Volunteering at a shelter?
 

So I just read natalie's thread about volunteering at a shelter. and it got me thinking. I miss having dogs and cats around. The only reason I've never volunteered at a shelter before is because I've worried that I would fight constantly with my parents about taking one home, and now I can't do that. Do you think it would be a good idea? Does anyone know how old I'd have to be? And does anyone know of any central Jersey animal shelters?

it's a really good idea, especially now that you know you won't have to worry about taking one home:) you can pm me if you want to talk about it. I know that most shelter require you to be 16, but some, like my shelter, have a junior volunteer thing. I can try to find you some central NJ shelters

megan i think thats perfect for you !! since you can have animals you can put all your hugs kisses rubs to the poor dogs that dont get any :D

Megan, I think this would be great for you! I know how much you've missed having four legged friends around, so maybe volunteering at a shelter would ease your pain a bit. I hope you are able to find all of the information you are looking for. Good luck and have fun! :)

It really varies from shelter to shelter as far as requirements go. I think its a great idea though.

My mom is going to call the old bridge shelter tomorrow. :) I looked it up and to volunteer there you have to be 14 + up. :D

I really hope it works out for you!!

Thanks. :)

I don't know if its a no-kill or not. Hopefully it is. But if its not....I guess I'll just try to focus on the fact that even though some of them won't find homes, at least they aren't starving to death on the street or anything.

Goodness, I hope for your sake and the animals that it's no kill. I didn't even think about that...

Oh Megan! I think it's a wonderful that you want to volunteer at the shelter! I hope it's a no kill shelter too. And I know the animals there will love to get some TLC from you.

HUGS!!!

I found this on that shelter :)
http://www.petfinder.com/shelters/NJ33.html

The Old Bridge Animal Shelter is a non-profit, township operated kennel located in the Municipal Complex in Old Bridge, NJ. The shelter is operated as a non-kill kennel, rather than as a pound since no adoptable animal is ever put to sleep. Our shelter is relatively small, with only 18 indoor, outdoor dog runs (some are being used for cats and kittens at this time). The outside portions however, are covered to provide maximum protection for the animals. We have multiple habitats for our feline population.
The kennel is operated by two animal control officers under the direction of the municipal police department. Our staff and volunteers work extremely hard to ensure that the proper animals go to the best possible home.

Our functions include adoption of unwanted animals, providing shelter until their owners can be located, and to assist township residents with animal bites, animal cruelty, and questions with regards to handling wild animals (squirrels, racoons, bats, etc). We also provide programs on pet care and responsibility to groups and organizations by appointment, and at no charge. If you are in need of assistance, please email.


Hope that helps :)

It is It is A no Kill :)

Oh, that's wonderful! I just knew Megan would be heartbroken working in a shelter that wasn't no kill...

thank you for getting that info for me! I'm so glad to know that it is a no kill. That definetly would've screwed with my emotions lol.

did your mom get a chance to call yet?

Megan that's wonderful. Good for you. I am sure your age will be no
problem. I want to do that when I retire. Every little bit helps.
Your such a thoughtful sweetie.

My teen has went to the shelters and walks the dogs. Actually the whole family will be joining him soon! They need love too!!

This is a wonderful thing your doing Megan!

Yup! She called today. We're waiting to hear back. :) I'll let you guys know what happens!

Good luck.. I have to wait until march when I turn 16 to volunteer at the local shelter.

You can work at a shelter at a pretty young age. I'm proud of you for volunteering.

Thanks great! My daughter and I use to volunteer at one of our local shelters. (She had to be 14 and up too)...we mainly walked the dogs out in the play area or let them outside in the play area to watch them...and pick up poo.

You can also help out be donating items...I know our shelter keeps a running list of things needed (bleach, old blankets/towels, newspapers/shredded paper/etc).

Have fun!!!

"Back in the day", I volunteered at the humane society my freshman and sophmore year of high school.

I recently called our local shelter about getting my 12 year old to volunteer some hours. They said they don't take anyone under the age of 18.

I'd check with your shelter, Megan. I think you'd be AWESOME working at a there and they'd be darn lucky to have you!

My husband and I shop the tag sales ( summer) and pick up blankets, towels and other items to donate to the shelters in our area. We also try to put together goody bags ( filled with chew toys and treats ) for Christmas.
There is also a fostering program in our area for dogs and cats and at the time I was not in a position to take in a dog ( worked 50-60 hours a week ), but I fostered orphaned kittens. It was a hugely rewarding experience and I would like to do this again.

Any news today??

Hey Megan,

I think its great that you want to volunteer. I worked at my towns shelter for 8 years. Started when i was 13. Over the years of working there tho, they changed the rules and said you had to be 16 to volunteer. Working at the shelter was fun. I learned a lot about animal handling, behavior and training, plus i got to give and get lots of love from the animals there. I wasn't allowed to have pets either up until last july when i got morgan.

I noticed something in that paragraph posted from their site. It says " no adoptable animal is ever put to sleep". Adoptable is the key word there. They DO and WILL put unadoptable animals to sleep i'm sure so you will have to be prepared for that. Unadoptable can mean different things to different shelters. It could be that the animals are mean and aggressive, or it could be that the shelter is full and they just got a batch of sick kittens so they need to put them to sleep because there just isn't any room. No shelter is "no kill". you will have to deal with it, but in a way, i think its a good thing to get that life experience (i'm not saying its a good thing that the animals are being put to sleep). i'm sorry if that comes out wrong but i just don't know how else to word it.

Still nothing. They hours are so screwey, so that could be a reason.

^^I totally understand what you mean. I know that no shelter is truely a no kill. I know its sad when an animal gets put to sleep, but it happens. A lot. So I guess its just something I'll have to deal with.

i hope you hear from them soon.

The good outweighs the bad. you'll truly enjoy working at the shelter. I loved it.

Megan, what a great idea! I hope everything works out for you. You have such a caring heart for animals.

OK...took them long enough!!

Today, we FINALLY got ahold of the shelter I was looking into volunteering at! Its Old Bridge animal shelter.

I'm in the middle of Tech Week right now for my school show...so next week when its done we're going to go down to the shelter so I can talk with them and set up hours for me to help out.

I'm so excited!!!!