Animal Shelters and Domestic Animals in Ireland - Dogs, Horses, Donkeys

 

 

Do you love animals and do you want to get involved for a good cause? In Ireland, you can volunteer for neglected dogs, cats, horses, ponies and donkeys at animal shelters. Alternatively, you can gain first professional experience with animals in a pet shop which also includes a dog salon.

 

What is the program about?

 

Ireland has many domestic animals. More than two-thirds of all Irish households either keep a dog or a cat. Volunteer work related to domestic animals is possible with the following types of organisations:
 
Dog Shelters: Ireland is facing a major street dog problem. Even though the Irish government is committed to responsible pet care and the number of stray dogs has been reduced by 50% since 2004, thousands of homeless dogs still end up in Ireland's animal shelters every year. We work with several dog shelters that take care of abandoned, abused or neglected dogs, nurse them up and try to find a new home for them. Some animal shelters also take in other animals such as cats.
 
Shelters for horses, donkeys and ponies: The Green Island is known worldwide for its horse keeping. Horse riding is a popular hobby in Ireland. Many first-class and internationally known racing and sport horses also come from Ireland. At the end of their use as an amateur riding horse or professional racing and sport horse, however, the animals are often no longer needed. In many cases the horses then are brought to sanctuaries, which are "Old Age Homes" for horses, where they spend the last years of their lives and are thus saved from being euthanized. There are also animal shelters that specialize in horses, donkeys and ponies, where animals confiscated by the authorities as a result of neglect or abuse are kept. The facilities are usually run by local unpaid volunteers and are financed through donations and membership fees. As a volunteer, you make an important contribution so that the irreplaceable work of the institutions can be continued.
 
Pet shop and dog salon: Would you like to work with animals and gain professional experience at the same time? We arrange placements with an Irish pet shop chain where you would clean cages, aquariums and terrariums, change water, feed the animals and advise customers. The shops also have dog salons where you can assist and learn the craft of being a dog groomer. Other services offered include dog care such as treatment for fleas, ticks and worms and  nutritional advice for pets. During this assignment you will not only learn how to deal professionally with animals and customers, but you can also improve your English skills at the same time!

 

How can you get involved?

At the animal shelters and sanctuaries you can volunteer in animal care for neglected, abandoned or abused dogs, cats, donkeys, ponies and horses. You would get involved in a variety of tasks, such as feeding the animals, cleaning the stables and cages, and grooming. Walking the animals and providing human contact are important for the animals: The dogs look forward to a long walk with you and the horses, ponies and donkeys also want to be moved and entertained. As a volunteer, you will give the animals what they need most: attention and love! Ideally, the animals should soon find a new home, so  volunteers can show visitors who are interested in adopting an animal through the animal shelter and introduce them to the animals.
 
With a placement in the pet shop you can gain work experience in many areas: You will look after customers, stock up shelves with pet food and pet supplies, clean cages, aquariums and terrariums, feed and care for animals. In the dog salon you can assist the local team with grooming the animals and learn a lot about pet nutrition and care!

What are your working times?

What previous knowledge do you need?