Volunteering At Animal Shelters
Animals are by far the most vulnerable creatures. If a person in need is able to ask for help, the animals do not have such a chance. They may only try to attract attention by barking, meowing, or expressing other typical sounds. It depends on the passers-by if they wish to stop and feed the animal or hide it from the dangers of today’s world. The life of an animal is full of fear. So, volunteering at the shelters is a very noble calling, the true opportunity to serve.
How to get in touch with animal shelters?
The majority of shelters always ask for help. Considering a low number of volunteers, the heads of charitable organizations invite all the people who feel compassion towards animals to participate in different events. For example, when the volunteers take the homeless dogs and cats from the streets, they usually go outside searching for the indifferent people who could give a sense of home to the miserable animals. Or, say, it is often necessary to hold fund-raising events to collect money for the adoption, care about the animals in the hospitals, or just good food for the pets.
As a rule, the animal shelters do not put forward any special requirements while choosing the volunteers. All you need to possess is the kind heart, desire to help animals, and free time to dedicate your efforts to the needs of the pets.
How can you help out at an animal shelter?
There are a lot of cool things you may do at the animal shelter. For example, as Lisa Saavedra, the director of ASRPA (Animal Shelter & Rescues for Pet Adoption) has shared with PetFinder, as a volunteer, you may visit a special dog school where the pets are taught the basics of behavior. Here, they could be selected to become the guides for blind people or participate in the lessons of searching for criminals. Either way, there is plenty of interesting things to figure out!
You are always welcome to take up any activities you are good at. For example, if you have already had your own pet, taking a dog for a walk won’t seem difficult for you. But in case you don’t boast of having such an experience, maybe, cat socializing is a better deal for you. It’s not a secret that animals need the attention, love, and support of not only representatives of their species, but by humans. So, if you want to explore the boundless world of friendship with animals, socializing is what you need. Believe us, they will really appreciate the time spent with you.
Dos and Don’t when volunteering at dog shelters
If you are able to take some good animal foodstuff that is not forbidden by doctors and allowed by the funders of the shelters, it’s a good idea, too. The animals at the shelters usually have access to the necessary meal but, like human beings, sometimes they want to be amused with some snacks or even animals’ sweets! If you have enough courage to feed the animals, you need to search for the exceptionally qualified products invented especially for pets, not people. Though definitely, your dog will love a bar of chocolate that you have prepared for yourself, it is not good for the stomach of neither puppy, not an adult one. That’s why you should be attentive in whatever you do.
However, if you are afraid of stepping into the socializing activity, maybe, support of the team is what you can do. The animal shelters quite often have some shops with topical emblems or attributes. People who make this beauty always need the assistance to support in selling such goods to those who may be interested. One more exciting idea expressed by Mike Clark from DogTime will apply to you in case you are good at SMM or at least know how to attract the audience by posting photos of the animals who wish to find a home. This is how you can combine your passion for networking with the truly beneficial activity of bringing the homeless into the flats and houses where they are to be loved.
Volunteer to help animals and their owners
Finally, if you care about not only homeless animals but about their masters, you should know sometimes bad things may happen. If the person lives alone, he may get ill or even go to the hospital but his pet still requires walking and feeding. If this is the case, it is important to serve such people by helping them in the household, preparing food for the animals, or taking them for a walk. Such activities are also in demand nowadays, so, whenever you feel enough power to start, don’t be afraid. Explore an amazing world of unconditional love and support. Make new friends and care about our hirsute fellows.
Become a volunteer today!
Actually, every kind of volunteering activity will bring you a lot of joy and happiness. We have already written about the meaningful sense of volunteering. If you wish to get connected to the world of kindness and generosity expressed freely, reach out to us at 1Hour. Let us help you find your best ways.
