Ways Volunteering Can Make a Difference

5 Ways Volunteering Can Make a Difference

Approximately 5 to 7 million animals enter shelters each year, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA). While these neglected and injured animals rely on shelters for safety and care, the continuation of these services depend on community support and the efforts of volunteers. Volunteering a small portion of your time to a local animal shelter is not only rewarding, but your contributions can significantly make a difference in the lives of these loveable companions:

1. Volunteers amplify the fight against animal cruelty. By working to reverse the impact of animal cruelty and neglect that bring a majority of animals into these shelters, volunteers are able to convey a strong message and promote change

2. Volunteers help increase adoption rates. Offering love and attention to neglected or injured animals can go a long way. Volunteers play an important role in helping animals become more socialized and restore their health, which ultimately increases their likelihood for connecting with a loving family

3. Volunteering ensures continuous service to animals in need. Animal shelters need two things to survive: Money and people. Not only can volunteers care for the animals, but they can also participate in advertising, fundraisers and outreach to ensure the constant flow of support and donations within the community.

4. Volunteers for foster programs are critical to animal wellbeing. Inviting old, injured or nursing animals into your home through foster programs help to alleviate overcrowding in animal shelters. Taking responsibility for just one troubled animal can prevent shelters from having to make inhumane decisions to eliminate an overabundance in the future

5. Volunteers help to provide essential resources. Volunteers who organize pet food and supply drives serve as the foundation of a successful animal shelter. Gathering food, bedding, toys, and other pet care supplies to meet the needs of these shelters ensures that animals can find comfort and safety in these spaces