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What does each and every animal protection agency, animal shelter and animal rescue group throughout Hampton Roads have in common?
Virtually all of them have many wonderful animals that would make great pets to be sure.
But the one thing that each and
every group needs is volunteers.
From small, home-based rescue group that assists a few animals each year to the larger shelters that assist thousands of animals each year, there will always be a need for motivated, dedicated and talented people who love animals and want to help them.
Virtually every animal care agency and group in the Hampton Roads area is always looking for people, young and old who can help out in the shelters, write grant proposals, assist in paperwork, assist visitors in choosing the best pet
for their lifestyle, raising funds through various fundraisers and public events or something as simple as spending some time providing companionship to an animal that is currently in a shelter.
Volunteers can spend as many or
as few hours per week providing these vital services to the shelters and groups that need assistance.
New volunteers are always welcomed because they bring new blood and a new perspective on the every-day issues animal welfare workers
have confronted for years.
Even if you are allergic to pets, chances are your time and contribution can make a world of differnece to pets awaiting adoption in a local animal shelter or those in the care of a rescue group.
How You Can Help
Cleaning cat cages and dog runs are not the only tasks that need to be performed. Animal shelters and rescue groups can always use a wide varity of people with different talents to help advance their efforts.
Here are a few ideas that
might appeal to someone interested in helping the animals in our care.
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Animal Caregivers
Every animal must have fresh food, clean water and a sanitary cage in which to live.
This is one of the most critical needs any shelter has and new animal caregivers are always welcomed!Photographers
For taking pictures of public events or adoptable animals to post on websites or for graphics Website Designers
Many smaller rescue groups don't even have their own website or have lost their "Web Person" and need help updating their websites Transportation
Many shelters and rescue groups can always use help making pick-ups of donated items or transporting animals to or from Vet appointments.
Fundraising
Virtually every group or shelter has financial needs and need honest and talented people to help them raise funds needed for continues operations.Public Events
Many shelters and Rescue groups can always use more manpower to meet the public at outdoor events. These volunteers can answer questions about the groups operations and help educate the public about the issues we confront.Administrative Support
As animal welfare work is highly regulated,
accurate paperwork is vital to smooth operations.
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Foster Homes
Animal Shelters and Rescue Groups have a limit of how many animals they can safely hold. When these limits are reached, hard choices must be made. The more foster homes a Shelter or Rescue Group has access to, the more animals that it can help by virtually increasing the shelters size without building a new wing.Grant Writing
This specialized talent can make a big difference to any animal shelter that is planning on expanding their shelters or operations might be in search of a grant or someone who knows how to write a grant applicationAnimal Groomers
Some of the animals that arrive in shelters or rescue groups need a good bath, a nail trim or a good brushing. Volunteers who can groom an animal can help make any pet look more appealing to a prospective adopter.
Adoption Worker
Adoption workers greet visitors to shelters and accompany them throughout the shelter to answer any questions that they may have regarding a particular animal. These volunteers are a welcome addition to any animal shelter that can really advocate for the animals that need homes.Animal Companion
Many animals that arrive at a shelter or rescue group are frightened and need a caring person to reassure them, comfort them, hold or pet them.
These volunteers can help a pet stay more friendly and adoptable for a longer period of time.
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No Job is Too Small
Even with the best people doing everything that they can to help the animals, more arrive at shelters or rescue groups every day.
Whatever time you can spare, whatever talent you have, whatever your level of dedication might be, chances are there is a shelter, agency or rescue group that can use your help.
With all of the various municipal agencies, animal shelters and home-based rescue groups, there is some group that needs your help and they're probably very close to wherever you live in Hampton Roads.
Are you fond of dogs or do you prefer cats? Is there a specific breed of dog you prefer to work with or is there a purebred cat that you favor? What if you prefer something more exotic like a bird or a snake?
Whatver your preference, there is a group out there who needs your help.
Contact an animal shelter or rescue group today and join in the effort-take a stand and don't turn away from an animal that needs your help.
If you aren't sure what you might like to do, contact the HRLostPets.org Team and we will attempt to match your talents and desire with a group that might be looking for you.
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