I know that often people think volunteering for a shelter would be too depressing or hard for them. It definitely can be a sad atmosphere at times, but there are some good ways that you can help out homeless dogs without getting too overwhelmed. Shelters really need all the volunteers they can get, and if you can offer any time and effort, it can make a big impact for the animals in their care. Although there are a lot more things you can do to help, I chose these as 5 easy ways that you can help out animals, while also having a good time yourself!
Taking Photos
Nowadays, many prospective adopters look at the pages of adoptable dogs online to help them choose a dog to adopt. In these cases, the dog’s photo can make a huge impact on whether or not he gets a second look or a chance at an in-person visit. He can be the most well-behaved and beautiful dog, but if the initial spark isn’t there to investigate further, the potential adopters will pass on by. That’s why I believe that good photos are such an important issue when promoting a shelter or rescue’s adoptable dogs. Unfortunately, shelter staff are often too busy to take the time to get great photos, and get quick, unattractive ones in a rush, or sometimes don’t take any at all. If you have any interest in photography, or just want to help out in a unique way, volunteering to photograph the dogs in the shelter can make a big difference on their chances of getting adopted. It’s a great way to help, and it gives you a chance to play with the dogs and have some fun. My favorite part of photographing the shelter dogs was seeing their smiles when they got some fresh air, a place to run, and a person to play with them. It’s incredibly rewarding on many levels!
Best Bully Sticks 
Stuff for Those who Love Their Adopted Dogs
If you have a particular love and skill at photography, you may also consider volunteering to help rescues get professional quality photos of their dogs too. Although they have more time and places to get good photos of their fostered dogs, they still are very busy and may appreciate the extra promotion that a really nice looking photo will give their adoptable dogs.
Crash the wonder puppy enjoying a run outside of the shelter
Volunteer at a fundraiser
Shelters will often have a big fundraiser once or twice a year, where a lot of volunteer help is needed to keep everything organized and running smoothly. The fundraisers often have fun activities like bobbing for hot dogs (for the dogs, not people!), dog sports demonstrations, raffles, and more. The atmosphere is generally very upbeat, and you can meet lots of nice people and happy dogs. There are many areas that the shelter might need an extra hand with, so let them know if you have a specialty in a specific task, or would be happy to spread out and help wherever is needed.
You may also consider offering a donation of certain skill or talent. They might appreciate a product or food to sell, like bandannas or cookies, where the profits go to the shelter. I have often seen groomers or dog massage therapists help out at fundraisers. It promotes their company, but also provides a service for attendees, and brings in donations for the shelter. This might be a fun way for you to show off your company, or just use your talent in a beneficial way.
Some shelters also do smaller fundraisers throughout the year. They are often less involved, but an extra hand to keep things running smoothly is always welcome. One of my favorite fundraisers to volunteer for was a Santa photo shoot, organized by Recycled Critter Rescue. Several other rescues and shelters do this during the holidays as well and it can be really fun to see dogs, cats, (and even horses!) dressed up in the holiday spirit!
Even horses come out to support rescue!
Help out at an adoption event
Many shelters use adoption events as a way to promote the animals they have up for adoption, and let people know more about their organization. This can range from the weekly trip to petsmart with a few dogs, to the big event with dozens of other shelters and rescues. Help is often needed to transport dogs from the shelter, get them groomed and looking their best, and handle them while at the event. Other things that can be helpful are just being available to talk with people about the shelter, explain adoption policies, and help the dog handlers with any needs they might have, such as getting toys or water. Adoption events can be fun because you get to spend some time with a great dog and help him or her find a great home. You get to meet new people, and get to know the other volunteers, which can end up being a really great time. Everyone loves to come up and pet the dogs, and the dogs really thrive off of the attention. It can be really rewarding to watch how happy the dogs can be at these events when they are getting lots of love. It is even more rewarding when someone recognizes that dog as the one they have been looking for, and you know that you helped make that match-up possible. Even if they don’t get adopted, the dog was able to get more exposure, and often people end up coming back to the shelter to look at other dogs or take a second look at that one again. All in all, adoption events can be a fun and rewarding way to help shelter dogs get attention and find loving homes.
A big adoption event
Walking Dogs
Although sometimes overwhelming (they won’t always have leash manners!), and often requiring strength and dog savvy, waking or exercising the dogs in the shelter can be fun and rewarding. The dogs are often kept in small kennels, and have few opportunities to get attention and exercise. They are always happy to be outside, and often quite playful! If the shelter has a pen area for running around, it can be fun to throw a ball around, play with toys, or just watch them zoomie around in pure joy. The strength and dog savvy part comes from the fact that they will normally need to be on a leash when walking through the shelter and outside. Make sure you can control them and keep them away from other dogs. They may not always have manners and can sometimes be overwhelming to deal with, especially young dogs who don’t know what is or isn’t appropriate behavior (jumping, mouthing, etc.). But if you know dogs well, and love to see the smile on their face when they are outside of their kennels, walking or exercising the shelter dogs can be really an enjoyable way to help out. (Especially when they are big love bugs like Durango and Lil Lady! I loved spending time with those extra loving, super sweet pit bulls who just want to lay in your lap the whole time!)
Durango, looking for love
Me and Lil Lady meeting for the first time
Design or Maintain a Website
An appealing and easy to navigate website can help potential adopters find out how to adopt, see adoptable animals, and learn about the shelter, without ever leaving their home. Many people prefer to look at the shelter’s information online, where they can learn about fundraisers, hours of operation, adoption events, and so on. A well organized and attractive website can help potential adopters find their new pet, as well as draw in volunteers and donations. If you enjoy creating websites, donating your time and effort for a shelter can be a fun way for you to do what you love and be a great help. It can be really rewarding to see your efforts come together in a way that will continually benefit the shelter and its animals for years to come. Even simple cheap or free sites can make a difference by displaying some of the adoptable dogs, and giving info to anyone who is interested in hearing more about the shelter. Sometimes the shelter may need some help organizing and optimizing their website, and don’t have the time or know-how to do so. If you have the knowledge and experience, your help can really make a big difference in keeping the website up to date. It can be an easy and fun way to lend a hand, without having to leave your home.
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