It’s Nashville Volunteer Week, though since we live in the Volunteer State, I’d argue every week is volunteer week. I’ve already written about general ways you can volunteer in Nashville, but I thought I’d focus specifically on volunteer opportunities at our many animal shelters and pet rescues. Volunteering with pets is so rewarding, both for the animal and your own mental well-being. Here are some ways you can help out!
Wally, City Cast Nashville executive producer Whitney Pastorek’s happy pup, on adoption day at the 2016 Nashville Pride Festival. (Whitney Pastorek / City Cast Nashville)
Ways to Volunteer at Animal Shelters and Pet Rescues
Animal shelters and rescues are in constant need of volunteers for a variety of tasks. Here’s just a list of ways you can help.
- Foster. Shelters always need people willing to foster pets, but this is a big commitment. And beware: If you have a bleeding heart, that foster might become your furever pet! However, this is one of the best and most rewarding ways to help shelters. Getting those animals acclimated to home environments is crucial.
- Walk dogs. If you’ve got an extra hour in your day, stop by a local shelter to walk a dog! The pups will appreciate the outdoor time.
- Clean. Animal shelters need constant cleaning. Yes, you will be cleaning up excrement. Cleaning out cat cages as a kid at the Dickson Humane Society was one of my first volunteer experiences 💩
- Laundry. Animal beds and blankets need to be cleaned, too.
- Transportation. Pets need to be transported to a variety of locations: Vet clinics, foster homes, furever homes, pet stores, etc.
- Write grants. If you have writing skills, consider helping shelters find funding by writing and applying for grants.
- Graphic design & marketing. Help make ads, visuals, and social media posts to spread the word about the shelter or rescue.
- Photography. People are more likely to adopt pets with cute pictures on the shelter’s website and social media, so if you have some camera skills, put them to good use!
- Events. Volunteer at adoption events, or even host your own fundraiser.
- Administrative. Make treat bags, send out letters, or go through emails without ever leaving home.
- Donate. If you can, financial donations go a long way, but you can also donate old blankets and towels, or unexpired pet food.
My sister’s cat Mishka, whom she adopted while working at Metro Animal Care and Control. (Katherine Garcia / Jackson Animal Care Center)
Animal Shelters and Rescues That Need Volunteers
NHA has been around since 1946, and more than 3,300 pets are adopted from them every year. They are in constant need of both fosters and volunteers.
MACC is Nashville’s only open-admission shelter, helping more than 7,000 animals a year. You can volunteer directly with them, or with Friends of MACC.
Since 2005, NCR has found loving homes for more than 18,000 cats. The nonprofit has no paid staff, and relies entirely on volunteers.
Since 2019, Wags & Walks has helped find more than 4,025 dogs homes. This nonprofit has numerous volunteer opportunities.
