If you love animals and have some free time on your hands, there are many ways you can make a difference in the lives of animals that need to be cared for. Volunteer your time and services. It will make a difference.
One of the first things you need to do is choose a group that you want to help. This could be your local animal shelter. Groups that rescue pets from deplorable situations always need help. There are national organizations such as a Tail to Tell or Dogs Deserve Better that are always seeking volunteers. Organizations that train and place service dogs that help challenged humans have a variety of opportunities available for interested volunteers.
Allow your interests to help you choose the right place for your services. If you believe in what you are doing to benefit and help animals in need, you will find the necessary time to lend a hand and you won’t mind doing it.
Once you have targeted a specific organization, it is time to do some homework to find out what the requirements are for volunteers. Don’t assume that you have nothing to offer until you review a group’s needs. Although you may not have the skills needed to provide health care, you may possess other valuable skills. An example of this is computer experience that could be utilized to design or monitor an organization’s website.
Humane societies across the United States have numerous positions available for those who want to help. Volunteer opportunities include adoption support, therapy, behavior and training services, fundraising, rounding up necessary health and food supplies, foster care, veterinary services, office duties and customer service.
When volunteering to help with an animal group, think outside of the box. There is far more to animal care than food, water and medicine when needed. There are many behind-the-scenes chores that need to be done.
Perhaps you can help with bookkeeping services or volunteer to man the phone lines. Maybe you can help find grants that can bring in funding that is direly needed. If you’re a writer, you may be able to produce some press releases that will help get information about the group out to the public. If your vehicle is dog-friendly, you may be able to help transport animals.
It is important to check with your local shelter to find out what the age and skill requirements are for volunteers. In most cases, volunteers need to be able to read, comprehend and follow directions and protocols that will help insure the safety and welfare of the animals.
Most volunteer animal groups require that you submit an application that lists the skills you have as well as the times you are available to help. Some charge an application fee; others do not. If a fee is charged, it is generally used to help with training costs.
A good source of information about animal organization volunteer opportunities can be found by emailing the Best Friends Network at animalhelp@bestfriends.org. Another option is to call Pets911 for a listing of local animal organizations and shelters. You can also visit their website at www.pets911.com or call them at 1-888-PETS911.
Did you know that shopping could help earn money for your favorite animal organization? Igive.com will donate a portion of the proceeds from your purchase to your favorite charity. Simply choose that animal group you prefer.
You can help animal groups without ever having to leave your desk at work. Get permission to put a “tip jar” on your desk. Make an attractive label that states your purpose for collecting money. Many folks will be more than happy to give money if they know it will benefit homeless animals, a spay-neutering program, etc.
Another means of helping animal organizations is to set up memorial funds that benefit the group. Money can be donated in the event of the death of a loved pet or even a human who may have had a passion for helping homeless animals.
You can help animal groups without going to a great deal of trouble. Simply support the events they hold as an attempt to raise money to continue the good work that they do. Convince other family members and friends to support them too.
Volunteering can be as simple as telling your family and friends that you don’t want a birthday or Christmas presents. Instead, have them donate what they would have spent on you to the animal group of your choice. Local and national animal groups are always willing to accept donations that will enable them to carry on with their services.
If you own your own business or have a good deal of pull at the office, consider sponsoring a local animal group’s fundraising events. Doing this is usually as simple as making a telephone call.
If you have no heirs or you have more money than you care to pass on to them, you can continue your volunteer efforts after your demise. Consider leaving money or real estate gifts to your favorite organization. Speak to an attorney who can help you choose the best means of bequeathing financial support to the organization.
The sky is the limit when it comes to ways to help animal organizations. Almost everyone has some sort of skill that animal groups need. Most groups are grateful for any time you can give them.
When applying to help any animal organization, it is important that you know and understand your emotions when it comes to animals. Depending on what type of service you provide, you may come in contact with more horrors than you can handle. Rescue volunteers face nightmares that words can barely describe. No matter how desperate the situation, they must maintain professionalism at times when they would rather throw a punch at an abusive pet owner. If you do not think you can handle such situations, it may be best to volunteer for office duties or fundraising activities that don’t bring you into direct contact with the abusers.
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