People who want to help animals can choose from many volunteer opportunities. Some volunteers care for animals directly, while others do public education or raise funds. There’s a job for everyone, as almost every animal shelter, wildlife center, zoo and aquarium depends on volunteers.
Skills and Requirements for Volunteering with Animals
There are several points to keep in mind. First, the most sought-after volunteer positions, particularly those that involve hands-on contact with animals, are often quite competitive. Preference may be given to people with specific skills and experience. This is especially true in clinical settings, where certain volunteer jobs and internships are reserved for veterinarians, veterinary technicians and assistants, and veterinary or pre-veterinary students.
Second, working with animals is just that — work. And it can be heavy, messy work. Volunteers may clean cages or outdoor pens, remove waste, cut up raw fish, hose down floors, and lug buckets of food.
Third, many important jobs don’t involve close contact with animals. Shelters, wildlife centers, and zoos need people to raise money and do outreach just as much as they need help taking care of animals. Volunteers can greet visitors, present educational programs to schoolchildren or adults, help organize fundraising galas, and conduct adoption events. “People skills” and organizing skills are in demand.
Most facilities set a minimum age for volunteers, typically 16 or 18. There is usually an application process, followed by training. Volunteers who will have direct contact with animals may have to submit proof of a current TB test.
Volunteer in an Animal Shelter
Animal shelters house dogs, cats, rabbits, even exotic pets such as turtles and hamsters. These animals need care and exercise, and those being readied for adoption need to be “socialized” by interacting with humans. Shelter volunteers:
- Clean cages and outdoor enclosures
- Walk, feed, bathe, groom, and socialize animals
- Provide in-home foster care to animals waiting for adoption
- Conduct adoption events
- Transport animals to foster homes or rescue organizations
- Collect donations such as old towels and blankets
- Help with fundraising, office administration, and publicity
Volunteer in Zoos and Aquariums
Zoo volunteers work with fascinating animal species, from prairie dogs to elephants, helping keep them healthy in captivity. Most of the care is done by trained keepers, and some zoo animals can be dangerous to people, so volunteers’ hands-on contact with the animals may be limited. Zoos and aquariums need volunteers to:
- Clean cages, tanks, and outdoor enclosures
- Prepare animal diets, such as by cutting up fruits and vegetables
- Assist keepers with animal care, feeding, and enrichment
- Observe animal behavior and collect data for research
- Greet visitors, provide tours, and talk about exhibits
- Help maintain grounds and facilities
- Help organize special events and fundraising campaigns
Volunteer in Wildlife Conservation
Wildlife rehabilitation centers care for sick and injured birds, mammals, reptiles, and amphibians. Their goal is to release healthy animals back to the wild. They also educate the public about wildlife and the environment. Some centers have a hospital on-site, while others depend on the services of visiting veterinarians. Wildlife volunteers do many jobs:
- Clean cages and outdoor enclosures
- Prepare wildlife diets and assist with feeding
- Transport injured wildlife
- Assist with medical treatment of animals in some cases
- Collect donations of food and supplies
- Greet visitors and conduct education and outreach programs
- Help with fundraising, administration, and publicity
Volunteer in Animal Welfare and Animal Rights Organizations
Not keen on cleaning cages? Many nonprofit organizations are working to make the world a better place for animals. They advocate for legislation to protect animals, press for enforcement of existing laws, and educate the public about animal welfare, animal rights, and wildlife conservation. Some investigate cases of cruelty or run animal rescue and fostering programs. Examples include the Humane Society of the United States, Defenders of Wildlife, the American Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, Eurogroup for Animals, and Alley Cat Allies — among many others.
Volunteers do office work, help organize fundraising events, and assist with legislative and publicity campaigns. While they may not be cuddling puppies, volunteers working for a public policy organization make a long-lasting difference in how societies treat animals.
Also see:
Visiting the Washington National Zoo
Octopus Enrichment at the National Zoo
Sea Turtle Conservation on a Georgia Island
