How to become a kennel volunteer? Even if there is no specific procedure in this regard, it is necessary to inquire in advance.
This in order to know all the ways to join the team of collaborators at kennels, catteries or associations dedicated to animal welfare.
There are many dogs and cats in the associations. This is why it is important to give one’s contribution, helping the structures and the people who deal with them.
Stray dogs in Italy
They count over 500,000 strays all over Italy. An exorbitant number that makes us reflect on the dramatic situation in Italy.
The phenomenon of stray dogs in Italy is mainly due to abandonments, which increase in the summer. To deal with this, wandering animals are welcomed by associations dedicated to the well-being of the four-legged.
Without going into the subject, let’s find out how to become a volunteer in the kennel and how to help the collaborators of associations who need it so much!
It will also be an opportunity to do good, especially now that the Christmas period is approaching.
First of all, however, let’s find out what kennels are and the difference between a kennel and a shelter.
The difference between a kennel and a shelter
Kennels and shelters are often confused. There are some differences between the two structures, which have in common the fact that they take care of recovering and welcoming needy dogs and cats.
All the other entities are private and include kindergartens, boarding houses, breeding and zoophilic activities.
What are kennels and what functions do they have?
A kennel is a shelter for strays created and managed by provinces and municipalities.
The kennels are therefore financed by the institutions – they are not associations or NGOs – and the collaborators who work there they receive a salary.
Italian law guarantees the protection of animal life. The Law n. 281/1991 in fact provides that:
«Wanding dogs found, captured or in any case hospitalized in the structures referred to in paragraph 1 of article 4, cannot be suppressed».
This is contrary to what happens in other European countries and in the world where dogs and cats are suppressed after a certain number of days spent in the facility.
What are shelters and what are they for?
Unlike the kennel, the shelter is run by volunteers. These wonderful people, without being paidinvest time, love and money for the benefit of the most unfortunate animals.
Managed by non-profit associations, the refuges, in addition to the recovery and protection of the four-legged animals, deal with make people aware of adoptions through promotional campaigns throughout Italy.
There are so many 4-legged dogs hosted in every Italian kennel and the structures that increasingly need new collaborators. So here’s how to help them concretely by giving them a little of your time and your love.
How to become a kennel volunteer?
The first step to take to volunteer at the kennel is to go to the ASL pet desk of your city in order to know the local services in charge of animal and environmental protection.
Secondly, it is possible visit the facilities that most can correspond to our expectations, so that we know how they work and the tasks they perform.
The requirements and qualities for volunteering
The requirements for volunteering are generally the age of majority, the absence of a criminal record.
Associations and private entities (such as Enpa, Lav, Leida, The bad ones, Lndc) can also request the contribution of a membership fee, or an insurance to be paid by the volunteer in case of injuries occurred in contact with the animals of the shelter.
The qualities needed to become a kennel volunteer are the desire to commit, seriousness, team spirit, flexibility and adaptability, as well as obviously the boundless love for our furry friends..
The duties of a volunteer at the shelter
The possible tasks that a dog-loving volunteer is required to carry out in a kennel (or cattery) are:
Other ways to help shelters
We’ve seen that it’s quite simple to become a kennel volunteer. So why not join the animal rights associations which, especially during the Christmas holidays, organize many events relating to conscious and responsible adoptions?
An animal is not an object, but a sentient living being. Let’s defend him and love him: that’s all he asks!
In addition to becoming a kennel volunteer, there are also several other ways to help animals in need: make a donation, organize a fundraiser, participate in charity events… Everything is welcome!