People say they don't want to volunteer at an animal shelter because they couldn't deal with how sad it is. Or, they don't have the time. Or, they'd adopt all of the animals and their husband would be mad at them. My response to these are- don't think about yourself, think of how much you could be benefitting homeless animals that have nothing but the staff and volunteer's attention.
I started volunteering at my local SPCA as soon as I was 18. It started out as a training course that met once a week for over a month. After that was over, we were free to go as we please during volunteering hours. Since I was going to community college and only worked at night, I was going to walk dogs almost every single morning. When you volunteer at an animal shelter mostly every day for a few months, you learn a lot.
1. You will see some bad stuff
Although I knew of animal neglect and abuse before, you aren't prepared for what you will see. It affects you more to see first hand the conditions that animals are in when they come to a shelter. Dogs will be bald, have wounds, missing limbs, missing eyes, malnourished, and have parasites or fleas. To touch and see a dog up close that is missing most of it's hair and has every bone showing really can strengthen how you feel about animal abuse and neglect.
2. Not all of the animals will be happy to see you
At first, I expected all of the dogs to be so excited to see me and be happy to go on a walk. When you are volunteering somewhere that dogs have come from bad situations and bad owners, that is not always the case. Some dogs are too scared to leave their kennel. Some dogs have behavioral issues where we aren't even allowed to handle them. Some dogs are so depressed that they have been separated from their family, that they won't even move. It is heartbreaking.
3. You will have favorites
If you are regularly going to the shelter, you will become attached to some, or a lot, of the dogs. Especially if they have been at the shelter for a long time. You will definitely want to adopt multiple dogs. But, you have to be hopeful that someone will come along and love the dog as much as you do, and adopt them.
4. Pit bulls are not bad dogs
There is a certain stigma on pit bulls and bully breeds in general such as bulldogs, mastiffs, rottweilers, etc. People think they are naturally aggressive dogs who should never be around families because they will kill someone. This is so not true. You will learn that pitties are one of the sweetest, most loving breeds of dogs out there. They are playful, cuddly, and just love to get attention from everyone. Some of the pit bulls I've met at the shelter are more cuddly than my lab, which is stereotypically the best "family dog". Each dog is an individual, looking at the breed and determining how they will act is just setting them and you up for failure.
5. Senior animals are the best
Everyone loves puppies. But have you ever had an old dog lay in your lap and fall asleep? Best thing ever.
6. There will be sad times
There are a lot of animals in the world, and not enough people who are willing to adopt an animal. Shelters must euthanize animals because the pet overpopulation problem is huge. Shelters don't have enough room to house all of the unwanted pets. When an animal you became attached to and spent a lot of time with ends up getting euthanized, it hurts a lot and is discouraging.
7. There will be even more happy times
On the other hand, when an animal you became attached to and spent a lot of time with ends up getting adopted, it is the best thing in the world! To know you have helped the animal in their journey to find a home, and then they reach that goal, is so encouraging and really makes you want to help even more. Of course you will miss them, but you know they will be happier out of a kennel, and into a loving home. These dogs inspire you to keep going and do more for the next one.
8. You will probably become an activist for animals
After becoming angry multiple times because of animals coming in to the shelter who have been failed by humans, you will most likely become passionate about adopting or rescuing animals. "Adopt don't Shop" will become a popular phrase of yours. You will encourage anyone you know who is getting a pet to check out their local shelter and rescues before even thinking about going to a breeder or pet store. This is something you will feel so strongly about.
9. Attend the events!
The events you are able to help out at while volunteering at an animal shelter can be super fun. Adoption events are great because you are able to educate the public about adoption and the animals you bring along to the event. There may also be events at the shelter that are fun to volunteer at, such as holiday events. You are able to hear people's stories about how they rescued an animal, and hear other's viewpoints on things.
10. You may end up with a new pet
At first, you may say to yourself, "I'm only here to help, I will not take any of these animals home." But, you might just come across a dog that you feel connected to and as time goes on, you just know they are meant to be yours.
I have volunteered at my local SPCA for over a year now. I have enjoyed every second of it and would strongly encourage everyone to try it out at some point in their lives. It is so rewarding, not to mention you get a workout out of walking dogs!
