Can’t have a dog? Volunteer at a shelter

Do you love dogs but aren’t in a position to have one of your own due to space or landlord restrictions?  If you have the time, volunteer at a local shelter.

Most local animal shelters will welcome new volunteers with open arms.   Shelters generally run on volunteer support, having few, if any, full or part time staff members.

There are a variety of activities that the volunteers can assist with.  Feeding, grooming, and kennel cleaning are just a few of the things that volunteers help with.  Dogs need to be walked and played with.  You might be able to assist with trips to the vet, or help out at adoption events.  Many shelters also have fund-raising events throughout the year to raise money to feed and house the animals.

If you have the space and the time, fostering dogs might be for you.  Dogs often live in foster homes instead of kennels until they are adopted.  Foster parents assist in getting the dogs acclimated to being around people, especially children, and other dogs and cats.

You can also check with local veterinarians to see if they have volunteer opportunities available.  Often, vets that provide boarding services need people to tend to the animals in the off-hours.  Many vets also take in unwanted animals and try to find them good homes.  They may need volunteers to help foster these animals.

If you are unable to give your time to help out at a local shelter, there are still other ways you can help.  Shelters are always in need of food, toys, newspaper, leashes, beds and other pet supplies.

Photo credit: Ben VanHoose

July 15th, 2009 by Beth VanHoose | Posted in Dog Health, Dog Stories, Dog Training | (0)