Where to volunteering with animals?

the_syco

Hey all,
Was reading a leaflet from <snip>, and thought I may try my hand in volunteering with animals. Have my own car, and work in shifts Monday to Friday between 7am and 6pm in Leixlip, but after then would be available.

I had a look at http://volunteering.force.com/OpportunitySearch but not sure what roles I'd be suited for. I've had a small westie (she passed away a few ears ago), and get on fairly well with all animals (dogs, cats, etc), and am not allergic to any. I'm a big enough lad (6 foot 6") so able to lift things. Would prefer to have interaction with animals, as opposed to working in a shop, etc, or being a chugger. Would like to start in January, as xmas is generally hectic, but have a few days off between now and then as well.

Any ideas? The <snip> is 44 minutes south-east, and the <snip> is 35 minutes north-west, so not really sure either way

Hi OP, please note that discussion of individual rescue groups should not be done on thread. Recommendations by pm are fine.
Thanks,
DBB

anniehoo

I've done a number of things with the charity I volunteer for: fostering, taking photos of the dogs in the pound, transporting dogs, fundraising etc. They have no premises but the rescues that do are often very glad to have people muck out and walk the animals, all you have to do is ask. If you're good with DIY, again some are very grateful for any carpentry jobs that need doing.

The list really is endless. Most have facebook pages that you can message or just call up when you're next off and have a chat to them. Good on you for wanting to volunteer....it sucks you in and you'll be hooked in no time

Here's an excellent umbrella list as per our Charter of various rescues and charities in Ireland that may be a starting point for you.

the_syco

Cheers for the list. I got onto [random place] to the south east of me and going to see if they respond in the next few days, and going to email another no-kill rescue. In the mean time, if anyone knows of a Rescue shelter place that needs a walker, near'ish (30-40 minute drive) to Leixlip, drop me a PM.

the_syco

Found a no-kill dog shelter out in Finglas, which is only 20 minutes away. Going to an induction in three weeks time, so it'll be interesting to see what it involves.

For anyone else looking, check with your local vet, as that's what I did, and she gave me one or two options to chase up.

The one above to the south east of me was about 40-50 minutes each way, which was a bit too far.

anniehoo

Excellent. Let us know how you get on and what you end up doing

I helped transport a puppy from its vet to his fosterer and picked up donated supplies from a pet shop this week. A huge box of supplies from both the pet shop and customers who threw in an extra bit. I sold xmas cards and fostered a dog over xmas.I'm not bigging myself up here, but anyone really can volunteer however small. None of it is rocket science or difficult.

All the little things matter.

Well done

the_syco

So, thought I'd update this thread.

Got in touch with <mod snip> in Finglas a while back. Did my induction (I swear there was 150 to 200 people at it!) on the morning of the 2nd, and did my first day on the 16th. As volunteer hours are only 8am to 5pm, I decided on 1pm to 5pm on Sunday (so that I could still make it if drinking the night before).

Was in the laundry room for a bit, then was in the puppy pen for an hour and a half (eeeeeeep ) with 4 puppies getting them used to human interaction, and also socialising them (it was two sets of two puppies). Followed by doing some mopping, and cleaning the food bowls and then preparing food bowls for later that day. Next week I hope to get to walk some of the dogs. Can see myself doing this on a fairly regular basis (the last Sunday before payday may be a bit iffy fuel wise).

Saw 4 other part-time volunteers there at the time, as well as a couple (or or 5) of full-time volunteers, 2 people on internship, and a some full time people (behaviourists and vets). Seemed to be a fairly good environment with lots of cute doggies.

=-=

As per mod snip, PM me if you want to know the charity.

Raminahobbin

Oooh! Can you PM me the charity? I think I know which one but just to be sure

I'm missing my doggie fixes since the charity I used to transport for were ousted in not-very-nice fashion from the pound they worked with.