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Volunteer Two Ways!

There are two volunteer opportunities with SMART: Train with your County Animal Response Team as an animal disaster planning and response volunteer, or sign up as a resource in case of a disaster.

Animal Disaster Planning and Response Volunteers

Maine needs volunteers to join and train with County Animal Response Teams. County Animal Response Teams work with Emergency Managers and SMART to train in animal rescue and sheltering, learn principals of emergency management and help write animal disaster plans. These teams will be the principal body planning for and responding to local animal disasters. Training will be provided through County Emergency Management and SMART (see training calendar). Contact us for more information about County Animal Response Teams or to start a team in your city/town.

Requirements: Volunteers will need to fulfill minimum training requirements to be considered for animal response. Volunteers do not need to have animal handling experience to be a valuable addition, however in most cases they will need to complete basic CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) training with their local Emergency Management office. Disaster services that don't require animal handling include office support, transportation, and donations and shelter management.

Sign up to be a Resource for Animal Disasters

The State of Maine Animal Response Team maintains a statewide database of resources that may be available in the event of a disaster. Resources include rescue and shelter equipment, emergency animal sheltering facilities, and professional animal services. If you have a stable, kennel or other animal holding facility, or animal trailers, food, carriers, leads, etc., or have some special training or skill related to animal handling or care, please sign up with us! If you have no animal experience, but would be interested in volunteering in an office environment, please sign up!