Some may think that volunteering is a chore or that it's boring. It's quite the opposite, for me at least. I recently started back up working as a volunteer for the Kansas Humane Society. Every time I've volunteered I had tons of fun. It's not boring but it's not stressful and you work at your own pace. The Kansas Humane society could not run without it's volunteers and they are always looking for more to help out.
Here are some ways you can help out.
1. Walking Dogs. All the dogs in the shelter need to be walked multiple times a day. Volunteers are the dogs' only source to go to the bathroom. There are 8 canine lofts that each hold 17 dogs. Without volunteers, these dogs would not ever get to go outside. During dog walks you can stop and play, pet, and love on the dog. they're cooped up most of the day and getting some quality belly rubs just make their day. Good exercise for the dog and good exercise for you. Both of you will be going home happy.
2. Cat Socializing. Sounds kind of strange, but that's what it is! The cats do not go outside to keep them from getting sick, but we can't forget that these little kitties need attention too. Socializing a cat helps it become more adoptable. People don't want to adopt a scared cat. Socializing the cats is how we get them used to being pet and snuggled. Most of the cats aren't too scared and love when someone walks in that door because they know they'll get pet and played with. Who wouldn't want to snuggle a tiny kitty?
3. Enrichment. Enrichment training for dogs is very important. Some of these dogs have never had homes before or have been through some rough times, for those dogs to make it to the adoption floor faster, they need a little bit of training. This isn't full on training. In fact it's not hard at all. Volunteers help the dogs learn simple commands. ("sit" "stay" "come here" "no jumping") each time the dog performs the command they get a treat. And nothing is quite more satisfying than seeing that dog's face light up when they get that treat.
4. Clinic Work. Don't worry. You won't be the one performing surgery on these dogs. This particular option for volunteering is often looked over because some cannot handle looking at blood, but many of the things you can help out with in the clinic involve no blood at all! All dogs and cats need to be spade and neutered before they can be set up for adoption. All of the surgeries are performed in the clinic section of the building. Many need help by shaving the dogs' and cats' bellies before surgery or help keep the them calm while they fall asleep. You can also help by cleaning tables or cleaning utensils. And if you are okay with blood, you're even allowed to shadow a vet during the surgery and see how the whole thing goes down.
There are also so many other areas of work you can help out with. If you are interested in volunteering at the Kansas Humane Society, please visit there website and learn more! www.kshumane.org They would love to have you help and so would all the animals. Volunteering at the Humane Society is one of my favorite things to do. I always leave happy and I'm sure you will too.
