At A Glance
Exotic dog shelters cater to rare breeds of dogs like the mudi, the Mexican hairless dog, and the Azawakh.
Last Updated on: Sep 21, 2023
Exotic dog rescue organizations rescue, rehabilitate, and find homes for exotic dogs. They provide them with medical care and a healthy environment until they’re adopted.
Though there are over 3,500 animal shelters in the United States, only a handful are exotic dog rescue shelters. This is because exotic canine breeds require knowledge of how to handle and care for them since they may have special needs that other dogs don’t have. They may also need trauma rehabilitation and training like socialization and how to train with a no-bark collar.
Most of them have limited budgets and resources, making dog rescue and student volunteerism an important part of their operations. As a student, you may be interested in working with animals and have considered being a rescue dog volunteer.
In this article, we brief you on what exotic dogs are, why volunteer at animal shelters is important, mention a few advantages to doing so, and provide a few examples of animal shelters for exotic animals.
Most animal shelters operate on limited budgets and resources which is why they are always on the lookout for student volunteers.
Exotic dog breeds are breeds that are less common and may come from a particular region. Not many people own such pets. Some examples are the mudi, the Mexican hairless dog, and the Azawakh.
There are unique challenges in rescuing exotic dogs because they often require extra care. Since they are rare, they command high prices in the market (the Azawakh sells for $9,500) and ill-intentioned individuals will often sell them to the highest bidder without caring about the needs of the dogs.
Many of these dogs are rescued from poor living conditions where they may have suffered trauma. They also often have physical injuries and untreated medical conditions. They may also have behavioral problems as a result of their traumatic experiences. Healing these wounds and rebuilding their trust in humans is a lengthy process.
Addressing the problems that come with rescuing exotic animals requires patience and expertise. Animal rescue organizations usually have limited budgets so they rely on donations and volunteers. Rescuing and caring for exotic pets can put a strain on their resources. This is where student volunteers can make a difference.
Dog rescue volunteers can be tasked with bathing dogs, taking them for walks, helping them with socialization, cleaning kennels, and general office work. Though you don’t get a salary, it has its fair share of benefits.
You can put your talents to use in exotic dog shelters and pursue your interests. Whether you’re into dog training, law, or animal rights, you can find a volunteer opportunity that matches your skills and passion.
Students who volunteer in exotic dog rescue and other animal welfare initiatives experience educational and personal benefits. It gives them a break from the stresses of university life and they learn some valuable skills. It also accelerates their personal growth.
Working as an animal volunteer enriches you personally and professionally. It teaches patience, perseverance, and time management. It can even lower stress levels. Plus, it can help you in your future career.
Many universities have programs that encourage students to engage in animal advocacy. Rights clubs can provide a way for them to make a difference. They can raise funds and awareness about animal rights issues. This can empower students and give them hands-on experience on how to advocate for animals.
You can also look at advocacy organizations that cater to exotic animals. This includes the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals in Monterey County, the Forever Wild Exotic Animal Sanctuary in California, and Four Paws.
Though many of them aren’t specific to dogs, you can still volunteer your services for exotic animals in general.
I am a full-time mum of two kids and a beautiful golden retriever. Writing is my passion: from food journalism to pets, parenting tips, etc. I can write on just about everything under the sun. I have been writing for the past 7 years and during that time, I have been a regular contributor to several blogs and pet magazines. I have also written feature articles, POV pieces, and dabbled in a few different formats of writing over the years.
