If you have a natural calling for helping animals, you should consider volunteering at your local animal shelter. There are plenty of opportunities to help out at animal shelters, especially since they cater to dogs, cats, and all other types of animals. First, you’ll need to consider how much time you are willing to participate, what tasks you are capable of doing, and if you meet all the requirements that the shelter asks of you. Animal shelters love receiving the extra help, plus it is such a rewarding experience to work with animals in need.
Here’s what you need to know:
Where Should You Volunteer?
There are many different animal shelters where you can volunteer. Typically animal shelters care for dogs, cats, rabbits, rats, snakes, birds, etc. While researching shelters it’s important to consider allergies or phobias and then determine what makes the most sense for your situation. Some shelters are very accommodating and will work around your needs. For example, if you have a fear of a certain type of animal, they can give you tasks that do not involve working with them.
It is also highly important to ask questions before you decide to volunteer at an animal shelter. Asking questions can help you determine what location will be best suited to fit your needs and working conditions. For example, some shelters euthanize animals that cannot find a forever home in order to make space for new animals. This can be very devastating, especially if you have grown very fond of that particular animal.
Remember to ask questions and decide your shelter location accordingly.
What Needs to be Done?
There is a multitude of jobs that need to be completed at animal shelters. Of course, caring for the animals is very important, but volunteering also consists of cleaning cages, walking dogs, refilling food and water bowls, training, keeping animals company, playtime, socialization, etc. Many shelters also rely on volunteers to help fundraise for events, make fliers, and help with engagement on social media. In fact, some shelters even have an educational program to teach young children about animals and the proper way to care for them. Shelters are in need of people to help facilitate these educational programs which provide great opportunities to not only volunteer, but also engage with children.
What Are the Requirements?
Every shelter has different requirements for volunteering, so it is important to do your research before showing up at a location. For example, many shelters require a time commitment which is usually tracked on a schedule. You are required to show up to the shelter for a minimum number of hours each week and are expected to be civil with the other employees.
There are also various physical requirements that are necessary in order to work in a shelter. You will need to be able to interact with animals, lift a certain amount of weight, tolerate loud noises, and are not fearful of getting bitten. You may also have to work with machinery such as washers and need to be comfortable working in or outdoors. Lastly, you will most likely be required to complete some kind of training before you are allowed to start your volunteering hours.
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