Volunteering
Volunteer & ALERT Membership
If you want to come on as a Volunteer with ALERT, please get in touch! Volunteer training opportunities are available in the Central + South Okanagan & Similkameen in British Columbia.
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Keep Reading!
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What We Need
Alert Membership & Volunteer Application
The Animal Lifeline Emergency Response Team operates in the Central/South Okanagan and Similkameen.
Anyone is permitted to apply to be a Supporting Member of the Society but ONLY people living in the response area are permitted to be a Volunteer Member or Active Responder.
All individuals who have remitted their yearly dues and remain in good standing shall be recognized as a Supporting Member. Supporting Members may elect to participate in the capacity of Volunteer Member and/or Active Responder members as outlined below. Anyone may change designations in writing to the Board of Directors, as long as you meet the requirements for that level.
Submit your Membership Today!
Supporting Member:
An individual who has paid the prescribed membership dues and is in good standing with the Society. Supporting Members shall be entitled to receive regular communications and updates regarding the operations and activities of ALERT. Anyone who pays their Membership Dues is a Supporting Member.
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Volunteer Member:
A division of the Supporting Membership, Volunteer Members shall have completed specialized training qualifying them to provide assistance during non-response events (e.g. work bees, fundraisers, educational events). A valid Criminal Record Check shall be required for all Volunteer Members.
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Active Responder Member:
A division of the Supporting Membership, Active Responder Members shall be listed on the Call-Out Roster and are able to respond during emergencies, disasters, or other designated incidents. Active Responders must successfully complete annual training to maintain competency in response readiness and must possess a valid Criminal Record Check.
Fostering
From cats and dogs to hamsters, parrots and horses, ALERT needs foster homes for evacuated animals during emergencies and disasters.
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If your family or business can help by fostering animals during disasters and emergencies, please complete the paperwork (download link below) and submit to ALERT at info@alertcanada.org.
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You will be contacted by a volunteer with our Logistics team who will arrange a home visit to discuss fostering arrangements with you. That can include (depending on what type of fostering you are applying for):
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noting whether you have a secure fenced yard for a dog,
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a safe and quiet room for a kitty,
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a paddock or pasture for a horse with shelter or
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an appropriate aquarium for a specific species of fish
By visiting with you and your family, we can provide a better match for you and the evacuated animals in our care. We will also:
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review emergency procedures for you to follow and
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go over protocol for fostering
Volunteering
Join the Animal Lifeline Emergency Response Team (ALERT) and become a crucial part of our mission to safeguard the lives of domestic animals and livestock during times of crisis. ALERT is at the forefront of disaster response, specializing in the evacuation, rescue, and shelter of animals in need. When local or provincial authorities call for assistance, our dedicated volunteers spring into action, ready to provide expertise and support where it's needed most.​In communities across the region, ALERT's established emergency and evacuation teams stand ready to respond when disaster strikes. With wildfires and flooding on the rise due to unpredictable weather patterns, the demand for our services continues to grow. As a member of ALERT, you'll have the opportunity to make a tangible difference in the lives of both animals and their human companions. Whether it's developing evacuation plans for wildfire-prone areas, aiding in residential fire emergencies, or assisting with flood evacuations, your commitment to animal welfare will be invaluable in times of crisis. Join us today and be a lifeline for those who need it most.
Volunteer Training
Intro to Emergency Pet Services
Once called ‘We’re Family, Too’ this is an introductory course explaining and working through the administrative part of emergency animal rescue procedure and protocol when a disaster strikes or when emergencies happen.
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You don’t have to be an existing registered ALERT volunteer in order to be able to take this course. Some people take the course first and then decide to become a volunteer.
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If you are interested in setting up a training date, please contact us.
Additional Training
ALERT volunteers also participate in additional training to increase their skills for specific response situations.
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This may include:
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working with dogs and cats
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handling specific livestock
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animal First Aid
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bio hazard awareness
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mortality
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compassion fatigue
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oxygen administration