How to Volunteer

VOLUNTEER WITH OCART

Our goal is to build a strong, prepared network of volunteers dedicated to protecting Orange County’s large animals and supporting their owners in times of emergency.

For those interested in taking on a more active role within OCART, there are opportunities to assist with training support, volunteer coordination, administrative preparation (such as intake forms and materials), apparel, and more.

If you are interested in joining OCART as a volunteer, we’d love to hear from you. The first step is to complete the Volunteer Form accessed via the button below.

Volunteer Form

ABOUT THE VOLUNTEER FORM

The Volunteer Form is a Google Form that collects basic contact information.

You can sign up for OCART Training (if available) when you sign up as a volunteer. All future OCART Training invitations will be emailed to you once you have signed up as a volunteer. Please don't sign up more than once on using the Volunteer Form. If you have any contact changes, please let us know by emailing us at ocanimalresponseteam@gmail.com.

Please email ocanimalresponseteam@gmail.com if you have any questions or are having trouble completing the Volunteer Form.

If you know others who may be interested in joining OCART, please feel free to share this opportunity and encourage them to sign up as well.

WHAT TO EXPECT AT TRAINING

The second step to become a certified OCART volunteer is training. OCART volunteer training is designed to prepare you with the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to safely and effectively respond during an emergency involving large animals. This training is part of a larger, countywide effort to ensure that no community—or animal—is left without support during a disaster.

OCART volunteers are trained to work alongside Orange County’s first responders, including fire, sheriff, and animal care agencies, ensuring a coordinated, professional, and effective response in real-world emergency situations such as wildfires, floods, and evacuations.

The training is divided into two key sessions:

WHAT TO EXPECT AT TRAINING

The second step to become a certified OCART volunteer is training. OCART volunteer training is designed to prepare you with the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to safely and effectively respond during an emergency involving large animals. This training is part of a larger, countywide effort to ensure that no community—or animal—is left without support during a disaster.

OCART volunteers are trained to work alongside Orange County’s first responders, including fire, sheriff, and animal care agencies, ensuring a coordinated, professional, and effective response in real-world emergency situations such as wildfires, floods, and evacuations.

The training is divided into two key sessions:

TRAINING SESSION 1: POLICIES & PROCEDURES

The first portion of the training includes an informative presentation covering how OCART operates within an active emergency. Volunteers will learn about:

  • Activation protocols through AlertOC
  • The structure and function of the Incident Command System (ICS)
  • The role of the Emergency Operations Center (EOC)
  • OCART policies, procedures, and expectations during deployment

This session ensures all volunteers understand how to operate within a structured emergency response system.

TRAINING SESSION 2: HANDS-ON TRAINING STATIONS

The second portion of the training is interactive and skills-based, with volunteers rotating through five practical stations:

  1. OCART Forms & Chain of Command
    Learn how to properly complete required forms and logs, while understanding communication flow and leadership structure.
  2. Haltering, Rope Tying & ID Banding
    Practice essential animal handling skills to safely secure and identify horses during an evacuation.
  3. Loading & Unloading Horses
    Gain experience with safe and efficient loading techniques to reduce stress and risk for both animals and handlers.
  4. Trailer Certification (Optional)
    For those interested in becoming certified trailer operators, this station includes a hands-on driving assessment. Volunteers must bring their own trailer and pass a safety inspection, along with demonstrating key skills such as:
    • Backing in a straight line
    • Performing a 3-point turn
    • Navigating a serpentine course between cones
  5. Volunteer ID Photo
    Have your photo taken for your official OCART identification badge.

CERTIFICATION

Completion of the training certifies volunteers for two years, with periodic refresher opportunities available to maintain and renew certification.

WAIVERS AND PARTICIPATION NOTES

Waiver: All participants will be required to sign a waiver. The waiver can be viewed here: OCART Waiver. If you would like to print and sign this and bring it with you, that would be great. Otherwise, we will have copies available at the training session for your signature.

Age Requirements:  Please note that participants must be at least 14 years old. Participants between 14 and 17 years old must bring a parent/guardian who will sign the waiver as well.

Children/Dogs: We all love our children and dogs, but please do not bring them with you to the training session.

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