How to Volunteer at Animal Shelters

By eHow Culture & Society Editor

Instructions

Step 1:
Locate animal shelters in your area. Animal shelters may consist of the Animal Protective League, the Humane Society, private rescue organizations or the local dog or animal warden's holding facility. Look in the Yellow Pages under "Animal" to find a location, or go to the Petfinder website, to search for organizations by zip code.
Step 2:
Call the animal shelter of your choice and ask about their volunteering procedures. A background check and application process may be necessary to see where you fit into their organization.
Step 3:
Arrange a visit with the animal shelter. This allows you to meet the staff of the organization, and view the working conditions.
Step 4:
Decide how you're going to volunteer for the animal shelter. Because of liability issues, the animal shelter may limit your volunteer work to "hands-off" activities such as cleaning, fundraising, placing newspaper ads or mailing fliers. If you're able to work with the animals, know what you're going to be doing: walking dogs, playing with dogs and cats or just spending time in the animals' presence. Giving your time isn't necessarily the only volunteering you can do for animal shelters. You can also collect blankets, cleaning supplies or raise money from your local community.
Step 5:
Recruit your friends and family to go with you when you volunteer. They may find a new best friend in the process.

Resources

Petfinder.com

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