November marks National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week, a time when we celebrate the dedicated individuals and volunteers who tirelessly work to improve the lives of animals in shelters. Volunteering at your local animal shelter is a meaningful way to give back to your community and make a positive impact on the lives of furry friends in need. In this blog, we'll explore the importance of volunteering at your local shelter and provide insights into how you can get involved, specifically at our local shelter: Anne Arundel County Animal Care and Control.
The Importance of Volunteering at Your Local Shelter
With approximately 6.5 million animals entering US animal shelters every year, volunteering at your local animal shelter is an incredibly valuable contribution to your community. It plays a vital role in the lives of animals waiting for their forever homes and offers numerous benefits, including:
- Animal Well-being: Shelters often face limited resources and staff, making volunteers a critical part of ensuring animals receive the care, attention, and socialization they need. Volunteers help create a more comfortable and nurturing environment for these animals.
- Public Education: Volunteers are instrumental in educating the public about responsible pet ownership, the benefits of adopting shelter animals, and the importance of spaying and neutering. This advocacy helps reduce the number of animals in need of shelter care.
Volunteering with Anne Arundel County Animal Care and Control
If you're in the Millersville, MD, area, you can join Anne Arundel County Animal Care and Control's volunteer program and make a positive impact on the lives of animals in your community. Here's how to get started:
- Check Eligibility: Volunteers must be 18 years or older, able to commit to at least 16 hours of service per month, and ensure their current pets are up-to-date with vaccinations and licensed as per state law.
- Pass a Background Check: Volunteers are required to pass a background check to ensure the safety and well-being of shelter animals and other volunteers.
- Apply: Submit your application by mailing it to Animal Care & Control at 411 Maxwell Frye Rd, Millersville, MD 21108, or email it to [email protected]. Be patient during the review process.
- Dive into Meaningful Work: Volunteers at Anne Arundel County Animal Care and Control perform a variety of tasks, including hands-on interaction with animals, showing them to prospective adopters, assisting customers, answering phones, filing, and even taking photographs and multimedia tasks.
Foster Program
The shelter also offers a foster program, which allows animals to thrive in a home environment, especially those who may not do well in a shelter setting. If you're interested in becoming a foster parent, complete the application and email it to [email protected] or send it to 411 Maxwell Frye Rd, Millersville, MD 21108
Additional Ways to Support Your Local Shelter
In addition to volunteering your time, supporting your local animal shelter through donations is another impactful way to make a difference. Animal shelters often operate on limited budgets, and every contribution counts. Aside from monetary donations, check out their website for wish lists of items that you can donate as often as you desire! (Flea & tick treatments are always welcome for cats and dogs!)
Support Friends of Anne Arundel County Animal Care & Control on Facebook! They are a non-profit that helps support all the needs of the shelter!
Volunteering at your local animal shelter not only transforms the lives of animals but also enriches your own life by being part of a compassionate community. Your contributions can make all the difference in creating a brighter future for animals in need. Don't hesitate to reach out to Anne Arundel County Animal Care and Control or your local shelter for more information about their volunteer program or fostering opportunities. Together, we can create a more compassionate and caring world for all our furry friends!
