Just because you don’t own a dog doesn’t mean you can’t have a dog-filled life! With these exciting volunteer opportunities for dog lovers, you’ll find exactly what you’ve been looking for in no time.
1. Become a Foster
Fostering a dog is quite simple, and it’s an unforgettable experience for you and your family. All you do is take care of and help raise a dog or dogs until they’re ready to be adopted by their new life-long family. You get to spend quality time with tons of different pups, having a fantastic cuteness-filled adventure along the way.
2. Volunteer at a Pet Adoption Event
Pet adoption events are always searching for more volunteers to help them sort paperwork, introduce dogs to potential new owners, and take care of the wide variety of dogs trying to find a new home. If you’re up for an adorable afternoon, this might be your best bet!
3. Transport Animals
Whether it’s for individual owners or pet agencies, you can offer your help to transport dogs from one place to another. Sometimes it’s from a business to another, or a store to a store, and then there’s always the store to a new family job as well. No matter which one you choose, you’ll be spending some quality time with a fun pup.
4. Become a Board Member
Animal shelters need help from people who can offer their management skills to join their team. Help raise funds for adoption events or file paperwork for new arrivals. Either way you’ll be up close and personal with the shelter’s dogs all day.
5. Volunteer at Local Shelters
If the idea of volunteering at a shelter sounds fun but you don’t want the responsibilities of being a board member, you could help out with general tasks around the building. These tasks might include feeding dogs, grooming them, or cleaning up after their messes. There’s no better way to spend a day than being with loving, optimistic pups looking for a new home.
6. Animal Therapy Programs
We’ve all heard of the wonders that a dog’s presence can bring to people who suffer from anxiety, depression, and various other mental illnesses. You can be a part of these animal therapy programs by introducing the dog and the patient, transporting them, and doing whatever other tasks might be necessary.
7. Become a Community Ambassador
Community ambassadors are great for getting your town’s attention about upcoming events and adoption situations that might help increase the chance of dogs being adopted. This is a kind gesture that shows you’re willing to help out animals who would otherwise have nobody to show them a new home.
8. Take Photos for Shelters
Have you been trying to get into the photography field? What better way than to combine your love for dogs with your passion for art? Offer your services to a local shelter by taking pictures of the dogs who need a home, and they’ll do the rest.
9. Zoo Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteering at a zoo is easily one of the most memorable experiences in life. Help take care of the variety of animals (yes, including adorable dogs!) to forge unforgettable memories and lasting relationships.
10. Start a Fundraiser for Donations
Even if you’re not volunteering at a shelter or animal hospital, you can still help raise money to show awareness for the dogs who need everyone’s help. Not everyone is up for the challenge, but there’s no better way to show your love for animals than to raise awareness and increase their chances of finding happiness.