The federal government operates the Emergency Management Institute, which offers an array of courses on emergency situations. There are two courses offered on animal rescue. The American Humane Association also offers training for rescue responders. In addition to taking courses specific to animal rescue, you must take disaster or emergency response courses that are more general. This is to ensure that you are knowledgeable of the many hazards and unique requirements of rescue situations.
Once receiving training, you must gain experience by assisting with rescue operations. Whenever there is a natural disaster, emergency workers and volunteers assist with stabilizing the region in the aftermath. This is done through many different organizations, such as the American Red Cross. For animal rescue, you can volunteer through international organizations such as the United Animal Nations or local such as Animal Rescue New Orleans. The organizations will provide guidance, organization and supplies to assist with rescue operations.
While a degree is not required to be an animal rescuer, many professionals in the field hold degrees if they are educating the public about animal rescue. Many of the animals in distress across the globe are so because of human actions. A goal of animal rescue is to be preemptive and prevent bad things happening to animals. There is no standard degree to advocate and educate the public on the plight of wildlife, but according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, a degree in education is helpful. Other degrees you may pursue would be zoologist, biologist or photojournalism. All these professionals assist with animal rescue in a variety of ways.
Once you have certification in animal rescue and general rescue procedures, you will have to complete continuing education courses periodically. How often these courses must be completed will depend on which agency you obtain the certification from. The goal of these courses is to keep you abreast of new information in the field.