Volunteer
All volunteer candidates must complete a volunteer application. Please note that volunteers that youth volunteers between the ages of 16-18 interested in disaster response are welcome and after completing basic training may participate in non-response team activities if accompanied by a parent or guardian who is also an animal response team volunteer. Youth volunteers are not eligible to participate in a disaster response, a disaster zone, or emergency animal shelter and are not authorized to handle animals
CLICK HERE for a volunteer application
Once the volunteer application is complete, volunteers must complete basic disaster and animal response training. Most of our training requirements can be completed online; human first aid typically requires a hands-on component. Links to training options are below.
- Basic pet sheltering: https://flsart.org/
petfriendly/index.jsp
This 4-hour course offers awareness-level training for basic pet sheltering operations. (It is free, but you’ll have to register as a guest to take it. Be sure to follow the rules they give about saving your progress!)
2. Incident Command System IS-100c: https://training.fema.gov/is/
All KSART emergency response activities operate according to the Incident Command System. It’s important for you to have a basic understanding of how it works.
3. National Incident Management System IS-700b:
https://training.fema.gov/is/
This course will help you understand how non-governmental organizations like KSART fit into the overall emergency response framework.
4. Pet first aid: https://www.redcross.org/take-
It’s not uncommon in a disaster scenario to find pets with a wide range of injuries. Having a basic understanding of pet first aid will help you help our fur friends who need it the most.
5. Psychological first aid: https://www.train.org/ks/
Disasters are stressful. It’s important to have a basic understanding of how to take care of the psychological needs of those affected by a disaster, as well as your own mental health.
6. Human first aid & CPR
As these skills require hands-on training, there is currently no viable no-cost online option. Volunteers will need to find and register for a local course. Don’t let this requirement stand in your way!
Upon completion of the basic training, volunteers are active and may begin participating in activities and serving on committees. There are several levels of involvement to enable volunteers to find the right fit. Additional training and time commitments vary depending on the level chosen. Contact info@ksart.org for information on advanced requirements, or with any training questions you may have.
Raise Awareness
Request an animal response team presentation for your next organization, club or business meeting. Or request a presentation for a school or scout group, an informational booth for a community or company event, or a preparedness session at your next conference. The team welcomes the opportunity provide information on animal disaster planning and response in Kansas and the importance of personal disaster preparedness for you, your family and your pets. Contact info@ksart.org to schedule a presentation.
Become a Corporate Sponsor
There are many opportunities for companies and even individuals to sponsor the Kansas State Animal Response Team. From hosting keynote speakers at the annual Kansas Preparedness Conference to sponsoring specialized training sessions to funding the purchase of response equipment or helping with annual operating costs.
These activities are not without costs to the organization and many times the cost is incurred personally by the volunteer. Thank you for considering our organization in your annual donation budget. For more information on sponsorship opportunities please contact the State Coordinator.
Become A Disaster Partner
The purpose of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) is to define a working relationship between the Kansas State Animal Response Team and a business partner or affiliate organization during a disaster.
If your company is interested and able to offer pet related services and supplies, or offer funding to obtain pet related services and supplies during a disaster, please contact the State Coordinator at administrator@ksart.org for more details. A very unique opportunity and critical need during a disaster is the donation of housing space that can be used for a temporary animal shelter.
If your organization is an affiliated disaster response organization and you would like to offer support please contact the State Coordinator at administrator@ksart.org for more details.