Serve others by working with service animals
If you like working with animals, or just like animals and are looking for volunteer work, you might be surprised by the number of opportunities the service animal industry provides. No matter how much experience you have – or how much time you have to give, here are some fantastic ways to get involved.
Be a PAWS Dog Volunteer.
More than 200 people with disabilities are waiting for a PAWS Assistance Dog – and you can help bring them together. Become a volunteer by raising a foster puppy or providing a home for an adult dog. Don’t worry, you don’t need to be a dog training expert – you’ll attend weekly obedience classes at your local PAWS training facility. Ready to open your home (and your heart) to a four-legged pal?
Gather food and supplies.
Across the nation, pets are going hungry – even right here in your own community. Make a difference for these animals by volunteering with Pets of the Homeless. This organization needs help recruiting pet food donation sites. By providing a connection to a local business, you’ll help distributors bring pet food and supplies to homeless people and their pets.
Raise a pup for good.
Highly-trained assistance dogs enhance the lives of people with disabilities. Canine Companions for Independence is another organization that’s looking for volunteer puppy raisers to provide a safe home to future furry helpers. If you can take them to training classes, serve up a healthy diet and give lots of love, you can play a special role in this important cause.
Partner with your pet.
If you have an outgoing and well-behaved pet, you can become a volunteer therapy animal team with Pet Partners. Together, you and your dog (or cat, rabbit, guinea pig!) can brighten people’s day – whether veterans with PTSD, seniors living with Alzheimer’s or patients in recovery. After all, sometimes a friendly wag or calming purr is just what the doctor ordered.
