Can i work in an animal shelter without any qualifications or experience?

Question

i would love to work or volunteer some time in an animal shelter. i'm not sure what kind of jobs they would need for someone like me who has no real experience with animals, other than taking care of my own!

can anyone shed some light on what i should expect? i'm going to see them in a couple of days but i'd like to aware beforehand.

thanks in advance!

Answer 1

I don't see why not.Shelters aways need help with the feedings,walking,cleaning,and other things as needed.And the animals will love you for caring so much.

There are all kinds of responsibilities to run shelters,there is bound to be something for you to do.Good luck

Answer 2

When I volunteered at my local animal shelter it was really fun.  They had me walk dogs up and down the hill by the animal shelter.  They also had me play with the kittens and cats.  It was fun to pet like 30 cats at once.

This shelter had mostly all of the cats together though, which isn't usual.  All the other animal shelters I was ever at had the cats separate.

In a lot of shelters that keep the cats separate, they need people to pet and pay attention to each cat.  That way the cats can get some personal attention that regular staff may not have time to give them.

It all depends on which kind of volunteer you are.  You can expect to do anything from cleaning litter boxes out to sorting donations...and everything in between.  All the animals need food, water, and to have their dishes washed, to have their waste cleaned up, to get attention and so on.

I think it's great that you are going to give some of your time to an animal shelter.  It will make a big difference in the life of those animals.  I don't think  it's important to have experience ahead of time.  It's not like they are going to have you give animals shots or anything.  It will just be like being an animal owner...but on a much bigger level.

Go there armed with love and strong stomach...Smells can be strong and you may see some things you weren't prepared for.  I would also suggest you take some Tylenol.  Between the smells and the barking and such, you may work up a good headache, which is totally normal in the beginning.  It also wouldn't be a bad idea to take an allergy pill...Even if you are not normally allergic to cats or dogs, with the concentration of pet hair and dander at the shelter you may find yourself in sneezing fits.

Have fun and thank you from the animals :)

Answer 3

I'm a vet and these days I work mainly with local charties and wildlife parks. They're always looking for volunteers, don't expect anything too glamorous, and be prepared to wear yourself out. It's great fun and the rewards far outweigh any aches and pains, bites and kicks you'll encounter along the way.

Answer 4

No state, city or county regulations. Most have a brief training program because shelter animals are different than pets.

I cleaned cages, did laundry, washed LOTS of dishes and cat pans and when my work was done I spent the rest of the day petting kitties.

No one will "make" you do anything, but your job is to do things that free the staff for more important duties. We had all kinds of in-house certifications.

The animals will be forever grateful- go for it!

Answer 5

I know that the local county shelter where I live would have no problems.

Help with things like cleaning out cages, walking the animals, feeding the animals - to helping when they have adoption drives and take the animals out to show them for adoption - there is no real training needed, just an open and willing heart.  Taking along a bag of food is always welcomed.

The one out in east Texas that my friend works with - you have to know how to 'shovel' - as they have the 'big' animals (horses, donkeys, cattle) - and cleaning out pens has to be done every day and it is alot of work.  They also work with the 'exotic' animals (my friend adopted a macaw) such as lions, tigers, boas, etc.  They accept help from ANYONE that is willing to help as well as monies to help feed the animals.

Nothing to worry about and hope that you have lots of fun as you start doing something that really will have an impact on the life of animals for the better.

Answer 6

They will need you to walk and feed the critters, and clean out their cages and litter boxes.

They'll tell you what they need you to do.

Good luck!

Answer 7

Sure, But don't be too hopeful about getting the "glamor" jobs at first.. Animal care is serious work and it does take experience and education. don't expect the glamor at first. Probably be assigned to p**p detail and cleaning out cages at first before being allowed to work directly with the animals.

Good luck

I spent  a few months cleaning cages and picking up dog c**p at a German Shepherd Rescue before being allowed to interact with the animals