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Ready to Help Animals When It Matters Most?​​

Sheriff’s HEART volunteers play a critical role in protecting animals and supporting communities during disasters. Whether you’re caring for animals in a shelter, helping transport them to safety, or supporting field teams, your contribution matters.

 

Volunteer Applications are Open for 2026!

Application Closing Date: February 15th, 2026

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Interview Dates: February 26th, 2026 or February 27th, 2026 

Animal Control Officer Adams giving oxygen to a dog named Honeybear who was rescued during a fire evacuation.

HEART Officer Adams giving oxygen to a dog named 'Honeybear' who was rescued during a HEART deployment.

Animal Care Specialist (ACS) – Shelter Volunteer

Best for volunteers who want to work directly with animals in a structured environment

What you’ll do

  • Care for animals in temporary emergency shelters

  • Feed, water, exercise, and provide enrichment

  • Monitor animal health and report concerns

  • Clean and disinfect animal areas

  • Help with intake and reunification documentation

You will Receive Training and Certification in:

  • FEMA IS-100

  • FEMA IS-200

  • Small animal shelter best practices

  • Animal intake, documentation, and tracking best practices

  • Animal handling (small and/or large animal, depending on assignment)

Physical expectations

  • Able to stand and walk for long periods

  • Lift approximately 30 lbs

  • Work 12-hour shifts during deployments

Good fit if you:

  • Enjoy hands-on animal care

  • Prefer structured, team-based environments

  • Want a consistent and impactful volunteer role

Animal Care Specialist (ACS) – Field Volunteer

For volunteers ready to support animal care outside of shelter settings

What you’ll do

  • Assist with animal care during evacuations or shelter-in-place operations

  • Help assess animal needs under supervision

  • Support capture, containment, and basic handling

  • Assist with documentation and tracking

  • Follow biosecurity and safety protocols​

You will Receive Training and Certification in:

  • FEMA IS-100

  • FEMA IS-200

  • Field operations best practices

  • Fireline or all-hazards awareness

  • Small and/or large animal handling

  • Animal documentation best practices

  • Field radio communications

  • Animal triage and assessment

Physical expectations

  • Walk long distances over uneven terrain

  • Lift 30+ lbs

  • Work outdoors in variable conditions

Good fit if you:

  • Are comfortable outdoors

  • Want to support evacuations and field operations

  • Can follow direction in dynamic environments

Animal Transport Volunteer

For volunteers who can safely transport animals and supplies

What you’ll do

  • Transport animals between field locations and shelters

  • Move equipment and supplies

  • Follow biosecurity and documentation procedures

You will Receive Training and Certification in:

Type 3

  • FEMA IS-100

  • Small animal handling

  • Animal documentation best practices

Type 2

  • FEMA IS-200

  • Field operations best practices

  • Field radio communications

  • Animal handling (small and/or large)

License requirements

  • Valid driver’s license appropriate for the vehicle used

  • Valid registration and proof of insurance

Physical expectations

  • Lift 30+ lbs

  • Drive for extended periods

  • Work in PPE as required

Good fit if you:

  • Are a confident driver

  • Have a calm demeanor under pressure

  • Want a logistics-focused volunteer role

Radio Operator – Field Volunteer

For volunteers who support communication between teams and command

What you’ll do

  • Provide radio communications for an AER field team

  • Relay status updates and resource requests

  • Monitor and follow radio protocols

You will Receive Training and Certification in:

  • FEMA IS-100

  • FEMA IS-200

  • Field radio communications

  • Fireline or all-hazards awareness

Physical expectations

  • Walk long distances

  • Work outdoors and in PPE

  • Deploy for extended shifts

Good fit if you:

  • Are detail-oriented

  • Communicate clearly and calmly

  • Are comfortable following strict procedures

Communications Support Volunteer

For volunteers with technical or radio experience

What you’ll do

  • Assist with setup and troubleshooting of radios and communications equipment

  • Support communications operations under supervision

You will Receive Training and Certification in:

  • FEMA IS-200

  • FEMA IS-100

  • Field radio communications

  • Familiarity with radios, internet, or communications equipment

  • Ham radio experience (if applicable and authorized)

Physical expectations

  • Light to moderate physical activity

  • Work in PPE if required

Good fit if you:

  • Enjoy technical problem-solving

  • Have experience with communications equipment

  • Want a support-focused operational role

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