Is your New Year’s Resolution to get more exercise, learn new things, and give back to your community?  Then volunteer at your local animal shelter!  The daily operation of animal shelters require a lot of work, and they depend heavily on volunteers to help care for the dogs, cats, and small animals in need of a forever home.  Here is just a sampling of the many ways in which you can volunteer to help:

• Animal Socialization: Dog walker, Obedience training, Cat socialization, Spending time with small animals
• Caring for Animals: Feeding, Filling water bowls, Cleaning crates, Grooming
• Shelter Maintenance: Scooping poop, Cleaning litter pans, Washing food bowls, Laundry, Sweeping, Keeping shelter clean and organized
• Fostering: Special in-home care for animals in need including those that are pregnant, ill, or with behavioral issues
• Fundraising / Events: Promoting the shelter, Answering questions, Maning tables, Handling animals at adoption events
• Administration: Answering phones, Data entry, Filing, Assisting with mailings, Assembling adoption packets
• Education: Going to schools, troops and youth groups to educate children on animals and the important work shelters do; Giving tours of the shelter to groups as requested

There are many volunteer opportunities, the only requirement is your consistent commitment.  Most animal shelters hold volunteer orientation sessions on a regular basis, and require advance registration.  Contact your local shelter for more information on how you can make a big difference in the life of a shelter animal while making a positive impact on your life as well.