Broward County Animal Care is calling on residents to step up this National Volunteer Month with a new campaign aimed at boosting support for shelter animals across the county.
The initiative, titled Volunteers Save Lives. Period, highlights the role volunteers play in improving outcomes for dogs and cats awaiting adoption in Broward County.
The campaign comes as part of activities marking National Volunteer Month, a period focused on encouraging community service and civic engagement.
Each year, Animal Care volunteers contribute thousands of service hours, assisting with tasks such as walking dogs, socializing cats, and providing enrichment activities that help reduce stress and improve adoptability.
“Volunteers are essential to everything we do,” said Doug Brightwell. “Their time, compassion, and commitment allow us to increase one-on-one interactions with our animals, which improves their well-being and significantly enhances their chances of adoption. Quite simply, volunteers save lives. Period.”
Officials say research and on-the-ground experience show that increased human interaction has a direct positive impact on shelter animals, helping reduce anxiety, build trust, and improve behavior—especially among dogs. Regular walks, they noted, not only provide exercise but also help animals better connect with potential adopters by revealing their personalities.
Beyond direct animal care, volunteers also serve as community ambassadors, helping to raise awareness about adoption and encouraging broader participation in shelter programs.
“This campaign is about more than volunteering – it’s about who we are as a community,” Brightwell added. “We are asking Broward residents to show up and join the movement that changes lives.”
Broward County Animal Care says it offers flexible volunteer opportunities for individuals, families, students, and community groups, with no prior experience required—only a willingness to help.
