Three rescue kittens snuggle together in their pen.
Photo Credit: Eden Yacovetti
Volunteering opportunities in West Palm Beach are endless, and helping animals is one of the most easily accessible and fun options. Palm Beach Atlantic University students are required to complete 45 hours of community service per year. Students fulfill workship to benefit the local community and improve themselves.
Justin Bartlett Animal Rescue is located on Southern Blvd. in Royal Palm Beach. It is a twenty-two-minute drive from PBA’s campus, making it an easy option for students seeking volunteer hours. This organization provides a perfect opportunity for volunteers to walk dogs, prepare animals for adoption, and help at events.
“It broke my heart how each puppy and kitten wanted to be held and played with; four volunteers were not enough!” said Frances Pozo, a PBA student.
Pozo volunteered at Bartlett to help socialize the puppies and kittens who were available and waiting for their forever homes. She was attracted to this volunteering opportunity because of its easy application process.
To volunteer at Justice Bartlett Animal Rescue, simply fill out the volunteer sign-up form on the organization’s website. It is open seven days a week and hosts numerous events throughout the Palm Beach area.
Sofia Smith, another PBA student, volunteered with the kittens. She was excited by the idea of fulfilling her volunteer hours while also getting to play with fun-loving animals.
“Having the opportunity to come and help out at an animal shelter is emotional,” says Sofia Smith. “It was hard to see the animals in a small enclosed space. Being able to interact with them was heartwarming.”
According to the News in Health, studies have found that animals can help reduce loneliness, boost students' moods, and increase feelings of social support. All of these elements are crucial to having a productive and thriving college environment, making Bartlett the perfect outlet to provide students with a great opportunity to boost their academic success.
By Eden Yacovetti
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