There are so many ways to help shelter dogs, whether you want to open up your home, have an afternoon available, or just want to do a craft project with your kids. Here is some information about volunteering with rescue dogs.
Why I Volunteer with Shelter Dogs
When I arrive, the sun has not yet made it over the towering pine trees behind the shelter. Already the air is still and wet, promising another sweltering spring day in Gainesville, Fl. The boggy ground, carpeted with moss, squishes as I walk across it. I wish good morning to an orange feral cat who watches me suspiciously as I cross by his perch on top of a huge metal equipment box.
Research proves that dog day outs really do benefit shelter dogs
Have you ever thought about taking a shelter dog out for the day, for the weekend, or as a short-term foster, but felt horrible at the thought of having to bring them back to the shelter? If so, you’re not alone. Many volunteers and potential fosters hesitate to take a dog out of the shelter for any amount of time because they know that they will have to bring the dog back.
Take a Shelter Dog Out for the Day
If you want to get more involved in helping rescue dogs, but you don’t want to spend a lot of time at the shelter or foster a dog overnight, dog day outs are a perfect way to make a huge difference with a little effort.
Overnight visits for shelter dogs
The shelter can get to be a bit much for even the most mellow dog. Sleepovers give dogs a break from the shelter environment.
Sleepovers are a great opportunity for people who aren’t sure about fostering to try it out. If you are too busy to foster a dog during the week but would love to help a great dog, a weekend sleepover can be a perfect fit.
Volunteer at the Animal Shelter
Do you have an hour or an afternoon to spare? Consider volunteering at the shelter. Volunteer orientation is quick and easy. Once you know the ropes, you can show up anytime the shelter is open, grab a key, and take some dogs out for much-needed time in the yard.
Save Rescue Plea Dogs
The volunteers and dedicated staff of Alachua County Animal Services save the lives of dogs every day. They do this by marketing individual dogs on social media and in the community, by playing with and training dogs so that they are more adoptable, and by fostering dogs to make room at Animal Services for incoming strays.
Animal Shelter Quarantine: A Desperate Situation
Quarantine is an unfortunately common part of life for my local shelter. Ever since I became involved there have been quarantines, some brief and some long. During quarantines, animal shelters separate populations of dogs by creating physical barriers and making sure that staff and volunteers don’t spread disease between populations. Sometimes the quarantine is created at the shelter, while other times dogs are taken offsite. In extreme circumstances or when resources are very limited, dogs may be euthanized during quarantines.
Animal Shelter Playgroups
Playgroups are one of the most important ways that animal shelters keep dogs mentally stimulated and socialized. Playgroups allow staff to get to know each dog’s unique play style and behavior. They use this information to find the best home for every dog.
If you’re not volunteering… you’re missing out!
If you love dogs and live in Alachua County, then you are really missing out if you aren’t volunteering with Alachua County Animal Services. We are so lucky to have an animal services that is devoted to the welfare of their animals and allows as much volunteer involvement as possible.
Volunteer from Home
If you can’t get to the shelter you can still help. Here are some things that you can do from home that will make a huge difference in the lives of the dogs in your community.
Hands off volunteering at the animal shelter
Are you ready to get more involved and spend some time with dogs at the shelter, but aren’t quite ready to handle dogs directly yet? Photographing dogs, spending time with shy dogs in their kennels, and giving enrichment toys all help dogs in a hands-off way.
Hands on volunteering at the animal shelter
Sometimes people ask me why I volunteer at a place which can be so sad. My answer is easy: the dogs. Once you get to know just one of these dogs, you won’t be able to forget them. Here are some ways to get hands on with these awesome dogs.