We love to volunteer! It’s a great way to meet new people, learn new things, and of course, give back to the community. With volunteer week upon us, we thought we would share a few ideas where doggy lovers may want to make an impact. And remember, you don’t have to make a huge time commitment! Whether you have a free hour every day, every week, or every month, there is something for everyone! There is even an “It’s My Park Day” where you can volunteer in your fave doggy park!
Yorkie Rescue Volunteers
WORKING WITH KIDS
Animal Haven Shelter hosts a Caring Kids program on Friday afternoons from 4:00 to 5:0 pm. The program introduces children and teens to basic animal care and informs them about existing issues in animal welfare.
A Fair Shake For Youth uses certified therapy dogs to teach at-risk youth dog-handling skills. The basic hands-on work is complemented by guest speakers, field trips, and videos, all of which serve to demonstrate the exceptional capabilities of dogs, the power of the animal-human bond, and help the youth develop prosocial skills and behaviors.
Unleashed is an after-school program that transforms the lives of middle school girls by involving them in all aspects of puppy rescue.
WORKING WITH YOUR THERAPY DOG
Although many therapy dogs do visit hospitals and nursing homes (Cubby does and she loves it!) there are so many other facilities and opportunities for you and your trained therapy dog. There are reading programs, children’s programs, support groups, and so much more!
The Good Dog Foundation promotes the use of animal-assisted therapy. Good Dog’s mission is to elevate the stature and promote society’s understanding of the therapeutic value of the human-animal bond.
The ASPCA is the East Coast Affiliate of Pet Partners, a national organization that aims to improve human health through the assistance of service and therapy animals.
Also check out Angel on a Leash.
HANDS ON WITH ADOPTABLE DOGS
The Mayor’s Alliance for NYC’s Animals offers many great volunteer opportunities. Their website includes information and links to the Alliance Participating Organizations. We love Animal Haven Shelter where we adopted Cubby.
Animal Care & Control has simplified their training with new online courses.
Best Friends Animal Society hosts several events in the New York area every year including a huge Super Adoption event. This is a great opportunity to work directly with animals and many rescue groups and shelters. http://network.bestfriends.org/golocal/newyork/default.aspx
If you have a favorite dog breed, see if there is a breed rescue group in your area. We love Yorkie 911 Rescue and Maryland Westie Rescue. The Mayor’s Alliance does list many breed rescue groups.
OTHER PROGRAMS
Volunteer with PAWS NY to help keep people with their pets in times of need. PAWS NY helps individuals care for their pets when physical or financial barriers prevent them from doing so on their own.
Volunteer to help the Humane Society with their Pets for Life hotline. The Pets for Life NYC Program is an animal surrender prevention program dedicated to helping people resolve problems that could otherwise lead them to surrender their pets to the city’s animal shelter system. http://www.humanesociety.org/community/volunteers/volunteer_petsforlife_nyc.html
ROAD TRIPS
Volunteering away from the city can seem like a vacation! Check out:
Hike with an Adoptable Dog with Discover Outdoors.
VOLUNTEER DATABASES
Check volunteer databases for opportunities. VolunteerMatch is a great place to start.
the pup diary 
Leave a Reply