What is volunteer work with animals like

Author: John Stephens
Date Of Creation: 26 January 2021
Update Date: 7 November 2024
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Volunteering is a altruistic activity for charitable purposes which becomes more and more popular among animal lovers. However, not all animal protection associations are the same, as each one has its specific needs and, therefore, the tasks to be performed can vary enormously.

In this article by PeritoAnimal, we will explain çHow is volunteer work with animals, how you can help the abandoned animals that reside there and other curiosities that you will definitely love to know. Become a volunteer, every grain of sand counts!

Animal protection associations, shelters, kennels... are they the same thing?

Before starting to explain what volunteering with animals is like, we want to clarify the differences between the different animal centers:


  • Dog kennel: normally it is a public center, administered by the city or state government, in charge of the collection and handling of abandoned or confiscated pets from their guardians. Unfortunately, animal sacrifices are common in these places due to overcrowding and disease.
  • Protective Association of Animals or Shelter: may be subsidized by the local government, but are usually associations funded through regular donations and contributions from members. Pets that arrive here are not euthanized and are often neutered before being put up for adoption, which often increases adoption rates.
  • Sanctuary: once again, these are associations that are usually financed by partners and donations, but unlike the two types of previous centers, these spaces do not welcome domestic animals, but prioritize the reception of farm animals, for example, that have been rescued from the meat, dairy or similar industries. The stay in these centers is usually indefinite.
  • Wild Animal Screening Centers (Cetas): the Brazilian Institute for the Environment and Renewable Natural Resources (IBAMA) has Wild Animal Screening Centers (Cetas) throughout the country. In these places, wild animals are received through inspections by government agencies, voluntary delivery or rescue. Among the objectives of these centers are the recovery and rehabilitation of animals to return them to nature.
  • Zoonoses Control Center: these centers carry out surveillance and control of sick animals that may pose a risk of contamination to humans. There is even a specific sector responsible for collecting domestic animals in case of risk to health or public safety.
  • Animal NGOs: There are different Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) that take care of animals in Brazil that work from the recovery and rescue of animals to those dedicated to promoting adoptions and not buying pets.

Now that you know the different types of centers that exist, let's show you the most common tasks a volunteer performs. Keep reading!


1. Exercise and walk dogs from the shelter

Most dogs that live in a shelter are not able to go for a walk without the help of a volunteer. Remember that walking is an activity. fundamental for dogs, who depend on it to relieve themselves, smell, socialize with the environment... plus, the tour is a great way to help them manage their energyaccumulated after hours in the kennel.

However, due to the high level of stress experienced by dogs at an animal shelter, it is highly recommended. offer a quiet and relaxed tour, in which the dog is the protagonist. We will avoid overexciting him, manipulating him if he doesn't want to, or overwhelming him with obedience commands.

2. Socialize dogs and cats

Most domestic animals, such as dogs and cats, are social animals, which means they need to be in contact with other living things to satisfy their basic needs. Especially those who are in your socialization period (dogs between three weeks and three months or cats between two weeks and two months) require frequent contact with people so that they can relate to them in a positive way, thus preventing fears or other behavioral problems from arising in adulthood.


In addition, socialization (both in puppies and adults) is essential to improve each individual's animal welfare, help them to relate in a positive way and, ultimately, favor your adoption at some point in life.

3. Promote animal adoption

Most volunteers tend to collaborate directly with the centers taking photos and videos for share on social media, thus promoting the adoption of the animals that reside there. Likewise, after knowing their personality and activity levels, volunteers can help adopters to find the animal that best suits them.

4. Cleaning kennels, utensils and other care

Abandonment is a sad reality in our country. According to a report published in January 2020 by the website Catraca Livre, more than 4 million animals lived abandoned or in NGOs in Brazil.[1] So it is not uncommon to observe overcrowding and large accumulation of animals in the same shelter, which makes it impossible in some cases to carry out a proper hygiene routine. Therefore, some centers require volunteers to clean the animals' kennels and utensils.

In some cases it may also be necessary. feed, bathe, offer toys enrichment programs that help to improve levels of stress and anxiety, etc. At the center, they will inform you of your needs.

5. Be a temporary home for dogs and cats

Some domestic animals require special attention that they cannot receive in a shelter or kennel, such as dogs and cats elderly, nursing, sick... for this reason, many volunteers volunteer as temporary homes, in which the animal develops in a good environment, favoring its well-being, socialization and emotional needs.

6. Volunteering with wild or farm animals

In addition to volunteering at a pet protection association, you can also arrange a visit to an animal sanctuary. ransomed wild or farm, because like cats and dogs, they also enjoy the company of people, the care they can provide and the environmental enrichment that improves their daily lives.

The tasks to be carried out will be the same as in a conventional shelter: cleaning, feeding, caring, socializing... Would you like to visit them? The animals will greatly appreciate your time and dedication.!

You can also contact animal NGOs to find out if they need any help. In this other article we have a list of several animal NGOs in Brazil.

If you want to read more articles similar to What is volunteer work with animals like, we recommend that you enter our Curiosities section of the animal world.