If you're feeling down, or just want to spend time with animals, consider volunteering at PRC
“Pure magic” is how Pete Horizny, a volunteer at Hillsborough County’s Pet Resource Center (PRC), describes the moment a PRC pet meets their forever family. Volunteering with PRC is a wonderful way to spend time with animals, help your community, and even boost your own mental wellbeing.
A research study in the Journal of Happiness found that the act of volunteering releases dopamine, a feel-good chemical in the brain linked to feelings of happiness and reward. Plus, spending time with animals is strongly associated with lower stress levels. A recent study found that spending just 10 minutes with cats and dogs can lower cortisol levels.
According to Pete, there's nothing like the unconditional love you get back from PRC pets. If you're feeling isolated, need a motivation boost, or just want to spend time with animals, consider volunteering at PRC.
There are PRC volunteer opportunities for every schedule, from fostering to helping at the shelter or even just taking a dog out for the day through PRC’s Adventure Tails program. For more information about PRC, visit HCFL.gov/pets.
Featured in this series:
- A Look at PRC and the Mental Health Benefits of Pets
- A Pet’s Positive Impact on Their Human’s Mental Health
- Pets Create Community and Companionship
Mindful Mondays
Mindful Mondays promotes different ways you can make your mental health a priority, despite having a busy schedule. From chair yoga virtual classes to tips on how to decompress after a long day, Hillsborough County's Mindful Mondays has various interactive resources for you to access, no matter the day or time. New content is updated on a continuing basis.