what work can i do at an animal shelter to volunteer?

Question

Adopting animals isn't an option because of my living circumstances but i was interested in helping out at an animal shelter. I work feeding and cleaning crates at a dog kennel so i'm used to being around a lot of animals but i wish i could do more to help. I am only 16 though, would the shelters still be willing to supply me with work?

Answer 1

Bless you for helping!! Some may have age limits for insurance reasons, in case you got scratched, nipped, etc. Get out the phone book and call around. Most are understaffed which means having a volunteer to spend quality time with the animals would be great!

If none of the shelters will use you then look around for a rescue in area. Keep in mind there are kill shelters and no-kill shelters and rescues. a no-kill does not put down a healthy adoptable animal. It can be stressful dealing with the almost daily euthenizing of animals at a kill shelter.

We welcome folks at any age, in fact young kids can often make friends with a abused dog quicker than adult. They help us at adoption days. The local vet may know of a rescue needing helpers.
Good luck. Thanks for caring

Answer 2

Shelters are almost always willing to have an extra set of hands around. There are all sorts of things you can do... everything from cleaning cages to just taking the dogs out and walking them. Giving them a little attention each day makes all the difference in their world. :)

SO glad to know that someone your age would care so much that they would want to devote their time to the homeless animals of the world without having to be paid to do it (or doing it for community service sentence). You will receive your pay in puppy kisses and kitty purrs. :)

Answer 3

Hello,
I think that would be wonderful for you to Volunteer at a shelter, they always need people to work with abused and deserted animals.

You could probably work with Kittens and Puppies or even adult cats and dogs. They all need Love. It sounds like you have a lot of love to spread around.

God Bless You for doing this. Even Children can volunteer to care for the Babies. You are old enough you may not need a parent with you to do this.

Answer 4

You could call and ask. Maybe your job would be to walk the dogs, clean out their kennel, help with feeding time.
Of course you would not get paid, but it might lead to employment with them, and this volunteer work will look great on your resume. You are doing such a nice thing by volunteering your time for free.

Answer 5

Animal Shelters always need caring helpers. You can walk dogs, or clean kennel or socialize the cats. Call your SPCA and I'm sure they will schedule you for a training day.

Answer 6

Would you be interested in a horse rescue group to work at? There are many out there and are often overlooked because people are not usually aware that the horse population is as serious as the dog and cat population. I volunteer at one called HorseNetHorseRescue.org and I have my dogs and cats at home to enjoy as well.
Shelters and horse rescues are normally willing to supply you with work. Many are looking for good help, regardless of age.

Answer 7

Talk to your local shelter and see what they offer. I have been a dog walker/trainer, a kitten/cat playmate, an adoption counselor, and I have helped at special events. I was older, but since you are 16 I think you are allowed to do most of the jobs (except maybe the counselor positions).

Answer 8

Go to a shelter and tell them you want to be a volunteer. I am sure they will be happy to have your help, as dog walker, feed the animals, clean cages and give them love.

Answer 9

Ask them what esle can you do for them. And it's nice of you to help helpless animals. =)