Volunteering anywhere is an incredibly rewarding deed that I encourage everyone to do. Helping others in need is so important, especially nowadays when love seems to be lacking in the world. Not only does volunteering give you an opportunity to help others and make a difference in the community or even the world, but it also helps you to gain a lot of valuable life experience and/or fulfill community service hours if needed.

Being a Veterinary Science major, the future vet in me is so inclined to tell you to volunteer at animal shelters! There are so many animal shelters in the US that practically run off of volunteer help, and they need your help! Too many animals are stuck in shelters due to over-breeding, the owner moving or not having enough time to care for the animal (think about this before you buy an animal!), they are stray animals, etc. Animal shelters need volunteers to help them care for the animals, walk the animals, give them love, and even help them get adopted on the more clerical side of things.

1. PACC

The Pima Animal Care Center (PACC), located on 4000 N Silverbell Rd, is just a short drive from the U of A campus and is always looking for volunteers. All you have to do is go to their website, under Animal Care and Services click Volunteer, and sign up! They will send you a confirmation email a few business days later where you will have to reserve your spot for an orientation. Once you attend orientation, you also get the opportunity to sign up for further training to be in direct contact with the animals at the shelter. I have already signed up and I cannot wait to attend my orientation date!

2. HSSAZ

The Humane Society of Southern Arizona is also always open to volunteers, and all you have to do sign up is go onto their website and fill out the volunteer page. When filling out the volunteer page, you also get the chance to fill out their Foster Care section which allows you to foster sick, young, or injured animals in your own home until they are ready to be adopted. There are multiple HSSAZ locations in Tucson, so distance shouldn't be a huge problem!

3. Tucson Wildlife Center

If you are someone who likes living on the 'wild side' of things, then you should definitely volunteer at the Tucson Wildlife Center. Located at 13275 E Speedway Blvd, the Tucson Wildlife Center gives volunteers the opportunities to take the positions of Animal Caretaker("prepare special diets for animals", "release native wildlife", etc), Bird and Bunny Care, Office Help/Receptionist, Education, etc. They require training here as well, which will give you more knowledge about native wildlife and introduce you to potential new friends!

If you are an animal lover, or just want to help out the local animal community, I strongly encourage you to volunteer at one or even all three of these amazing organizations here in Tucson, Arizona!