What Do Volunteers Do In An Animal Shelter?
Animal shelters are indispensable facilities for society. They are involved in caring for, protecting and defending abandoned and abused animals. These associations work thanks to the contribution of selfless people, and to get to know them better today we will talk about the role that volunteers play in these shelters.
What kind of figure are the volunteers?
Volunteers are people who donate their time and effort, that is, they don’t get paid for the work they do, they just do it for personal satisfaction. These figures are also present in structures that defend other causes, and no specific knowledge is needed to play this role.
Cleaning of the structure
Cleaning shelters may seem like a tough task to do, but it is essential for the well-being of the animals that live there. Cages and enclosures must be cleaned daily to ensure the hygiene and health of the members present.
In addition to the cages, volunteers sweep, wash the ground, throw blankets and ruined toys, etc. It is also necessary to clean the food bowls and change the water.
Walking the dogs
After that, you have to walk the dogs. Life inside shelters is monotonous for animals, so they need to discover new places and smells.
The walks are organized differently based on the shelter and the area in which they are located: some dogs are taken for a walk every day, while in others group walks are scheduled once a week. If you want to take them for a walk, get in touch with the facilities near you.
In any case, for dogs that have been abandoned, the moment of the walk is delicate; not everyone knows how to stay on a leash, and some do not get along well with their own kind. Ask for advice from more experienced volunteers.
Reception houses
The shelters are a fundamental pillar for the functioning of animal shelters. Volunteers allow an animal that needs a place to stay into their home for a limited time. They will take care of the animal until it is permanently adopted by someone else.
Collection of funds
Volunteers who spend time with the animals are necessary, but so are the financial funds with which to run the shelter. Some are solely concerned with raising money to pay bills and food.
Many shelters are associations, and they need members to be able to continue to function; some members who are part of it go to the markets to sell handicrafts. Others, on the other hand, take advantage of subsidies and sponsorships to support medical expenses.
Shop owners can also contribute by placing piggy banks, organizing solidarity dinners and even lotteries in which various products are drawn.
Everyone’s help is needed
A lot of help is needed and everyone can help out. The job of a volunteer in an animal shelter is more than just cleaning and walking the dogs.
For example, these facilities require electricians, journalists to advertise the shelter, lawyers to handle complaints of mistreatment, etc. All social classes are welcome.
