• Fill out the volunteer form and submit it to LSART
• Have your own family and animal emergency plan, and encourage others to have one as well. Always be sure that your own family is secure before leaving to volunteer
• Complete FEMA ICS 100 and 200, and NIMS 700 and 800(available for free online with FEMA, and can be completed at your own pace-https://training.fema.gov/is/ ). These are highly recommended to understand the management structure and how we work with other organizations
• Understand that the LSART Liaison / Team is a resource to provide assistance and guidance to the local and state authorities. We do not self-deploy as this may be counter-productive to efficient rescue efforts
• Attend LSART training opportunities in your area of interest
• You can also volunteer your services during non-response times by helping maintain equipment, or updating information such as a list of boarding facilities, feed stores, veterinary facilities etc.
• When responding, greet evacuees in a friendly and helpful manner, understanding that many will be frightened and stressed and concerned for their pets.  Maintain calm demeanor and help keep stress level down.
• Remember that no one role is more important than another. Always stay in your assigned role. Roles are assigned based on certifications and experience. Improperly trained rescuers may lead to prolonged rescues, secondary injury or death, or comprised medical status and increased stress.
• ALWAYS stay positive! Conditions may be harsh, such as hot or rainy. Work together with everyone. Inform your team leader if you feel stress, fatigue, are injured, or see that a team member may be affected.

There is no end to what can be accomplished by people who don't care who gets credit.