If you've been thinking about volunteering to help rescue dogs, here's what you need to know.
Many of us who love dogs imagine a world where every homeless dog (or cat) finds their loving home, and we feel the joy of personally being a part of that by volunteering at our local shelter. Thanks to the unwavering efforts of volunteers at his shelter, our own Barley rescued us 13 years ago and we are forever grateful to everyone who made that possible.
Now is your time!
Volunteers are the lifeblood that keeps shelters and rescues running smoothly, and shelters have never needed you more than now.
Whatever way you want to help dogs get the second chance for a loving, happy life -- whether at the shelter, at off-site adoption events, or as a foster home -- your local rescue is eager to welcome you in with open arms. And needless to say, so are the sweet shelter animals you'll be helping!
If you're like many dog lovers thinking about volunteering, you have questions about what it's really like or how to get started. Let's jump into exploring the various aspects of volunteering at a shelter, why it's so rewarding for both the dogs and you, and how you can get involved.
Volunteering at an animal shelter is great for the pups and great for you
Healthy physically for both of you
Volunteering at an animal shelter brings a host of benefits, not just for the dogs but for the volunteers as well. For starters, the physical activity involved can improve your health. Walking dogs, cleaning kennels, and managing daily tasks is a great workout, keeping you active and engaged. Why walk your designated daily steps alone when you could walk dogs?!
Even more important: it's mentally and spiritually healthy!
Mental health goes hand in hand with physical activity, of course. Exercise helps relieve stress and channel excess energy and calm dogs anytime but especially in a shelter. It all leads to happier, more comfortable dogs who are much more likely to get adopted.
Spending time with animals has been proven to reduce stress and anxiety, releasing feel-good hormones to enhance your mood, too. All of us as dog lovers know the joy we get in the company of dogs who love being loved and giving it back to us exponentially.
Another joyful benefit of volunteering: socialization
For dogs, socialization is a key part of getting them ready to find and meet their forever people, get adopted, and settle more smoothly into their new home life. Volunteers play a significant role in helping adoptable animals get accustomed to human interaction. The bonds you form with these pups are both heart-filling and impactful.
You'll also find that animal shelters often serve as community hubs. By volunteering, you're engaging with your local community and like-minded new friends in a wonderful cause: together you'll raise awareness about the importance of animal welfare. Your involvement can inspire others to join in your passion, amplifying even more the impact of your efforts.
How to get started volunteering at an animal shelter
If you're ready to take the plunge into the rewarding world of animal shelter volunteering, the first step is to research local shelters in your area. Many shelters have specific needs and various volunteer opportunities. A quick online search or a chat with fellow animal lovers can point you in the right direction.
Find your fit
Once you've identified a shelter you're interested in, it's time to go through the volunteer application process. Most shelters require volunteers to fill out an application form, attend an orientation session, and undergo basic training. These steps ensure that you are matched with the right roles for both you and the shelter and you're prepared to handle various tasks safely and effectively.
If you're thinking that fostering a dog in your home might be the right fit for you, know that animal shelters are desperate for more volunteers to provide foster care. Simply put, fostering animals saves lives by opening up much-needed space at overflowing rescues to bring in more dogs in need. Equally important, you are giving a dog a chance to thrive in a family and home environment (and be more readily adoptable) away from what can often be a stressful shelter environment for many dogs.
If fostering sounds like a good fit for you, check out our guide focused on fostering here.
Expect training and support
Volunteer training gives you crucial support, making sure you're prepared to work smoothly with the dogs and familiarizing you with the shelter's protocols and safety measures. You'll learn how to handle the dogs, clean facilities, and interact with visitors. Training also provides insights into the shelter's mission and values, fostering a deeper connection so everyone involved can flourish.
A day in the life of a shelter volunteer
You're working with living beings, so volunteering at an animal shelter is naturally a dynamic experience. Each day brings new rewards and challenges.
- The morning routine typically involves feeding the dogs and cleaning their living spaces. Ensuring a clean and comfortable environment.
- Afternoons are often filled with activities that promote physical activity and socialization. Dog walking is a common task, providing dogs with exercise and mental stimulation. (Cat socialization, on the other hand, involves spending quality time with resident cats, allowing them to feel loved and secure.)
- Special events and programs are also part of the volunteering experience. Shelters often organize adoption events, fundraisers, and educational workshops. Volunteers play a key role in making these events successful, from setting up booths to interacting with potential adopters.
Rewards of being there as a volunteer for the dogs
While volunteering at a shelter isn't without its challenges, the rewards are enormous and lasting.
Dogs are in animal shelters for all kinds of reasons; they might be adorable new puppies born in the shelter who just need a healthy launchpad, well-loved dogs whose human passed away, or abandoned street dogs. Seeing the struggles of neglected animals can be heart-wrenching, but it's important to remember your efforts are making a difference and changing each dog's life forever.
Despite challenges, the personal fulfillment gained from volunteering is immeasurable. Knowing you're contributing to dogs' well-being and helping them find loving homes brings a profound sense of satisfaction. The gratitude expressed by wagging tails and soulful, loving eyes is a reward in itself.
Your presence and care helps transform their lives, giving them a second chance at happiness. The connections you form with these dogs leave lasting impressions on both sides. And rescues and shelters simply could not do what they do without you!
3 Tips to make the most of volunteer opportunities
To maximize your volunteer experience, here are a few tips from other dog lovers and rescue organizations.
1) Effective time management is key.
Taking a straightforward look at balancing your schedule ensures you can dedicate quality time to the shelter without feeling overwhelmed. Setting realistic goals and priorities helps you stay organized and fully enjoying your volunteering.
2) Be realistic and honest with the shelter on the right role for you.
During your initial discussions with the shelter coordinator, be sure to ask questions and also be honest about what you can handle physically and in terms of timing. For example, if a large, strong dog might be too much for you to walk, say so. Rescues want your role to be right for you and work for everyone.
3) Building relationships with fellow volunteers vastly enhances your experience.
You'll find yourself surrounded by people who share your passion for animals. These connections can lead to lifelong friendships and a strong sense of camaraderie and community. You'll feel more supported and multiply the fun when you're open to your fellow volunteers.
If you're ready to join the ranks of dedicated volunteers, reach out to your local animal shelter and explore opportunities to get involved. Together, we can create a compassionate community and a better world with all dogs getting the happy, loving lives they deserve.
We're all in this together!
At Mighty Paw, we're dog people. We believe in helping all dogs live their healthiest, happiest, and fullest lives by our sides. We're dedicated to finding ways to help you bring more joy and security not only to your own dog but all the rescue dogs we can help together.
That's why we're committed to partnering with rescues to support and celebrate rescue dogs and volunteers with wellness and enrichment products, exercise equipment, and programs like our Buy 1, Give 1 Chews for Change effort where every time you buy a Mighty Paw Yak Cheese Chew, another one goes to a rescue pup to enjoy!
We're committed to providing high-quality products that are safe, healthful, and practical for everything you need to keep your pup and all the dogs in your life happy and enjoying life with you.
