In an imperfect world of too many homeless pets, volunteer work is important. And yes, even kids can make a difference by volunteering at the local shelter.
Why Should Kids Volunteer?
Most shelters are run on a shoestring budget and can barely pay for essentials. They depend on charity and volunteers for much of the labor and small comforts that make tremendous impact in the lives of the animals they rescue.
Kids who volunteer just a few hours each week with a pet shelter learn responsibility and compassion, gain experience in the work world, make new friends, feel needed, and have fun all at the same time. These young helpers may also land a job through volunteer work or discover a calling that eventually leads to a career. Volunteering is a good way to spend holidays and summer vacation.
Volunteering helps children feel that they too have the power to make the world a better place. According to Ann Pleshette Murphy, parenting expert for ABC’s “Good Morning America” and contributing editor for USAWeekend.com, studies show that kids who volunteer have better grades, fewer discipline problems and are less likely to abuse drugs, cigarettes or alcohol.
Volunteer Ideas
Most shelters will happily provide a wish list. Kids can organize a car wash, garage sale, lemonade sale, bake sale, or aluminum can drive to raise funds for these items or have fun using the money to pick out dog toys, dog treats, and cleaning supplies for the animals
Kids can collect old blankets and towels from friends and neighbors to donate for dog beds as well as old newspapers for puppy cages. Children find it very satisfying to see their favorite doggy snoozing on a bed they donated.
Older kids may wish to volunteer their time helping at the shelter. Beyond the basics of food and water, socialization is important for dogs to make them more confident and outgoing which helps them find a home quicker. Some dogs just need a little extra attention to help them adjust to the upheaval in their life. Kids can spend time walking, brushing, or playing with the dogs.
Some shy or nervous dogs simply need quiet time away from the chaos and listening to a child read helps them to come out of their shell.
Shelters can always use help cleaning kennels, bathing dogs, filing, sweeping, mopping, sorting newspapers, washing and folding bedding, and taking pictures for the website.
Volunteering just a few hours a week can make a big difference in the life of needy animals.
Read Kids Volunteering Help at Animal Shelters for ideas how children can get involved and move into working with animals.
Joy Butler - Writer, retired lab tech, mom, and animal lover with over 20 years' experience rescuing, kenneling, training and showing dogs.
Join the Conversation