Animal shelters and sanctuaries are organizations that provide refuge and care for animals in need. These organizations are typically run by volunteers who are passionate about helping animals. Volunteering at a local animal shelter or sanctuary can be a rewarding experience, but it is important to understand what is expected of volunteers. This article will provide an overview of the different opportunities available for volunteers at local animal shelters and sanctuaries, as well as the requirements, advantages, and tips for a successful volunteering experience.

What are Animal Shelters and Sanctuaries?

Animal shelters are organizations that provide refuge and care for animals in need, such as those that have been abandoned, abused, or are homeless. These organizations rely on volunteers to care for the animals, educate the public, and raise funds to ensure the organization can remain operational. Animal sanctuaries are similar to animal shelters, with the exception that they are typically focused on providing refuge and care for animals that cannot be released into the wild.

Benefits of Volunteering

Volunteering at an animal shelter or sanctuary can be a rewarding experience. Volunteers can gain valuable experience in animal care, as well as meet new people and make a difference in the lives of animals in need.

Caring for Animals

Animal shelters rely on volunteers to provide care for the animals in their care. This includes providing food, water, and exercise, as well as cleaning cages and monitoring the health of the animals.

Educating Others

Volunteers at animal shelters can also help educate the public about the importance of spaying and neutering pets, proper animal care, and the dangers of animal abuse and neglect. This can be done through presentations, workshops, and other forms of outreach.

Fundraising

Many animal shelters rely on donations and fundraising to remain operational. Volunteers can help organize and manage fundraising events, such as bake sales and car washes, to raise money for the shelter.

Events

Animal shelters often host events, such as adoption events and pet expos, to promote the organization and help find homes for the animals in their care. Volunteers can help plan and manage these events.

Caring for Animals

Animal sanctuaries rely on volunteers to provide care for the animals in their care. This includes providing food, water, and exercise, as well as cleaning cages and monitoring the health of the animals.

Education and Outreach

Volunteers at animal sanctuaries can also help educate the public about the importance of animal welfare, proper animal care, and the dangers of animal abuse and neglect. This can be done through presentations, workshops, and other forms of outreach.

Fundraising

Animal sanctuaries rely on donations and fundraising to remain operational. Volunteers can help organize and manage fundraising events, such as bake sales and car washes, to raise money for the sanctuary.

Events

Animal sanctuaries often host events, such as adoption events and pet expos, to promote the organization and help find homes for the animals in their care. Volunteers can help plan and manage these events.

Age

Most animal shelters and sanctuaries require volunteers to be at least 18 years of age. However, some organizations may allow volunteers as young as 16 years old to volunteer, provided they are accompanied by an adult.

Time Commitment

Volunteers are typically required to commit to a certain number of hours per week or month. The amount of time required will depend on the organization and the type of volunteer work being performed.

Training

Most organizations require volunteers to attend a training session before they can start volunteering. This is to ensure that volunteers understand the organization’s policies and procedures, as well as how to properly care for the animals.

Background Checks

Some organizations may require volunteers to submit to a background check before they can begin volunteering. This is to ensure that volunteers do not have a history of animal abuse or neglect.

Gain Experience

Volunteering at an animal shelter or sanctuary is a great way to gain experience in animal care and other related fields. This experience can be beneficial if you are looking to pursue a career in animal care or welfare.

Meet New People

Volunteering is a great way to meet new people who share your passion for animals. You can build relationships with other volunteers and learn from their experiences.

Make a Difference

Volunteering at an animal shelter or sanctuary can be a rewarding experience. You can make a difference in the lives of animals in need and help create a better world for them.

Research Local Shelters

The best way to find out about opportunities at local animal shelters is to research them online. Look for organizations in your area and contact them to find out about volunteer opportunities.

Research Local Sanctuaries

The same is true for animal sanctuaries. Research local organizations and contact them to find out about volunteer opportunities.

Contact Organizations

You can also contact animal welfare organizations in your area to find out about volunteer opportunities. These organizations may have connections to local animal shelters or sanctuaries and can help you find an opportunity.

Attend Events

Finally, attending events hosted by animal shelters and sanctuaries is a great way to meet people and find out about volunteer opportunities. You can also network and make connections that can help you find an opportunity.

Be Respectful

It is important to be respectful of the animals, the staff, and other volunteers. Remember that the animals in the shelter or sanctuary are in a vulnerable state and need to be treated with kindness and care.

Be Flexible

Volunteering at an animal shelter or sanctuary can be unpredictable. It is important to be flexible and willing to take on different tasks as needed.

Be Punctual

It is important to be punctual when volunteering. Being late or not showing up can have a negative impact on the organization, as well as the animals in their care.

Be Professional

Finally, it is important to maintain a professional attitude when volunteering. Be courteous and follow all the rules and regulations of the organization.

Volunteering at a local animal shelter or sanctuary is a rewarding experience that can make a difference in the lives of animals in need. It is important to understand what is expected of volunteers and to be aware of the requirements, advantages, and tips for a successful volunteering experience.

Take-Away Message

Volunteering at a local animal shelter or sanctuary is a great way to gain experience, meet new people, and make a difference in the lives of animals in need.

Adams, J. (2020). What Is an Animal Shelter?. Retrieved from https://www.thesprucepets.com/what-is-an-animal-shelter-3380498

ASPCA. (n.d.). Volunteering at a Shelter or Rescue Group. Retrieved from https://www.aspca.org/get-involved/volunteer/volunteer-shelter-or-rescue

HSUS. (n.d.). Volunteer at an Animal Shelter. Retrieved from https://www.humanesociety.org/resources/volunteer-animal-shelter