Something I learned very quickly in volunteering is that not all rescue organizations are created equal. At their core, they all strive for the same selfless goals of saving animals lives, but their techniques can vary. Don’t fret, just keep these 3 things in mind.
1. When researching different rescues in your community, compare the information you find on their websites and get a feel for what types of animals and events they focus on, what areas they service, how organized they are etc. I find it particularly gratifying to choose the most pitiful of sites and start there. (They might need help the most!)
2. Understand that each organization will be unique and offer different opportunities and atmosphere. One may need help in marketing which you know nothing about, another may need help training dogs which you happen to love and have experience in. It doesn’t make you a bad person if you just don’t feel a connection with them as a whole or their availability doesn’t quite match yours. You are still doing a great thing by volunteering and can check out another group. And no one ever said you can’t work with more than one!
3. There are People People, Animal People, and Both. There are certain individuals who dedicate their time to animal rescue and know all 96 dogs names but are not the most social of beings with other people. That’s okay, we are all working hard for the same reason, because we have a big warm and fuzzy place for animals in our hearts. Try to keep an open mind and heart for all of the people in this field as you do for the animals. Remember that dog that came barreling in barking and snapping at everyone, but left only giving hugs and kisses? Kinda like that..
So find your best match for volunteering. Do your research, find the uniqueness that fits your style, and keep your mind open to fill your heart with all of the joy that volunteering brings.
