Volunteering For Animal Sanctuary Charities In Belfast

Why Volunteer for an Animal Sanctuary Charity in Belfast?

All animals deserve to live happy lives, free from the threat of abuse or maltreatment. Sadly, that's not the case for thousands of pets and species of wildlife living across the world. Despite the UK having millions of pet owners and animal lovers, there are still many creatures out there who are mistreated.  

In big cities like Belfast, you'll find many organisations dedicated to keeping both wild and domesticated creatures safe. This includes several animal sanctuary charities which are able to rehabilitate and rehome thousands of pets every year, as well as provide sustainable habitats for local wildlife.  

If you want to get involved with improving the wellbeing of animals in Belfast, why not take a look at the following animal sanctuary charities that are all in need of volunteers?  

Animal Sanctuary Charities in Belfast That Need Your Help

ASSISI ANIMAL SANCTUARY  

Assisi is Northern Ireland's biggest independent animal welfare charity. It started up in 1997 to provide shelter for some of the nation's most destitute dogs, cats and small animals. 

Over the last two decades, it's been able to provide safe homes for thousands of pets at its rescue centre, outside Belfast city centre. Assisi Animal Sanctuary also has three charity shops in Bangor, Newtonwards and Ballynahinch, that help raise funds for animal care.  

While the ultimate way to help Assisi would be to adopt one of their rescued pets, you could also get involved with volunteering at the sanctuary to help feed, clean and take care of the animals. For a less hands on role, why not help out with the organisations fundraising or marketing? Taking on a shift in one of the charity shops is also a great way to show that you care.  

CATS PROTECTION

As the charity's name suggests, Cats Protection is dedicated to caring for and rescuing any and all mistreated and unloved felines. It's a national charity that first started up in London, but the organisation now has rescue sanctuaries, offices and charity shops all around the UK.  

In Belfast, you'll find the local Cats Protection animal sanctuary just a short drive from the city centre in Dundonald. Mainly run by volunteers, it helps to rehabilitate cats and kittens and provide them with a safe environment until they can be adopted into a loving home.  

Opening up your home to a cat is a fantastic way to support the charity's adoption rescue centre. If that's not an option though, why not foster one for a while? Or why not offer to volunteer at the centre to help with the cats' care and wellbeing? Cats Protection are always looking for people to get involved with local charity events in Belfast, as well as assist with its admin, marketing and education services.  

RSPB  

Another national animal charity that does incredible work is the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB). Founded in 1889, it now runs and maintains over 150 nature reserves across the UK, providing sanctuary to native and global bird species.  

In Northern Ireland, the Belfast Lough Reserve is home to hundreds of different kinds of birds. Spread out over four sites, it provides homes for both native and global species on the brink of extinction, as well as places for the local community to go to learn more about bird conservation.   

You could get involved with the RSPB in Belfast by volunteering to help out in one of its visitors' centres, or as a helper on a conservation project. RSPB also frequently organises fundraising events and is always in need of people willing to help with bucket collections.