NDB requires 80 hours of community service to graduate. I have gotten all my hours from the Peninsula Humane Society in Burlingame. I have been volunteering there since I was thirteen years old and have loved every minute of my experience. It’s a place where I can release stress and spend time with myself and the animals.

Many of the students at NDB search for different opportunities and events to get hours. Volunteering at any animal shelter is not only a fulfilling experience that can help you get a lot of service hours, but it also helps assist animals in need.

The Peninsula Humane Society, which is also known as the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, is a private, non-profit charitable organization. This organization is meant to provide homes for animals that have been abandoned, disowned, or never had a home. This is an open admission shelter, not only accepting all animals who might be refused at other shelters, but also taking care of injured wildlife. The process for becoming a volunteer at the SPCA is not easy but is worth applying for to support a good cause. The SPCA invites anyone over the age of 13 to volunteer with a parent or guardian. After you turn 16, you can volunteer without an adult with any animal of your choice after careful instruction and passing certain classes.

Animals do so much for humans on a daily basis, so it is important for the community to give back to these creatures and spread awareness about the local shelters. There are many ways to do this, such as advocating on social media platforms, creating classes to inform more people, and developing groups to talk about support for animals. I believe members of animal rescue organizations should be coming into schools to inform students about their local shelter and how important it is to adopt instead of buying domestic animals.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, people began adopting dogs as a way to feel less alone in an isolated world. However, in the aftermath of the pandemic, many have ended up returning their new pets because of how much work it is to care for them when not secluded to their home everyday. With the influx of returned animals, the SPCA has become much more careful about who is allowed to adopt their pets.

The SPCA not only helps animals find their home but helps humans find the companion they may be lacking. Whether it is a dog, cat or other species, animals can make a valuable contribution to a person’s mental health, providing a comfort that reduces stress and elements of depression.

The SPCA and other local shelters are successful as a result of their hard-working volunteers and staff, who deserve recognition for their efforts. They work tirelessly to provide necessary resources for damaged animals, and employ an empathetic, caring attitude towards every animal they aid. Their genuine passion for this cause is reflected in the quality of care they provide.

If you are looking for a place to complete your community service hours, I highly recommend any animal shelter in the area. It is an amazing opportunity to help animals in need and feel a rewarding connection to an amazing cause and community.