Hi, I just wondered if many people volunteered at Rescue centres?? It is something I would love to do in my spare time, but just wondered how to go about it...I guess I should just ring around a few places but thought I would get some personal experiences first. Can you specify what you want to do? as I would really love to help out with dogs...walking/cleaning out/generally spending time with them...whereas I am (rather ashamed and embarrased) to say that I am quite weary of cats so probably wouldnt want to spend all that much time with them (especially not a lot of them together...*shudders*...one at a time I can just about deal with!)

Do you think it is better to help at smaller, privately run ones or larger places like the RSPCA or Dogs Trust?

Any info would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks!

A friend of mine helps out at a local cat rescue, it's not RSPCA or anything, just a locally run establishment.  I think a lot of the volunteers work is generally dealing with the poo  emptying litter trays, cleaning the cages etc.  But my friend loves cats and really enjoys it.  I think you need to supply your own rubber gloves :D  I'd contact my nearest dog rescue if I were you, tell them what your thoughts are and let them point you in the right direction. 

CG

Back in Australia I voulentered for the RSPCA. It can be both very rewarding and soul destroying.

Usually you just call up or walk into the center and get an application form. Fill it out and return it. In a few weeks you will hear back from them, go for an interveiw and then if you are the kind of person they want working for them you start almost right away.

I did a lot of work with cruelty case animals - cats and small dogs. The things I have seen I would never want another person to see. It still amazes me that the animals I worked with could learn to trust and love people again after what they went through.

For example I worked very closley with a 2 year old pug bitch that had her tail docked for some reason, it was docked so short that it caused nerve damage and she lost a lot of her bladder and bowel controll. She also had serious scars right down her back from acid burns. Someone had decided to douse the poor girl in some kind of acid before dumping her on the RSPCAs door step. Her hair never grew back along her back and she had some nasty scars from it. But in a matter of weeks she went from being timid and scared to being the most bouncy and energetic little girl there. I was devestated when she left to go to her new home, and missed her like crazy, but the new owners kept sent me emails and pictures of her so I could see how she was doing.  2 years later I still get their email updates.

You can specify what kind of work that you would like to do and usually you get to do it. I know that a lot of rescues have problems getting people to walk and play with some of the bigger dogs.

If you are suitable for working with cruelty case animals - they will do all kinds of tests to see that you are - it can be such a wonderful experience. Heart breaking but at the same time very rewarding.

There is nothing better than having an animal that you know suffered so much at the hands of some as*hole grow into a confident and healthy little guy and then find a loving home.

A warning though. You will get attached to some of the dogs, if not all, and it can be very upsetting when they leave the shelter, even though you know they are going to a good, loving home.

Good luck with working for a rescue. I loved it, and Im looking to work for the Dogs Trust in Glasgow.