At an animal shelter, everyone already has something in common with you: they love animals! Whether you’re a dog person or a cat person, your passion for the well-being of the animals is sure to get you both talking. Unlike the animals at a pet store, the dogs and cats at animal shelters are stray, lost, abandoned, or surrendered. Animal shelters are the perfect place to unwind after a stressful day. Not only are you helping the shelter’s staff by walking dogs or taking them out to play. Volunteering at the animal shelter is a pretty good substitute for the gym. Prior to volunteering at my local animal I was fearful of bigger dogs. I had never been around them and was intimidated by their size. Now, after volunteering almost every day for about a month, I am calmer around large dogs, more aware of the signs of the good and bad dog behavior, and more knowledgeable about how to take care of them and interact with them.

Infographic by Westchester Animal rescue