When you're preparing to leave for college, everyone talks about how to cope with leaving your parents, your hometown friends, and having a ton of new responsibilities. However, what a lot of people don't tell you is how much you're going to miss your pets. Luckily, when you're feeling homesick for some puppy loving, there are some great options for you in the Fort.

Local humane societies are a great way to get some volunteer hours under your belt, while also giving you access to lots of sweet cats and dogs that need all the love they can get. The Fort Myers area has several humane societies that are full of exciting and rewarding volunteer opportunities.

At Gulf Coast Humane Society, there are a handful of great ways to spend time with both cats and dogs. After filling out an application to be a volunteer and completing the necessary hour and a half orientation, you can sign up to be a groomer, dog walker, kennel assistant, or you can just sit in the kennels and socialize with the animals, among other things.

The Animal Refuge Center, or ARC, offers these same opportunities for volunteers. You are also able to be a part of fundraising events that these shelters put on to both raise money for the organization, and also help the animals get adopted by their forever homes. Both of these organizations are located in Fort Myers and are non-profit, non-euthanasia facilities. They primarily rely on volunteers to feed, clean, socialize, and provide general care for their animals. While spending quality time with the animal of your choice, you are also providing the vital help that these animals need in order to be adopted.

Even though we are all busy college students, it is still possible to make the time for volunteering. Both shelters allow you to specify the days and times that you are available to help out, and they truly appreciate the assistance in any capacity. Whether it be one hour out of your week, or one hour every day, it really is a win-win opportunity for everyone involved.

Gulf Coast Humane Society

2010 Arcadia Street, Fort Myers, FL, 33916

Phone (239) 332 0364

Animal Refuge Center

18011 Old Bayshore Road, North Fort Myers, FL, 33917

Phone (239) 731 3535