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Best Volunteer Opportunities For Animal Lovers In Metro Detroit

There are a massive amount of animals in need of help in the Detroit area. Luckily, there are a ton of extraordinary organizations dedicated to helping these animals. Each organization is unique; some pair neglected animals with loving homes, while others find lifelong companions for those with disabilities. The common theme of each organization is that they are focused on improving the lives of animals. Most of these platforms are in need of volunteers and support, so if the inclination to donate your time strikes, consider one of these worthwhile organizations for a volunteer opportunity.

Nan nellenbach - leader dog
Volunteer puppy raiser Nan Nellenbach picks up "Joy," the 50th puppy she will be raising for Leader Dogs for the Blind. (Credit: Leader Dogs for the Blind/Facebook Photo)

Leader Dogs For The Blind
1039 S. Rochester Road
Rochester Hills, MI 48307
(248) 651-9011
www.leaderdog.org

This organization was created to provide those who are blind and visually impaired with a companion that will impact the quality of life for these individuals. Founded in 1939 in Detroit, this non-profit has been pairing people throughout the United States with guide dogs for over half a century. Leader Dogs For The Blind has a number of ways to play an important role as a volunteer. Consider raising a puppy to become a Leader Dog. This may turn into a lifelong passion, as the benefits of this program are extraordinary. There are also opportunities to become an on-campus volunteer; there are over 50 different positions available, and they usually last for six months.

All About Animals 
Surgery and Wellness Care
23451 Pinewood St.
Warren, MI 48091
(586) 879-1745
www.allaboutanimalsrescue.org

All About Animals is focused on ending animal over-population. This non-profit provides many benefits to the community including finding foster homes for unwanted pets, providing low-cost vet clinic care to the community and encouraging the bond between pets and people by teaching what it means to be an owner. This group holds mandatory volunteer meetings on a monthly basis before starting as a volunteer. Opportunities to help include answering the busy clinic phones, acting as a kennel attendant and photographing animals. Support is also needed to keep the grounds clean or lend a compassionate voice of encouragement to pet owners during a crisis. Volunteer to help out at a fundraiser, pass out flyers or teach children in pet education events. This organization also needs people who can help from home including writers and seamstresses, even"Chatty Cathys" are in high demand. This is just a sampling of the positions that need to be filled by volunteers.

Related: Best Dog Walking Services In Detroit

Michigan Humane Society 
Detroit Center for Animal Care
7401 Chrysler Drive
Detroit, MI 48211
(313) 872-3400
www.michiganhumane.org

The Michigan Humane Society is an exceptional organization, wholly dedicated to helping animals live the best life possible. There are a variety of ways to volunteer time and energy to the local branch in Detroit or surrounding communities. Opportunities include offering support at events, donating time for administrative services or providing a temporary foster home for a pet. Children can help by making and donating cat toys, organizing a fundraising event or sewing a crate cover. Whatever your talent, check into volunteering at the Humane Society, it could truly help save a life.
Detroit Zoo
8450 W. 10 Mile Road
Royal Oak, MI 48067
(248) 541-5717
www.detroitzoo.org

Here's the chance to talk to the animals and walk with the animals as a volunteer at the Detroit Zoo. The zoo offers future zoologists and animal lovers alike a host of opportunities to volunteer. There is an orientation held that will familiarize those interested with more details about what each position entails. The zoo is seeking docents, gallery guides and liaisons for special events. Other volunteer positions include zoo ambassadors, which offer a great way to interact with animals and the community, or become a staff aide and put those admin skills to use by answering phones and completing clerical tasks.
Home FurEver 
Detroit, MI 48210
(313) 645-4399
www.homefurever.com

Home FurEver is a non-profit based in Detroit that provides foster homes to dogs that have been neglected or abandoned. The group finds temporary placement for cannes until a permanent home can be found. It also educates the public about caring for pets and hosts fundraising events. The organization relies entirely on volunteer support for its daily operations. There are so many ways to contribute your time with Home FurEver, including spending some time taking a dog for a walk, setting up and breaking down an event, meeting with potential pet owners or helping with the adoption process. Another way to get involved is to offer temporary foster care in your home for a pet in need.

Related: Best Pet-Friendly Restaurants In The Detroit Area

After receiving a BA in Photography from Savannah College of Art & Design, Nicole Wrona began working with a diverse range of musicians. In addition, she is a freelance writer for numerous publications. Her work can be found at www.metalleaves.com and Examiner.com.

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