Become an EARS Volunteer

EARS volunteers care for animal victims of disasters and educate others about the need to include animals in disaster planning

Emergency Animal Rescue Service (EARS) volunteers are the backbone of our efforts to provide lifesaving care and sheltering for animal victims of natural and human-caused disasters. 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.

No specific experience is necessary to become an EARS volunteer, but volunteers must complete a one-day volunteer training workshop.

EARS volunteer training workshop schedule >>

Once volunteers complete the EARS Volunteer Training Workshop, they are eligible to be deployed to an EARS emergency animal shelter. Some of the duties volunteers may perform at an EARS 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
• Transporting animals for vet care

Even when they are not responding to a disaster, EARS volunteers 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 EARS volunteers in their area
• Representing United Animal Nations at educational events, such as disaster preparedness fairs
• Volunteering at their local 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 UAN's headquarters

Note: Due to the risks imposed by the nature of disaster volunteering, volunteers must be at least 18 years of age.