Volunteering an animal shelter is not only easy, but it is one of the most rewarding activities out there. No matter what kind of animals you like, there is a little something for everyone at the shelter. Below are some reasons why you should volunteer at an animal shelter.
1. You get to pet animals.
Honestly, what is better than relaxing and snuggling with some cats or dogs? If you go to a college a distance away from home, getting a weekly opportunity to love some animals will definitely raise your spirits!
2. You have the opportunity to give animals a fresh start at life.
Oftentimes animals that come to the shelter are either strays, or worse, abuse cases. Nothing is more rewarding than sitting with an animal who has been cowering in a corner to finally acknowledge you. An incomparable bond and trust grows between you and that animal which is a sacred and special feeling that is hard to be achieved elsewhere.
When Hazle, the white pit bull mix posted below, initially arrived to the shelter, she was a very shy dog. Upon returning to her kennel after going to the courtyard, she would become anxious and would continually bark. Her anxiety caused many potential adopters to become nervous. However, with the continued help of staff and volunteers, they worked with Hazle on her behavior. When I took her out for this special photo shoot, she was a happy pup who thoroughly enjoyed her adventure! She was adopted a few months later.
3. You get to see animals find fur-ever homes.
There are so many animals I have been fallen in love with and have spent hours snuggling with. Sometimes there will be animals that you will just have a very special connection with. Since I am a college student, I cannot ideally adopt every animal I fall in love with (aka every animal I meet), but seeing the joy on animal's faces as they leave the shelter brings me equal satisfaction. I am blessed to have met that animal, I spent quality time with them, and now I get to see them off to a family that will love them forever. What could be better than that?
4. If you aren't a cat or dog person, there may be small animals that you can work with.
For example, the shelter I volunteer at, the SPCA of Luzerne County, has a room for the small animals! Most commonly there are bunnies to work with, although I have also seen chinchillas, ferrets, birds and guinea pigs!
5. After leaving the shelter you feel a sense of accomplishment.
Sure, it's sad seeing scared animals and I'm not disclaiming that. However, if you get the opportunity to work with those animals, you are making a difference. You are providing love to animals that desperately want to feel a sense of security, even if its for a few minutes or a few hours. Rest assured that many of these animals came from the streets or from abusive homes and you may be the first sense of kindness they have received. You are the helping block to ensure these animals find a home. Keep in mind shelters across the nation can always use more help!
