An animal can be your best and most dependable friend, always there to listen and to give a warm (wet!) kiss to you when you are feeling down. If you love animals, how about giving something back by volunteering with them?
Tenéa, who is 13-years-old, just started her second year helping out at the local Humane Society animal shelter. She loves animals, including her own cat, Ziggy, and is thinking seriously about pursuing a career as a doctor of veterinary medicine. Sarah, the Volunteer Coordinator at the Humane Society, explains that the staff tries to give teen volunteers like Tenéa a broad exposure to all aspects of running an animal shelter -- not just cuddling cute puppies and kittens!
The Humane Society not only helps animals to find homes but must also make sure that they are GOOD homes so that the animals don't come back for another visit!
Tenéa thinks that other teens who love animals and want to learn more about how to care for them (and don't mind a slightly smelly work environment) will enjoy volunteering at an animal shelter. Sarah notes that her program requires an adult chaperone with any new volunteer under 16 for safety reasons. Check with your local shelter for their specific guidelines.
If you like animals, check out Into Word's review of The Man Who Listens to Horses.
The Humane Society also takes the time to make sure that all their volunteers understand the responsibility of having a pet so that they can spread the word among friends and family. Tenéa says she is now definitely more aware of what it takes to have a pet and how many people, sadly, do not understand the commitment involved before they decide to get a pet.
The teen volunteers told me that you must be prepared to give 10 to 15 years to a pet, to spend money to feed and care for him or her, and to make sure that your home and lifestyle suit the needs of your chosen pet. As Tenea puts it: The Humane Society not only helps animals to find homes but must also make sure that they are GOOD homes so that the animals don't come back for another visit!
In addition to helping out at your local Humane Society, here are some other ways to volunteer with animals:
Look Next Door
One of the easiest and simplest ways to make a difference is to offer help to a
busy or older neighbor who may not be able to provide ideal care for their own
pet. Stopping by a few afternoons a week after school to feed, walk, or just
visit with an animal, could help keep a pet in his or her own home.
Rescue Animals in Need
Help out animal rescue organizations which care for both injured wild animals
and animals retired from public life such as racing greyhounds. Your local
Humane Society will most likely be able to direct you to organizations like this
in your area, or see web link below for possible information.
Bring Your Own Pet
If you have a calm and friendly pet, local hospitals and retirement homes often
have pet therapy programs where you bring your dog or cat in to visit
with patients or residents. Call the hospital volunteer office or retirement
home directly to inquire.
Into Horseback Riding?
Many cities have adaptive programs which teach physically or mentally
challenged individuals how to ride. Your stables will probably know if such a
program exists in your area.
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Special thanks to Patty Hallam of the South Burlington High School Volunteers in Action and to Gabriella Tufo of the King Street Youth Center.