11 Things to Consider Before Volunteering at a Dog Rescue Center

If you or your kids have some free time over the holidays, you may want to consider volunteering at your local humane society or animal shelter.

Volunteering can be a very rewarding experience with many benefits.  Your help can make a tremendous difference in the lives of animals. Many dog rescue operations and animal shelters depend on volunteers to help care for the animals.

Volunteering is a great way to spend time around lots of different breeds and personalities of dogs, especially important if you’re thinking about adopting a dog yourself. You will get to meet other people who care about animals and make their jobs a little easier by lending a hand.

Volunteering with animals is a great way for kids to kick off a lifetime of volunteering and giving back to their communities. Research shows kids who volunteer are more likely to be successful in school and graduate from college. Working in a volunteer position will give kids a sense of purpose, teach them new skills, and even build positive esteem. Kids learn great social skills being around animals on a regular basis, such as responsibility and compassion. Also animals have been found to aid children who struggle with social settings and can help them learn how to remain calm in stressful situations.

If you’re thinking about volunteering at a dog rescue or animal shelter, here are 11 things you should know before you put on that volunteer T-shirt.

1. Schedule

Be prepared to discuss your schedule needs with the volunteer coordinator or director. Most rescues need someone that can commit to a set weekly schedule and is willing to make a certain time commitment. They need to be able to depend on particular jobs getting done at definite times and they will need time to replace you should you give notice. So be clear about the schedule and commitment you can – and can’t – make.

2. Training

You may be required to complete a training class or program before you can work at the shelter. Here are the types of topics that may be covered in your training:

• different types of harnesses for different types of dogs
• proper interaction with dogs and how to handle them appropriately
• how to use treats to encourage good leash manners and kennel behavior
• how to interact with people you meet while walking a shelter dog
• how to manage the shelter dogs’ behavior while you’re out on a walk.

3. Tasks

There may be certain tasks that the shelter or rescue needs completed. While your preferences – and any special needs you have (i.e. allergies) – will be considered, the work you end up doing may be far different than what you imagined. Keep an open mind and find out all the options before making a commitment.

4. Weather Conditions

Many of the tasks that need to be done at a rescue or shelter need to be done outdoors, so be prepared. Find out what protective clothing you may need and if you need to dress for the elements.

5. Accident and Injury Policy

Find out what the accident and injury policy is at the facility you are considering. Some agencies are not able to afford insurance to cover volunteers and require you to sign a waiver so they will not be held liable should you be injured or involved in an accident. If this is a concern for you, make sure you ask about it in advance.

6. Equipment

You may need to use different types of equipment depending on your volunteer position. Ask about the tools you will need to perform your duties. Office work is pretty standard but you may be asked to use landscape or construction equipment or a pressure washer, for example.

7. Noise

Even though a rescue facility takes very good care of their dogs, there can be incessant, ear-splitting barking at times. Be prepared for noise (and invest in a good pair of ear plugs.)

8. Scared Dogs

Many dogs are scared to be at the shelter and may be upset about losing their family. Some dogs will be as scared of you as you are of them. In time, and as the dog gets to know you better, he/she will usually become more comfortable around you. If you are unsure about approaching a new dog, ask a rescue employee first. Accidents can – and most likely will – happen and you may get scratched or bitten. Just remember that a scratch or a bite is just a very scared animal’s way of trying to protect itself.

9. Volunteer Overload

Don’t be discouraged if a particular shelter or dog rescue facility is overflowing with volunteers. Sometimes they have more volunteer applicants than they need. If this happens to you, just keep checking around at other rescues or shelters. Keep an open mind as to what jobs you are willing to do. You never know, you just might find your calling!

10. Realistic Expectations

Try to minimize the expectations you start with. For example, some staff may be more an animal person than a people person, which is why they work with animals. Don’t take offense if someone doesn’t seem very friendly or is quiet. Remember you both have a love for dogs in common, so talking about dogs is a good way to break the ice.

Many shelters operate veterinary services at their facility, which often include euthanization. If this is a sticky subject for you, ask in advance.

11. Heartbreak

Volunteering in a dog rescue or animal shelter can be heartbreaking at times. You will most likely be around animals that are sick, injured or grieving. Some of the dogs you come to know and love could end up being euthanized. Even if you volunteer at a no-kill shelter, you may feel sad when an animal you are attached to is adopted. You will come to know dogs that are in pain, recovering from abuse and you may even see animals that are returned after being adopted. These are normal occurrences that happen in rescues and shelters across the country every day.

The key to having a successful volunteer experience is to be prepared and get your questions answered ahead of time. Be honest and realistic about the amount of time and energy you can commit. Take the time to tour the facility ahead of time and visit a few times before making the commitment.

Volunteering at a dog rescue is a great way to improve your dog training techniques and handling skills. It’s also a fantastic way to get your exercise while walking (or jogging) with a dog that really needs to get out and get some exercise themselves. You might even find the perfect workout buddy! Even if you’re more interested in petting or brushing a dog, you can be a big comfort to a dog that is most likely lonely, scared and stressed. You’ll never find a more grateful and accepting friend than a dog you’ve just comforted.

Ready to look for a volunteer opening at a dog rescue or animal shelter in Colorado Springs?

Here are a few local places to consider.

1. Have a Nice Dog – All Breed Rescue & Training
2. Pals Forever Animal Rescue
3. Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region
4. Chihuahua & Small Dog Rescue
5. Safe Place for Pets
6. VolunteerMatch.org is an online resource where many groups post volunteer opportunities. You can search by keyword and zip code to find organizations in your area.
7. The Shelter Pet Project is another online resource you can use to locate local groups. Just enter your zip code and click Search.

Canine Campus Dog Daycare & Boarding is a safe, fun place for dogs to spend their day or stay overnight in comfortable “dorms.” We offer supervised playtime, snacks and lunch (approved by you, of course), dinner for overnighters, soothing music, and a state-of-the-art webcam system so you can view your pet from anywhere in the world! Grooming services are available as well.

Contact us today to learn more about how our facility can make a tremendous difference in the life of your dog (or puppy)!