1. To Gain Experience
Many people want to adopt a pet but feel intimidated by the thought of the responsibility that comes with it. This is because adopting a pet and taking care of it is not much different from caring for a baby. You need to invest a lot of your time into caring for them, feeding them, managing their routines, and taking care of their physical and emotional health. Pets must be taken to a vet regularly to get their vaccinations and monthly or bi-monthly check-ups. All of this requires a lot of personal and financial commitment. So, before actually adopting a pet, it is a great idea to volunteer to work with animals, especially the type you are interested in getting. Doing so will give you a clear idea of how prepared you are and what steps to take next.
2. To Help Animals In Need
There are countless animals that are bullied, mistreated, and dealt with harshly. Animal shelters can provide such animals with a safe and secure environment where they can grow and live well. Unfortunately, these shelters might not always have an adequate number of helpers to take care of each animal individually. Volunteering at such animal shelters, even for a few months, can help the shelter out financially and provide the animals with an empathetic caretaker.
3. To Learn From Animals
There is a lot we can learn from animals and the way they interact with one another, with us, and with nature. Each animal has a certain quality or trait that is unique. Dogs teach us loyalty, turtles teach us to take things slow when needed, and birds teach the importance of focus. Volunteering to work with animals can give you an opportunity to learn from animals.
4. To Give Back To The Community
There is so much we should be thankful for, and this is one of the ways to give back to the community to show our gratitude. Volunteering has a way of making you feel wonderful from within since you are giving your time and energy without expecting anything in return. Giving back may lift your spirits and also allow you to gain leadership experience if you’re trying to advance your career.
5. Opportunity To Meet Like-Minded People
Volunteering to work with animals gives you an opportunity to make friends and meet people who share the same interests as you. It can be a great way of socializing, especially if you are an introvert. Talking with people who have the same hobbies makes it easy to break the ice and start up a conversation. Moreover, you get to hear other people’s stories and experiences, which makes the work all the more fun.
6. To De-Stress Yourself
Being around animals can be very therapeutic. A scientific report called “The Power of Pets” states that interaction with animals is very beneficial for our mental health. It also mentions that engaging with animals can help in reducing levels of cortisol, an excess of which can cause stress. Animals can also help to improve your mood, decrease feelings of loneliness, and promote emotions of social support.
7. To Enjoy Other Health Benefits
The same report also highlighted many physiological health benefits of working with animals. Our sedentary lifestyle has become the primary cause of our developing chronic illnesses such as diabetes and cardiovascular issues. Working with animals requires you to be on your feet all the time, which in return promotes fun and exercise, and perhaps even enhances your cardiovascular health. So you get to have fun while improving your health and ditching any sedentary habits.
8. To Gain Educational And Professional Benefits
Volunteer work is highly recognized and appreciated in many colleges, universities, and employment organizations across the globe. Having a record of volunteer work during your studies can get you additional points when applying for admission to prestigious universities, as they recognize the benefits and importance of such actions in society. Similarly, when seeking a job, you can mention your volunteering history and highlight all the skills you learned from that experience. These abilities may be listed on your resume and job applications to increase your chances of getting the positions you want.
9. To Refresh Yourself
Who does not like taking a vacation from the pressures of everyday work and lifestyle? Planning or taking a break when you have a permanent desk job might be challenging, and spending hours in one place without any activity is commonplace. You don’t always have to go to Paris, Dubai, or London to unwind. A simple task such as volunteering at shelters on the weekends can give you an excellent excuse to take breaks each week. These breaks serve as a helpful diversion—the activity strengthens your legs and clears your head.
