Let’s talk: volunteering to help dogs

Video: SF Senior Dog Rescue Group Lets Volunteers 'Borrow' A Pet

If you’re a dog lover, chances are you’ve often felt terribly sad when thinking about dogs in shelters. No doubt, you’ve felt worse when thinking about the dogs that are still in bad situations and haven’t received help yet. If you’re interested in giving back and trying to help out these animals, you should think about volunteering to help dogs?

Video: A mutual love of dogs: Janet and Tessa's telephone story

When most people think of volunteering to help dogs, they think about the people cleaning kennels and walking dogs at animal shelters. Although this is a great way to help out, there are many other ways to participate in volunteering with dogs.

Think of your strengths and what you really enjoy doing? Maybe you’re into fitness and you’d enjoy walking dogs or taking them swimming or for hikes. Perhaps you enjoy photography. Do you like to organize things? Whatever skills you have, there is always a way to use them to give back.

Video: LEAP YEAR DAY: Volunteering @ Animal Shelter & PHIL IS BACK!!

Let’s Talk: Volunteering To Help Dogs

Check your local shelter or rescue organization

This is certainly the most obvious way of volunteering to help dogs. Rescues and shelters need lots of volunteers for many different reasons. Again, start with your skills and the things your enjoy most and see if they can be put to good use at your local animal shelter.

Volunteers may be needed to:

• Walk to the dogs
• Play with the dogs
• Help with cleaning tasks
• Answer phones or do simple administrative tasks such as photocopying or typing
• Transport animals to and from veterinary appointments

Video: Who Let The Dogs Out? Animal Shelter Volunteers

A quick trip to a shelter or rescue organization in your area will answer any questions that you may have. If you are just interested in giving back and working with the animals, they’ll probably be able to get you on their volunteer schedule quickly. If you’re only looking to do one particular job, like dog walking, they may just add your name to their volunteer list and get back to you when there is a spot available.

Reviews & Comments