top of page

Training for Sonoma CART Volunteers

Through every incident we work, our animal response team learns more about response and incident management. We’re always updating our training and educational materials from our experience of being out in the field and working directly with our community and their animals.

2026 Training Schedule

Sonoma+CART+Training+Schedule+2026+(2).jpg
Companion Animal Sheltering.jpg
CART Truck and trailer.jpg

Volunteer Training Requirements

Annually:

Sonoma CART New / Returning Volunteer Training

  • Update your Better Impact profile, including:

    1. Volunteer Application/Agreement

    2. Liability Release Form

    3. Ensuring contact information is current

    4. Upload new training certificates 

 

Every 2 years:

  1. All Hazards Safety Awareness

  2. Fire Line Safety + Fire Tent Deployment Course

​

Every 3 years:

  1. FEMA IS 100: Introduction to the Incident Command System

  2. FEMA IS 200: Basic Incident Command System for Initial Response

  3. FEMA IS 700: An Introduction to the National Incident Management System

  4. FEMA IS 800: National Response Framework, an Introduction

​

Optional Every 3 Years: (based on volunteer position)

​

Training Guidelines

Training requirements and guidelines are updated as county and state guidance changes. Sonoma CART regularly reviews current AER Resource Titles through CARES, Cal CARTs, and Cal Animals to ensure our trainings remain current. 

Fear Free Shelters Logo.jpg

Fear Free Shelters

The Fear Free Sheltering Program is an online course aimed at reducing stress to pets in a shelter environment. The program covers how to recognize signs of stress in dogs and cats, and ways to reduce the stress that pets experience while in the shelter. 

​

How to Sign-Up:

  • Current Sonoma CART volunteers can sign-up and access the program at the Fear Free website https://fearfreeshelters.com/

  • Download and fill out the Volunteer Verification form

  • If you need the password, email info@sonomacart.org to verify your Sonoma CART volunteer status. Password = nobites

  • Upload the signed form to the Fear Free site when you register

  • Upon completion of the course, you will receive a Certificate which you can add to your Better Impact training credentials page.

FEMA Emergency Management Institute

The Emergency Management Institute (EMI) Independent Study Program (ISP) offers free courses designed for people who have emergency management responsibilities and the general public. All required FEMA ICS courses can be completed online at any time. Sign up for FEMA SID

​

Required Courses (refresh every 3 years):

  • IS-100 Introduction to the Incident Command System

  • IS-200 ICS Basic Incident Command System for Initial Response

  • IS-700 An Introduction to the National Incident Management System

  • IS-800 National Response Framework, an Introduction

​

Recommended Courses:

  • IS-10 Animals in Disasters: Awareness and Preparedness

  • IS-11 Animals in Disasters: Community Planning

  • IS-111 Livestock in Disaster

  • IS-29 Public Information Officer Awareness

  • IS-42 Social Media in Emergency Management

  • IS-244 Developing and Managing Volunteers

bottom of page