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Choosing an animal welfare organization
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Whether you are looking for an organization to donate funds or to donate your time, you should do a little research before you make your decision. Hampton Roads has many to choose from, and one may be a better fit for you. The following information provides you with a place to start when making your decision.
No-kill shelters
There is no strict definition for “no-kill.” Any organizations referring to itself as no-kill actually defines the term for itself. Some shelters are willing to put a lot of money into saving an animal who needs expensive veterinary care, while others believe that money can be better used for other purposes. Some shelters will euthanize an animal based on temperament while others will provide an animal with a forever home if they believe he cannot be adopted. If being no-kill is important to you, ask the shelter how they define the term to make sure that it agrees with your vision of no-kill. The organization itself sets rules regarding capacity and which animals it will intake. These organizations prefer spay/neuter programs instead of euthanasia as a way of controlling animal populations. As private shelters, run by volunteers, they receive all money from donors. Sometimes these organizations works solely with foster families and do not have a kennel to visit.
Shelters that euthanize
Some shelters euthanize when they have reached capacity to make room for incoming animals. Shelters that euthanize, such as Animal Control facilities, often receive annual funding from the government, and therefore must comply to rules and regulations regarding the number of animals they adopt and boarding capacities. These shelters cannot turn down animals, and usually have paid employees. Building relationships with other animal welfare organizations helps these facilities find homes for the animals.
Breed Specific Organizations
Breed specific organizations only re-home animals of a particular breed. These organizations are often founded on the belief that a particular breed needs a little more help in finding a permanent home based on a stereotype about the breed, or habit of the breed. For instance, Beagles are often bred as hunting dogs instead of pets, and often turn up lost or abandoned. Due to the special circumstances, an organization may be formed to handle a large number of homeless beagles. It is important to have an appreciation for the particular breed to be a volunteer for a breed specific organization.
Feral cat organizations
Specializing in the welfare of wild, domesticated cats, these organizations may not perform animal adoptions. Instead, they may focus on the management of feral cats, such as trap-alter-release programs, which includes trapping cats, having them spayed or neutered, and then releasing them back into the colony. The colony is usually maintained by the organization, ensuring the animals are healthy and safe, but not breeding.
Barnyard shelters
These shelters are found in rural settings, and they find homes for all animals, including livestock, horses, goats, pigs, etc. These are often no-kill shelters, private, and you can expect to put in hard labor when volunteering with the larger animals.
Wildlife rehabilitation
Some shelters provide wildlife rehabilitation for injured, sick, or abandoned animals. The volunteers must be licensed and educated on how to care for wildlife, as their needs are very different than those of pets.
High level organizations
If you love animals, but scooping poop and cleaning litter boxes isn't your thing, you can volunteer with organizations who work on a higher level (versus grassroots organizations). These groups are working to change legislation, or to unite rescue groups. Examples are Dogs Deserve Better, and the Animal Welfare Coalition.
These categories are not absolute. Some shelters may be combinations of the categories listed above. Each shelter is unique based on the principles on which it was founded. Many who volunteer with animal welfare organizations are passionate about animals, so it is important to find an organization where you feel comfortable and can build a lasting relationship. It’s a good idea to visit a few places and make sure that the shelter is right for you. Often a volunteer coordinator can answer questions for you and give you an idea of what it will be like to volunteer with their organization.
A few questions to consider:
How do I feel about euthanasia?
What type of activities would I most enjoy?
What do I have to offer an organization?
How far am I willing to travel?
How much time do I have to donate?
What types of animals would I enjoy working with and learning about?
Check out Petfinder to search for shelters in your area.
Trini, available for adoption at the NSPCA.
Photo Courtesy of NSPCA.
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