Volunteering with/for Animals

In honor of Suite 101's Pets on Parade event, this week's article focuses on links to volunteer opportunities involving animals. Keep in mind that these are just a few of the many programs out there.

Seeing Eye Dog Programs

These programs often use volunteers (usually older kids and teens) to help raise the puppies that will become guide dogs. This can be a fun job, because pups are so cute and energetic, but it can also be hard when the time comes to give the dog over to the program. Other volunteer opportunities are sometimes available.

• Canine Companions for Independence - California
• Guide Dogs for the Blind - CA, OR
• Guide Dog Foundation for the Blind - NY
• Guiding Eyes for the Blind - NY
• The Guide Dogs for the Blind Association - Britain
• The Seeing Eye - NJ, PA, DE

Note: Please keep in mind that while pets can make wonderful and loving companions and millions of cats and dogs in this country are homeless, adopting or buying one without considering things carefully usually does more harm than good.

Therapeutic Riding

Riding therapy is an innovative technique used with people who have physical problems and/or emotional disabilities. Learning to control horses often increases individual's self-confidence and self-control, as well as helping with educational and social development. Therapeutic riding centers depend heavily on the help of volunteers to carry out their programs. Caring individuals with any level of horsemanship experience can be a tremendous asset to these facilities and the people they serve.

• The Adaptive Riding Institute - Oregon
• American Competition Opportunites for Riders with Disabilities (ACORD) - Missouri
• Flying Changes Center - Maine
• Other Therapeutic Riding links

Animal Advocacy Sites

For the most part these are lobbying sites with strong beliefs. They have an eye on legislation, promote vegeterian and vegan lifestyles, and are against animal-testing. To find out how you can get involved in helping both domesticated and wild animals, try the following links:

• Animal Protection Institute
• Farm Sanctuary
• The Fund for Animals
• Last Chance for Animals

Individuals who are concerned about the accuracy of information provided by animal rights groups will find Animal Rights a useful resource.

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