Woman wearing RedRover Responders t-shirt and a handkerchief around her neck smiling while patting a large grey Great Dane dog, who has their tongue out

Register: RedRover Responders Online Volunteer Training

Our specially trained RedRover Responders volunteers shelter and care for animals in crisis, and provide support for communities and animals in need


Become a volunteer in three easy steps:

Step 1:

Register and complete the self-paced online training. This will take about 2-3 hours to complete.

Step 2:

Complete the FEMA course IS-100c, an introduction to the Incident Command System. This is also a self-paced and free course, and must be completed prior to your first deployment with RedRover.

Step 3:

Once you complete the online training you will receive a welcome email with further details.

Qualifications:

– 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-100c.
  • Complete the volunteer training online or in person.
  • Agree to the RedRover Responders Code of Conduct.

 

– 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.

What Training Covers

  • Introduction to RedRover and the different programs and services offered.
  • The different types of situations that RedRover deploys to.
  • What it is like to deploy with RedRover, and what to expect before, during, and after a deployment.
  • Introduce you to key concepts like standard operation guidelines.
  • Help guide pre-deployment decision-making.

Please note: Completion of volunteer training does not guarantee your spot on this or any other deployment. RedRover Responders staff will match trained volunteers based on geographic location and availability on an as-needed basis.


  • RedRover Responders volunteer
    To be able to see the difference RedRover makes in the lives of animals (and humans) is not only heart-warming, it’s the essence of what volunteerism is all about.
    RedRover Responders volunteer
  • RedRover Responders volunteer
    Having the opportunity to do something constructive to help the animals affected by this disaster lessened my own anguish about the overall situation. It is very difficult to see this kind of destruction of people and animals’ lives and be able to help in any meaningful way. RedRover allowed me to get involved and make a difference. Thank you!
    RedRover Responders volunteer
  • RedRover Responders volunteer
    The biggest highlight for me was being able to work directly with the animals every day and know that the work we were doing was contributing to their health and well-being. I loved being able to interact with them in a way that hopefully started to show them that humans aren’t all bad and that there are many of us who love them and want the best for them. Meeting other like-minded volunteers was also a highlight.
    RedRover Responders volunteer
  • RedRover Responders Media Volunteer
    The impact RedRover has had on me is showing it’s not just people putting their opinions out there, it’s real people working, taking days off, driving, flying, getting down and dirty… It’s a great thing to be a part of.
    RedRover Responders Media Volunteer
  • Patty, RedRover Responders volunteer
    After Hurricane Katrina hit in 2006, I knew that I wanted to do more than local adoptions. I trained as a volunteer for Red Rover (EARS at that time), and I was hooked. I had my first deployment to Pratt, KS in 2007. Being a “red-shirt” has been one of the most challenging, satisfying, and rewarding things in my life. I have made friends nationwide, within the group and within other partner organizations. The relationships that are formed through volunteering are the most meaningful and long lasting relationships one can make. We may not see each other often, but when we do, it’s like we were never apart. Animal people are the best people in the world!
    Patty, RedRover Responders volunteer
  • Maggie, RedRover Responders volunteer
    I've been with RedRover for 12 years, volunteering with several of their programs (yep, they do *tons* more than emergency sheltering). Working with them has not only given me my most satisfying (and well organized) volunteer experiences, but has also helped give me skills to keep myself and my own family safe. You know I'm nit picky. I have no problem endorsing RedRover because it's a great organization that shows sincere respect to both the volunteers and the clients (aka, the humans and animals they assist).
    Maggie, RedRover Responders volunteer
  • RedRover Responders volunteer
    My deployment in Jacksonville was one of the proudest times in my life.
    RedRover Responders volunteer
  • Tom, RedRover Responders volunteer
    Started volunteering with RedRover in Spring of 2018. Have participated in 4 deployments since then and look forward to helping again in the future. Most memorable was celebrating Thanksgiving last year on the San Marcos deployment with my fellow volunteers. Great organization working with wonderful partners.
    Tom, RedRover Responders volunteer
  • RedRover Responders volunteer
    This was a life changing event to be a part of. We helped a community who was happy to have us there. Our entire team bonded and I have made friends for life because of this event. There are 102 cats who have had vet care and will no longer be able to reproduce, which will make such a difference with the overpopulation of the island. Thank you for putting this together!
    RedRover Responders volunteer
  • RedRover Responders volunteer
    As a RedRover Responder, I have a sense of pride, knowing I am part of a cohesive team of terrific, hard-working volunteers who have genuine concern for the care of animals is amazing. To be able to see the difference RedRover makes in the lives of animals (and humans) during a deployment is not only heart-warming, but it is the essence of what volunteerism is all about.
    RedRover Responders volunteer
  • RedRover Responders volunteer
    I have a lot of pride for what we did for the animals. I would do this work every day of my life if I could.
    RedRover Responders volunteer
  • RedRover Responders volunteer
    I believe the local agencies we were there to support were positively affected by this force we created. I believe it helped re-energize them with new strength and commitment, knowing they were not alone in their task, and that they were supported by some of this continent's highest quality animal rescue volunteers. What a gas to be a part of this!
    RedRover Responders volunteer
  • Andy, RedRover Responders volunteer
    The relationships you will create during deployment will last a lifetime.
    Andy, RedRover Responders volunteer
  • RedRover Responders volunteer
    As a RedRover Responder, I have a sense of pride, knowing I am part of a cohesive team of terrific, hard-working volunteers who have genuine concern for the care of animals is amazing. To be able to see the difference RedRover makes in the lives of animals (and humans) during a deployment is not only heart-warming, but it is the essence of what volunteerism is all about.
    RedRover Responders volunteer
  • RedRover Responders volunteer
    The teamwork is like nothing I've experienced before when volunteering. At the end of the day, we do it for the animals. And you leave feeling like you have made a huge difference, and new friends.
    RedRover Responders volunteer

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