Last year I decided to start volunteering. One of the places I chose to volunteer at was the Iowa City Animal Care and Adoption Center. I was really nervous about it because I've heard a lot of things that go into volunteering with animals. Some of these things were bad, sad, or just gross. But I also really love animals, primarily cats and dogs, so I went for it anyways. It was the best decision I could have made.
1. It's not like it looks on TV.
The shelter I volunteer in is a No Kill shelter, meaning they don't euthanize just to save space. It's also super modern and updated. The staff and volunteers run it very well, keeping it maintained and clean. It's not some rusted out building with tons of kennels and sad depressed animals everywhere. These animals are in great hands. They just deserve to be in a great permanent home as well.
2. People suck.
In a lot of volunteering organizations you have to deal with people. Ew. I love volunteering at the Animal Shelter because aside form my awesome supervisors, who do not suck, I only have to deal with animals. Guess what? Animals do not care what you are wearing or what you look like. They also don't say god awful annoying things. I've only worked with the cats so far, but all they do is cuddle you (who wouldn't want that) and explore the room. Sometimes they will allow you to play with them, but the older cats are more interested in checking everything out. There's a kitten room though.
3. You feel good.
Every time I leave there after volunteering I feel amazing. I feel so sad for these animals that they are in the situation they are in. Many of them are given up or strays. I just want to attack them all with my love and affection. Side note: don't try to force a cat to cuddle. When you are able to make these critters happy, and improve their day by providing them with socialization and love, it just makes you feel so much better. It motivates you to keep being productive throughout your day too. It's just awesome.
4. It helps those who can't help themselves.
Animals don't have the means to go out and make better for themselves. They truly depend on us. It isn't a waste of your time. Every contribution, financial or physical, is helping these animals so much. It's also very rewarding to see the differences that you can make.
5. It opens your mind to positivity.
It's easy for us to get wrapped up in our own small petty issues. When you volunteer, anywhere for that matter, it opens up your eyes and you see things differently. For example, cleaning is annoying and I have to do it in my kitchen later. At least I have a kitchen to clean. I wish I had a cat or dog in my kitchen waiting for me, but at least I have a kitchen. These animals don't have anything besides the loving people at the shelter, and hopefully a future owner.
6. It looks good on a resume.
If you don't care at all about the above mentioned reasons, then at least look at it this way: these animals need your help, and you need to pad your resume to make yourself look better. Win-win for both of you!
7. You can help without getting dirty.
Sure, some people are allergic to animals, or just not interested in physically interacting. Even so, there's other ways to get involved without directly interacting with the animals themselves. You could help fundraise, work at event tables and other events, etc.
So go out and volunteer! I volunteer at Iowa City Animal Care and Adoption Center, but it's as simple as looking up the nearest shelter from where you live.
