animal care center

Volunteering remains one of the easiest ways to get a job in big and competitive cities like New York, especially for individuals looking to add experience to their resumes. Experience is a critical factor in securing a job that requires humane care. For individuals passionate about animals and looking to explore career opportunities in animal care, volunteering at an animal care center does not get better than that.

What is an animal care center?

Animal care centers are facilities that provide for the care and well-being of animals. These facilities can incorporate veterinary clinics, animal shelters and rescues for abandoned animals, and wildlife rehabilitation centers. Animal care centers are responsible for caring for these animals by providing medical treatment when needed and housing, feeding, and grooming them. Sometimes, these facilities offer training programs and opportunities for people to interact with and learn more about these animals.

Many animal care centers allow volunteers to assist with caring for these animals. Individuals explore volunteer opportunities based on the facility and the individual’s capabilities. Some volunteers’ responsibilities include primary care, such as cleaning cages and enclosures, feeding and grooming animals, providing socialization, and enriching the animals. Other volunteer opportunities target individuals with specialized skills, such as veterinary experience. Whichever the case, there are numerous opportunities for individuals interested in animal care.

How to volunteer in an animal care center

Most animal care centers require volunteers to complete an application process and attend a specialized training program before volunteering. This helps the facility know what jobs you can do and whether you meet their requirements. While the specific processes for volunteering depend on the organization, some general steps can be expected across most facilities.

Research

There are many different animal shelters, and you should always research them before deciding on which you want to volunteer at. It would be best to look for centers that align with your interests and competencies. As a volunteer, choose a facility that suits your skills and houses animals you can care for. Some other considerations include location, high career prospects, and certain exemptions, such as no-kill shelters.

Contact the shelter

If you have a list of organizations in mind, the next step should be to contact the facility to express your intentions and familiarize yourself with their requirements for volunteering. Inquiring about volunteers’ requirements and responsibilities can further streamline your options.

Complete an application

As we said earlier, the application process is a requirement for most animal shelters. It allows the facility to assess your competency and personality and decide if you are qualified to volunteer there. The application process varies based on the organization; however, some elements include personal information, background checks, availability, reasons for volunteering, and references.

Complete training and orientation

Training and orientation for volunteers are essential steps that ensure they are prepared and well-equipped to provide the best care for animals in the facility. Through these training and orientations, volunteers learn about the facility policies and procedures, animal care, and safety protocols and build other competencies that ensure that animals are well cared for.

Once these steps have been completed, volunteers can then schedule shifts and start helping animals. Some animal care facilities have regulations, from working hours to age limits, so thoroughly check the center’s requirements before applying.

As a volunteer, you can expect to be involved in various tasks that help care for the animals in the center’s care. Based on your competence, these tasks range from primary care to more technical and specialized responsibilities. Individuals looking to break into the animal care sector in New York can explore animal care volunteer opportunities through the Humane Society of New York.

Benefits of volunteering in an animal care center

Many people find it hard to volunteer or work in animal care centers. For some, it is heartbreaking to see so many animals needing loving homes while others are not skilled enough to care for them. Yet, for individuals passionate about animals, volunteering can be a rewarding experience and make a massive difference for the animal and the facility. Hence, here are some benefits of volunteering at an animal care center.

Health benefits

As a volunteer in an animal center, you not only help care for animals and the community but also stand to gain a lot health-wise. Research has shown how spending time with animals significantly improves health. For instance, petting dogs and cats can lower your blood pressure and stress levels while increasing your serotonin and dopamine – chemical neurotransmitters responsible for regulating mood, social behavior, appetite, and sleep.

Emotional satisfaction

It is unlikely that you will earn money as a volunteer; however, there is always a chance to gain much more in terms of emotional satisfaction and fulfillment. Volunteering in a care facility can be a very satisfying experience, offering a sense of accomplishment and the opportunity to develop personally, build emotional connections, make a positive impact, and create a sense of community among other volunteers.

Volunteering in an animal care center will not be easy. Caring for animals also comes with challenges; however, the satisfaction that comes from helping these animals recover is much more potent than the challenges.

Volunteering encourages civic responsibility.

Volunteering allows you to contribute to a cause you are passionate about. Volunteering at an animal care center is the best option if you care about saving animals. These opportunities give you a chance to give back to the community. Furthermore, with several facilities exploring factors contributing to volunteers’ satisfaction, you can surely get back from the community.

Experience

Whether you are looking to pass a little time or wish to explore a career in animal care, you will gain valuable experience in caring for animals by volunteering. As a volunteer, you learn hands-on skills such as animal handling, feeding, grooming, and primary medical care. 

These facilities also have a diverse animal population, allowing you to gain experience with various species. Finally, you can learn about the inner workings of a care center, understand animal welfare and rights, and build a solid network in the niche.