Many people think of volunteers as people who spend countless hours of their time helping others or donating thousands to a charity, they are right … and wrong. Here in the New River Valley you can volunteer or donate in a variety of ways depending on your free time and financial situation. Did you know even your empty printer cartridges and extra change could help save an animal in the NRV?

According to the Humane Society, 6 to 8 million cats and dogs enter shelters each year. In the New River Valley there are numerous nonprofit organizations that aim to end senseless euthanasia, pet overpopulation, and animal neglect/abuse.

The need for volunteers in this area is big. “Volunteers are the heart of our program,” said Jason Shelton, President of Montgomery County Friends of Animal Care & Control. Many of these non-profit groups and shelters can only operate with the help of volunteers so it’s important that if you are interested you get involved as soon as you can. If you have a preference on a type of animal or type of service, don’t worry. “We let volunteers work in an area that they enjoy,” explains Rebecca English, Executive Director of the Pulaski County Humane Society (PCHS).

What impact do the volunteers have? Shelton explains that with the volunteer program in place at the Montgomery County Shelter, all dogs are walked over the weekend and the shelter has longer hours on Saturday. More rescued animals are being saved and adopted and more donations have allowed for better treatment and facilities.

There are some basics you should know before you begin volunteering. You must be 18 or older, or 16 with a guardian. Many shelters or organizations require volunteers to fill out an application and if selected, go through a training program. Also volunteers must fill out a background check with the county before they begin volunteering.

If you want to volunteer, here are some ways to help:

1.    Working the open shelter hours: This ranges from dog walking to washing windows. At the PCHS you can help socialize and exercise the dogs by taking them outside to play, stretch or learn simple tricks. Like the PCHS Web site says, “There is always something to do at the shelter!”

2.    Assisting with various fundraising events: At the Montgomery County Humane Society this includes manning concession stands at Virginia Tech games or working a bake sale.

3.    Transporting animals: Many shelters need drivers and vehicles to get animals to other shelters, clinics, or to be rescued. Most all places need help with this, big vans are especially helpful.

4.    Foster: According to the PCHS Web site, “this is a good opportunity for someone who enjoys the companionship of an animal, but spends a lot of time traveling or is unable to have a pet year round.” The Animal Welfare Foster Program in Blacksburg aims at helping animals by placing them in temporary homes. Usually the organization looking for the foster home will pay for the pet’s food and medical needs while it’s in your care.

5.    Adoption: Of course all shelters are looking for people to adopt the abandoned cats and dogs. If you have the time, a big heart and loving home this would be the perfect option for you and the lucky dog or cat.

6.    Donations: If you can’t have a pet in your home or are not ready to adopt the best way to help is to donate. Pound Pals of Radford is “run entirely by committed volunteers and receives no public funding” so donations keep it going. Many places accept donations online and through the mail. At PCHS and Pound Pals of Radford you can donate in memory or in honor of someone and it will appear on their Web sites. Even spare change helps, check out local businesses for the yellow dog banks that benefit the PCHS and the Pulaski County Animal Shelter.

7.    Donate Supplies: If you don’t have money or time to spare, you could always donate supplies. Check the organization’s Web site for a list of items (ranging from cotton balls to catnip) that they will gladly accept. The PCHS even accepts empty printer cartridges or used digital cell phones, which they sell to recycling programs to raise money for the pets.

Before you go fill out a volunteer application here is some advice from Shelton. Don’t take on more than you can handle as a volunteer. “We all have lives outside the volunteering whether they include full-time jobs, family, sports, yard work (that is never finished), or just some down time for yourself, so the key in balance.”

Holly Hinte has been an intern for the New River Voice throughout the spring semester. We would like to wish her the best upon her graduation from Radford University.