Looking for something to do with your family that also benefits the community? Maybe your high schooler has to do a public service project. Think about volunteering at your local animal shelter!
Most shelters will let you donate as much or as little time as you have to give. A few hours a week, maybe a weekend afternoon? There are lots of different things you can do to help your favorite shelter.
If you’re interested in working directly with the animals, there are a few options:
· Dog Walking – taking dogs from their cages to walk around the shelter grounds
· Assist In Bathing/Grooming – future vets and groomers may get a kick out of this
· Cat Socialization – petting and playing with the kitties
If you’d rather work on the office side of things, you’re not out of luck:
· Office Help – answer phones, stuff envelopes, etc.
· Shelter Tour Guide – bring visitors around to see the adoptable animals
· Fundraising – call donors, help plan events, prepare mailings
Some shelters also have a thrift shop or other sort of gift shop where you can donate your time and energy. Help sort and organize donations, or work the sales counter.
Call your shelter and ask for the Volunteer Coordinator. They can send you an application and tell you everything you need to know about available positions and times. Your shelter may have age restrictions – my nearest shelter asks that volunteers be 16 and older. They may make an exception to the age requirements if there is a parent with the younger volunteer at all times.
If your family has too many youngsters to manage a family volunteering day, maybe you can help in other ways. Have your little ones save change, or donate part of their allowances every week to a pet fund. Maybe their classmates would like to get involved with the fundraising effort, too!
And you can always show your support by attending special events. My local shelter, Jersey Shore Animal Center, holds dog washes, golf outings, special dinners, a spring telethon, and more!