VOLUNTEER AT AN ANIMAL SHELTER
Do you love animals? Would you like to help them have happier, healthier lives? Consider volunteering your time at an animal shelter!
Animal shelters (and animal protection organizations) rescue animals in danger, and provide temporary shelter to stray, abandoned and unwanted animals. Talk about a worthy cause!
Many animal shelters are non-profit or government organizations, so they don't have much money to hire paid staff. That's why most animal shelters welcome volunteers of all ages, to help take care of animals, maintain shelter facilities, do office work, and work with the public.
If you value animals, or are considering a career working with animals, volunteering at a shelter can be an incredible experience! It is also a great gift of love to the animals.
When you give animals the gift of your time, you'll get back as much as you give — maybe even more!
A snuggle from an animal you've cared for is the best reward of all! You'll never find a more grateful and accepting friend than an animal you have comforted. Plus, working with animals, you're sure to discover skills you never knew you had. You'll also make lots of new friends — and not just the four-legged kind. Working side-by-side with people who share your love of animals can forge lifelong friendships.
Working with animals is also amazing career experience, if you want to be a veterinarian or animal handler someday. Volunteering will help you to learn things that can lead you to the career of your dreams. Employers and college admissions officers look favorably on time spent in volunteer service.
What Do Volunteers Do?
Animal shelter volunteers help to give animals hugs and love, when they're waiting to be adopted. Other things you might help with are grooming, bathing and feeding animals, cleaning their cages, walking dogs, playing with cats, doing office work like stuffing envelopes or photocopying flyers, helping to publicize an event, or assisting with fundraising.
How to Get Started
Contact your local animal shelter for information on what volunteer opportunities are available. Check the local Yellow Pages under the headings "Animal Control", "Animal Shelter", or "Humane Society."
You can also find an animal shelter near you using the Petfinder website. (U.S. and Canada) In the U.S., find the nearest animal shelter to your zip code on the Pets 911 website. (U.S. only)