VOLUNTEER

5 Benefits of Volunteering

1) It feels good. Being a volunteer at Sangamon County Animal Control makes you feel good about how you spend some of your free time. When you pet and hold a cat to help it become more adoptable, when you take a dog outside for fresh air and sunshine, when you help promote adoptable animals on social media – these actions all help you feel that you are making a true and positive difference in the lives of animals.

2) You can visibly see the results of your efforts. As you spend positive time with an animal and they begin to trust you and other humans by extension, you begin to see a positive change in their personality that translates to the animal becoming more desirable to potential adopters.

3) You are needed! SCAC has a constant intake of animals, and each one of them needs your attention, care, and assistance. There will always be a dog to walk, a cat to pet and groom, or some animal to give your love to. Dogs who are not walked on a regular basis are at high risk of kennel stress which in addition to causing behavioral problems can also lead to increased susceptibility to diseases and a longer recovery time from illness. Cats can also react negatively to the shelter environment without regular human affection.

4) Your emotional, physical, and mental health all benefit! Spending time with animals can lower your blood pressure, while it elevates your levels of serotonin and dopamine, which aid in your ability to stay calm and relaxed. Dog walking will keep you active, and creating a unique bond with animals will benefit your emotional health. Caring for pets can also help ease depression, anxiety, and stress. Being a volunteer also introduces you to many prospective new human friends. We are a friendly and fun group!

5) You gain work and life experience. Volunteering helps you develop new skills as well as building upon your already known strengths. The more skills and life experience on your resume, the more desirable you are to employers. Being a volunteer also increases your list of references.

Sangamon County Animal Control Volunteers must be at least 18 years old.