A question about animal volunteering!?

Question

I have been thinking about how I can help with the world. I love animals, especially dogs. I recently lost and found my dogs and was so sad the night when I did not have them in sight and they were lost. When they got back I started thinking about how I could help stray animals, animals in need or Animal Shelters or what not. I have no clue what to do. I don't want to just donate money I want to be involved! But I'm too young to volunteer at local animal shelters. Do you have any clue of what I could do? Please Thanks!

Answer 1

The reason that you are seeing these animals in need is because

-- people don't spay or neuter their pets, and then don't take are of the resulting puppies and kittens, who then, in turn, have more puppies and kittens

-- people decide they can't handle their pets and turn them loose, abandon them away from their homes, or take them to shelters to be killed.

You could make a difference by helping to educate people about the importance of spaying and neutering their pets, and seeking professional help when they have trouble with their pets.

You could link all of your online profiles -- Yahoo360, MySpace, FaceBook, etc. -- to organizations that address these issues. That helps build awareness with your friends and family. You can also read the web sites of these organizations regularly (the Humane Society, the ASPCA, your local animal shelter, etc.) and blog about what they say -- how many adoptable dogs and cats are killed annually in shelters, where low-cost spay and neutering clinics are happening in your area, where to find dog trainers in your area, books that help people who are having problems with dogs and cats, what it takes for a community to become a "no kill" community, why a person should NEVER adopt from a pet shop and should, instead adopt from a shelter, how to choose the right dog or cat from a shelter, etc.

When you do become old enough to volunteer at the shelter, you could show them all you have done online. They will be impressed, and know that you have educated yourself about the issues animal shelters are trying to address. It could lead to more responsibilities at the shelter  or animal group when you are old enough to volunteer.