WE’RE GLAD YOU’RE HERE!
As an all-volunteer organization, volunteers are WASART’s heart and soul and we can always use your help. Getting started may seem complicated, so this page offers some guidance about what to do next. If you get confused, check with the volunteer manager (volunteer-manager@washingtonsart.org). We’re here to help you; your success is our success.
CLASSES & REQUIREMENTS
To be deployable, you must be up to date on required training and vaccination. Our number one priority is your safety and the safety of the team you are with. Check out our Upcoming Training
COMMITTEES & TEAMS
Breaking into smaller teams is how we get things done. Find the area of interest below and let that committee head know you are interested.
Technical Rescue Team
The frontline of an animal-in-danger rescue, this team trains often to keep important skills sharp, training to rescue dogs from cliffs, horses from the mud, down wells, or cast in stalls, and cows from ravines. We’ve even had a pig rescue.
Emergency Animal Sheltering
During times of disasters such as fires and floods, people will often hesitate to evacuate because they can’t take their pets with them where they are going. WASART sets up emergency animal shelters in places where emergency events are underway to shelter companion animals and/or livestock so their owners can take care of themselves. WASART members also have the opportunity to deploy nationally with groups such as the ASPCA when they ask for help with their emergency animal sheltering needs.
Training Committee
WASART puts heavy focus on training its members. Since this training does not exist in some cases, we train our members ourselves. This means the training committee is one of the busiest committees out there. If you love to help your fellow WASART member learn exciting new skills and knowledge, contact us to learn how to help.
Outreach Committee
Educating the public is part of WASART’s mission. The Outreach Committee goes to various fairs around western Washington to inform the public about disaster preparation as well as educate them about WASART’s services and membership. If you love to talk to the public, either one-on-one or in front of an audience, contact the Outreach Coordinator.
GETTING STARTED
The first step to becoming a member is to fill out an application and pay the dues. We’ll do a background check, with your permission. We have some in house training you’ll need to take to get you out in the field and some external training such as First Aid.
Base Support is the class you need to be deployable. We strongly recommend taking Operations Support as well. While not required to deploy, it is required if you wish to handle animals.
While you wait for the next class, here are your other requirements you’ll need — all of which can be done on your own: