Comments on: Volunteering with dogs (or cats)?

By: Wolf Femme

Wolf Femme — Sat, 29 May 2010 01:06:27 +0000

You could always raise money and supplies for the shelter[s], and then when you turn 18; they’ll probably keep you at the top of their list for volunteering.
I’ve been helping my local shelter raise money for supplies for the past year; but I still have another 2 years to wait until I can actually volunteer at the shelter.
It’s a liability issue, that’s why they won’t allow minors.

By: servicedog4u

servicedog4u — Sat, 29 May 2010 01:06:27 +0000

Hi, it’s great that you want to volunteer. I would look online for training centers, boarding kennels and grooming facilities in your area because sometimes they will have the ability to have volunteers.

By: Sandra R

Sandra R — Sat, 29 May 2010 01:06:27 +0000

Well there are always people looking for pet sitters and dog walkers. You could volunteer or make some pocket change.

BTW March and April are only two and three months away. That is not a long time by any means. Definately get on their list! Many people drop out when the summer comes. Few volunteers are year round dedicated and the ones that are, are usually treated like gold.

FYI, often shelters etc. have age restrictions due to insurance claim possibilities and also because shelters can be rough places to be. They are not like pet stores but emergency wards filled with pain, and blood and very scared animals. This is tough for adults let alone teenagers. Just thought you might want to know why.

By: rachel22

rachel22 — Sat, 29 May 2010 01:06:27 +0000

thats weird cuz our humane always seems to be open for more volunteers. thats a shame. i’d say….keep trying with the humane maybe every couple months u could email & see if theres openings, couldnt hurt. search on the internet for animal rescues that may be in your area….like say, a certain breed rescue. our area has a center where ppl volunteer with horses and help care for horses that are used in therapy. u know…u can look and ask around perhaps there are similar things around you. u can help out also by donating supplies to the humane or a rescue, or u could do a fundraiser like a bake-sale type thing and donate the money. its great that u want to help animals i hope u find a place to do so, cuz i’m sure there are places out there that would love some help.

By: Blaaah

Blaaah — Sat, 29 May 2010 01:06:27 +0000

The Humane Society is really a good place to volunteer. They are always looking for good dedicated volunteers to help the animals. The reason they arent taking volunteers until then is because they have new volunteer meetings, where they take a large group of perspective volunteers around the shelter and show them what goes on and what will be expected of them. It is much easier this way, instead of having to do this for every individual person. You have to understand that most people who think about volunteering, end up never volunteering after the intro meeting because they didnt know what all goes into volunteering. Maybe try going to a small shelter and asking them if you could start out with the bunnies, ferrets, and other small animals, after working with them for a while they will realize you are a good dependable volunteer and maybe move you to the dogs and cats. But I would just wait for the Humane Society meeting. Good Luck!

By: science chick

science chick — Sat, 29 May 2010 01:06:27 +0000

Train your dogs to be therapy dogs if they are calm and well behaved! You could go into local nursing homes, hospitals, etc to have your dog visit with people that could use a furry friend. I worked ina nursing home for 2 years and any little change in the routine for the better was a big hit!

The facilities may require you come in with an adult though.

I am not sure what registries are most reliable though, may want to ask a separate question about that if you are interested.