Why volunteer with your dog?

Giving back to others can be heartwarming and it can feel even more special with your furry friend by your side! When people are around therapy dogs, they tend to feel cheerful and relaxed.

Along with helping others, there are several additional benefits to volunteering with your dog. So, read on to learn why you should start your volunteer journey and experience the joy of making a difference.

Boost Your Health

Volunteering can help improve your well-being by boosting both your physical and mental health. The physical effects of volunteering include reducing blood pressure and stress. When you give back to others, you increase levels of the “love hormone” oxytocin in your body, which helps uplift your mood. Volunteering can also help decrease feelings of sadness and loneliness. When you support other people in need, your self-worth and happiness can increase.

Meet New People

When you volunteer, it allows you to meet new people. Whether at a nursing home, college campus, or the airport, bringing your therapy dog to these facilities presents the perfect opportunity for you to interact with new people. Dogs make a great conversation starter and can help people open up! With your certified therapy dog by your side, you can proudly volunteer in your area and connect with like-minded individuals.

Be Part Of A Community

Volunteer work can also provide a sense of community and belonging. Spending time making positive impacts can help prevent feelings of loneliness and isolation. Being an Alliance of Therapy Dogs member, you become a part of our team and help to share smiles and joy. When your dog becomes certified, they’re recognized by a red heart tag, which shows you are a member of our growing community.

Develop New Skills

Volunteering can also be educational! It can help develop skills like responsibility, empathy, and communication. Junior handlers can include their volunteer experience on their resume. This can help show employers that you are willing to learn, care about helping others, and are passionate about a cause.

Strengthen The Bond With Your Dog

You’re already close with your pup, but volunteering with them can help strengthen the connection. Together, you develop the skills to become Alliance of Therapy Dog members. Together, you work as a team to help those in need.

Make Memories

Sometimes people develop a newfound sense of purpose when they volunteer. They discover they’re passionate about a cause or they enjoy the warm feeling of helping others. The memories they make when they volunteer can stay with them for years. The impact of volunteering does have the power to transform lives.

Thinking about volunteering with your dog? Contact us today to learn how to get your dog certified or the ways you can support the Alliance of Therapy Dogs.