What to expect when you volunteer at an Animal Shelter.

Animal shelters and rescue groups rely heavily on volunteers, and many have more applicants than they can train at once. Knowing what to expect makes the process easier and makes you more useful once you start.

Applications and orientation

Most shelters ask volunteers to apply, attend an orientation, and complete training before working with animals. Many set a minimum age for handling dogs, and younger volunteers may be limited to certain tasks or required to come with a parent. The rules exist to protect volunteers and animals, both of whom can be injured by an unexpected reaction.

The work is not all walking dogs

Dog walking and cat socialization are the roles most people imagine. Shelters also need help with laundry, dishes, cleaning, adoption events, transport to veterinary appointments, fundraising, photography for adoption listings, and data entry. The less visible jobs are often where help is shortest.

Disease control

Shelters house many animals with unknown histories, and some illnesses spread easily between them. Expect to wash your hands between animals, follow the order in which areas are visited, and stay out of isolation areas unless trained for them. These procedures can feel fussy. They are how shelters prevent outbreaks.

Fostering

Many shelters place animals in volunteer homes, especially young animals, those recovering from medical treatment, and those who do poorly in a kennel. Fostering frees space and gives the animal a calmer place to wait for adoption. The shelter usually provides supplies and veterinary care. Ask how long placements typically last before you commit.

Be reliable

A volunteer who comes every Tuesday for a year does more good than one who comes enthusiastically for a month. Choose a schedule you can keep, and tell the coordinator early if you need to stop.