How Kids Can Help

Many young people ask how they can help the homeless animals at the Durham County Animal Shelter. Due to liability concerns, volunteers working with the animals at the shelter (feeding, socializing, etc.) must meet the following age requirements:

  • Cat volunteers
    • 15+ years old – can volunteer without adult supervision
    • 10+ years old – can volunteer with parent or guardian
  • Dog volunteers
    • 16+ years old – can volunteer without adult supervision
    • 10+ years old – can volunteer with parent of guardian

If you’re unable to qualify as an animal care volunteer at the animal shelter right now, here are some great ways you can help the animals:

Tell People About the Shelter

If your family (or someone you know) is considering getting a pet, encourage them to come to the animal shelter. We not only have dogs, cats, puppies and kittens, we also often have rabbits, hamsters, guinea pigs and sometimes birds! Check out our adoption page link to adoptable animals to see the currently available animals.

Organize a Drive

Organize a drive in your community to collect items needed at the APS of Durham. Toys, towels, blankets and animal food are just a few of the items needed. Put a marked container in a busy area for people to see. Give the collected items to the APS of Durham! Check out our wish list or our Amazon List to find out what we need most.

Make Gifts & Treats for the Shelter Pets

Shelter animals love to receive homemade gifts of toys, biscuits, etc. Have a classroom or neighborhood project to make items especially for shelter animals.

*See recipes and instructions below or APS approved treats and toys. If you have another recipe or toy you’d like to make, email our behavior manger for approval first at behaviorhelp@apsofdurham.org

Here are the instructions for the braided fleece toys for dogs or cats.

 

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A newsletter, blog, or website about animals.