Make 2019 the year to volunteer at a shelter
If your New Year’s resolution is to help others, improve yourself, and make a difference in the world, then I know the perfect thing for you to do: Volunteer at an animal shelter.
Volunteering at an animal shelter benefits you, animals and the community in so many ways.
For example, did you know that spending time with dogs and cats makes them more adoptable? The more animals people meet, the friendlier they become and the easier it is for them to find new homes. You could walk dogs, play with cats or foster neonatal kittens or an older dog who needs recuperative time from an illness or surgery. Volunteering creates amazing memories. When I first volunteered at an animal shelter, it was when I was working in animal welfare on the national level and missed being around animals during the day.
My son had wanted a dog, so I decided we would walk dogs at the local shelter, so he could learn about homeless pets, and we could take our time in choosing a dog. He was 8 years old, and he still talks about how much fun he had that summer.
Three months later, when we found “the one” it was an exciting day that he says he will never forget. Many dogs got socialized that summer. My son and I created some amazing memories. And, we adopted a 5-year-old dog into your family. (As a teenager during Hurricane Katrina, he volunteered to help at the San Antonio Humane Society when I worked there.)
Feeling a little down? Volunteering at an animal shelter is good for your mental, physical and emotional well-being. It’s scientifically proven that spending time with animals can calm anxiety, ease depression, lower blood pressure and elevate serotonin and dopamine levels in your brain.
Playing and interacting with dogs and cats can have the same effect on them, too.
People often ask me; how do I get a job at an animal shelter? Volunand teering is a great way to get started. I have seen many dog walkers become volunteer coordinators and many board members become development or executive directors.
Don’t discount the value you bring to an organization as a volunteer. If you have skills they can use, then volunteering gives you a better chance at being hired someday.
Volunteering also makes the community a better place to live. By volunteering and fostering for animal shelters and rescue groups, you are helping animals get adopted faster making more space for animals that need shelter. That means fewer animals on the street.
So, if you want to make a difference in 2019, contact a local animal shelter, rescue group, or the Feral Cat Coalition (they need lots of volunteers, too), and make 2019 the year to help animals.