedRover Responders typically remain active in their own communities through such activities as:
- Organizing additional training classes (such as cat trapping or pet first aid) for other volunteers in their area
- Representing RedRover at educational events, such as disaster preparedness fairs
- Volunteering at their local animal shelter
- Completing online training courses in animal disaster preparedness offered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency
- Attending animal handling and behavior conferences or workshops
- Providing office assistance at RedRover's headquarters in Sacramento
Qualifications to be a RedRover ResponderS Volunteer
Required:
- Age 18 years or older
- An email address that you check regularly and access to the Internet
- Current tetanus immunization
- Complete FEMA course IS-100
- Complete all parts of RedRover Responders volunteer training
- Have an RedRover Responders volunteer badge (will be sent after completion of training) *
- Agree to the RedRover Responders Code of Conduct biennially
Highly Recommended:
- Complete 50 hours of animal handling, preferably at your local shelter or through a rescue group (may be completed after training)
- Able to withstand the physical demands of deployments; including ability to lift at least 40 pounds, and stand, kneel or bend for long hours in varying temperatures and conditions
* Volunteers with an Emergency Animal Rescue Service (EARS) badge can contact us at any time to request a new RedRover Responders badge. You may be asked to provide a clear digital headshot photo.
FREQUENTLY ASKED (AND ANSWERED) QUESTIONS
View answers to frequently asked questions about volunteering with RedRover Responders.
