The Benefits of This Kind of Volunteer Work

“One of the biggest concerns when older adults have pets is falls,” she explained, but at a shelter, volunteers work alongside others who can provide support if needed.

I’ve learned that we must recognize and respect our own physical limits. I was working with cats, then decided to get trained to walk dogs. Soon after, I was diagnosed with arthritis in my hands. Having larger dogs pull on leashes wasn’t an option, so I happily returned to working with cats.

Helping Animals

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Being in a shelter can be stressful for animals. Some were surrendered by families who could no longer keep them due to financial or health reasons. These pets were used to living in loving homes. Although shelters do their best to provide a safe, clean environment, cats and dogs are still in cages, surrounded by unfamiliar people and animals.

While it’s hard to see their stress, knowing I’m easing their discomfort and helping them find forever homes makes it worthwhile. Every time I see an animal get adopted, I’m filled with joy for the family and the pet.

Older animals, larger dogs and those with health issues often take longer to find homes. But nothing is more rewarding than seeing an animal that spent months at the shelter finally get adopted. When one long-term resident kitty found her forever family, I shed tears of relief, knowing that sweet girl had a loving home.

Helping Staff

In 2025, 5.8 million dogs and cats entered U.S. animal shelters, and 4.2 million were adopted, according to the ASPCA. That’s a lot of animals in need of support at organizations that typically operate with lean staffing.

“There are far more animals than any level of staffing can adequately care for,” said MCASAC Community Relations Manager Maria Anselmo. “It’s not just about food and shelter; it’s the socialization aspect. Staff doesn’t have the time to provide that one-on-one special time to treat animals as individuals.”

That’s where volunteers come in, and the staff deeply appreciate it, taking every opportunity to thank us and express how much our support means to them and the animals.

Fostering Pets

Some animal lovers may not be able to adopt, but they might want to foster animals, providing temporary homes that ease overcrowding and offer a calmer environment for nervous cats and dogs. Some “foster parents” may worry they’ll want to keep every animal they take in. While that sometimes happens, most foster pets eventually find permanent homes.

Both of our beloved cats came from foster moms, and we’ve stayed in touch with those women, sharing photos of the happy lives enjoyed by the cats they helped raise.

While some shelters cover all supplies and medical expenses for foster families, others depend on foster families to cover supplies. Since pet ownership can be expensive, finding a shelter that can provide supplies may appeal to those on a fixed budget.

Consider What’s Right for You

With so many volunteering options, you’ll want to find the best fit for you. Prospective volunteers should discuss any concerns or accommodation needs with shelter staff. Mathis told us about one volunteer in a wheelchair who could work in the kitten room. It’s about finding the opportunity that matches your talents and circumstances.

By volunteering, you’ll help care for animals, support others in welcoming new furry family members and join a community of like-minded people who are passionate about animals.

Have any of you ever worked at an animal shelter? Let us know in the comments below.