Twin Cities Volunteer Opportunities for You & Pup
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Are you and doggo feeling a little overwhelmed by the puppin’ state of the world and not sure what to do about it? Us too. We’ve been hanging on the couch for the last several months (feels like a decade), living in our sweatpants, and wondering how long we can go without a good scrub behind the ears. But, enough’s enough! It’s time to put on pants and take action! Pup can stay nakey, we guess.
Here are some Twin Cities volunteer opportunities for you and your floofer to give back this howliday season. All hands and paws on deck.
Companion Animal Blood Bank | Veterinary Medical Center, U of M
Yep, you read that right—our furry friends need blood banks just like us hoomans! According to the Veterinary Medical Center, “Critically ill veterinary patients with cancer, anemia, underlying clotting problems, or trauma (i.e., internal bleeding from a motor vehicle accident) often need blood or plasma.” Dog’ll need to meet the following eligibility requirements to qualify:
- Friendly and happy to meet people
- Weigh over 50 pounds (without being overweight)
- Current on vaccinations and preventives
- Healthy and without a heart murmur
- Between 1 year and 6 years old when entering the program
- Never received a blood transfusion nor been pregnant
If this sounds like your cuddly canine and you’d like to be considered for this life-saving program, email umnblooddonor@gmail.com.
Pets Assisting with Healing (PAWH)* | Children’s Minnesota
I don’t know about you, but every time I look at my furbabe, my heart grows three sizes. If you’ve ever had this thought and wanted to share that feeling with others (because obvi your pup is the best, am I right?), PAWH may be for you! Brighten the days of Children’s Minnesota patients while you assist with development and rehabilitation (and fill their lives with some sweet slobber while you’re at it). While the program isn’t currently accepting applications due to COVID-19 restrictions, you can learn more about this furbulous future opportunity by visiting their website.
*In order to qualify, your pup must be Pet Partners certified.
Pet Hospice Visits | Arden Hills + Roseville
Here’s the easiest question you may possibly ever answer: do you have a friendly dog that loves attention and to be petted? You’re approved! Presbyterian Homes and Services is currently looking for volunteers and their pets to visit hospice patients and bring some joy to their days. If you think about how many times your mutt has mended your heavy heart or cheered you up after a long day, then you know how much a sweet snuggle from them can help. COVID-19 protocols are in place to ensure distancing and safety for volunteers and patients.
Turkey Trot Minnesota | Virtual
Lace up your shoes and leash up your pup because the Turkey Trot is ON! Turkey Trot Minnesota has gone completely virtual, so you and your running buddy can compete whenever and wherever you want. Choose from three race lengths and whatever course style your heart desires. Registration is open through Nov. 30, and a percentage of the proceeds will benefit The Open Door food shelf. Work up a sweat, give back to those in need, and spend some quality time together outside? We give this idea 5 barks. Er, stars.
For even more chances to volunteer from the comfort and safety of your own home, see the remote volunteer opportunities below. We know that your pooch will be more than up for the task of providing moral support!
- Volunteer Match
- Points of Light
- Habitat For Humanity Hype Team
- AARP Create the Good
- Catchafire
- Smithsonian Digital Volunteers
- United Nations Online Volunteering
Got the inside scoop on other pup-friendly Twin Cities volunteer opportunities? Howl at us in the comments or let us know in our dog-friendly Twin Cities Facebook Group.
Featured photo: Camylla Battani
Sidewalk Dog’s mission is to help dog parents spend more time with their puppers by discovering and sharing activities they can do and places they can go—together! Sniff out our award-winning newsletter and Instagram, then join our Dog-Friendly Twin Cities Facebook Group.
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