As a freelance animal trainer and consultant, Josh Ruffell works with leading animal training companies in the Los Angeles area, providing training and consultation on multiple movies and television shows. As an avid animal lover, Josh Ruffell grew up volunteering his free time at animal facilities.
Animal shelters are always in need of volunteers, as these facilities typically house unwanted or abandoned animals and actively work towards their future adoption into a loving home. If you are considering volunteering at your local animal shelter, the following benefits will help illuminate why it can be a rewarding experience:
1. Training: Many shelters offer in-depth training to help you better understand how to handle and care for the animals with whom you will be working. This training will improve interaction with animals that have experienced abandonment and even abuse. During your training, you might learn things like how your body language is interpreted by the animals as well as how to properly socialize the animals.
2. Socializing: While you are there to work, spending so much time with like-minded individuals who are also passionate about animals can be an easy way to make new friends. Unlike meeting people at random out in the world, these are people you know you will see regularly, and people you know share at least one of your interests, animal welfare.
3. Career Opportunities: Many employers and schools favor applicants with volunteer experience. Beyond that, the specific training you will gain and the skills you will acquire can help you land a job in multiple areas of the animal industry.
