If you need a reason to get involved with the SPCA of Anne Arundel County, Volunteer and Foster Coordinator Kim Teter has the perfect answer.

“Where else can you go where 70 different dogs get beyond excited just because you’re there,” said Teter.

To coincide with National Volunteer Week, Patch has been writing about various organizations in Anne Arundel County that are seeking volunteers. The SPCA of Anne Arundel County, at 1815 Bay Ridge Ave. in Annapolis, is one of those groups.

“People love the greeting their pet gives them when they come home. Here that reaction is tripled or more,” Teter said.

While Teter discussed ways people can get involved, she showed off various pets, all of whom she knew by name. And each was happy to see her.

“I think the main reason people get involved is because of the appreciation they get from the animals,” she said.

The SPCA of Anne Arundel County has about 100 cats and 55 dogs available for adoption, and those numbers don’t include all the pets that are still being treated for various physical conditions, or the many rabbits, guinea pigs and other small animals. And all of them need the help of volunteers.

“There are lots of different ways people can get involved,” Teter said. “We have our dog walkers and cat cuddlers, but even people who want to help without being in contact with the animals are needed. We always need people to help in the office or return phone calls.”

Teter noted that each SPCA is a separate group.

“While we have a good working relationship with the SPCA of Maryland, we are separate and raise all our own funds,” she said.

Taking care of over 100 animals requires a lot of resources. The shelter is involved with from one to 20 adoptions a day, each with a cost that covers vaccines and spaying and neutering.

“If you adopt a pet here, you are getting all the medical stuff they need, including spaying and neutering, which can be very expensive,” Teter said. “It may be cliché, but these are all owner-surrendered animals that need a home and need someone who wants them. It is a great reason to adopt.”

One of the biggest concerns volunteers may have about getting involved with the SPCA is the bond they develop with the animals, which could make it difficult to see them leave.

“When you are here a lot, you get to the point where you know they are going to go to a home where someone wants them and you’re OK with that,” Teter said. “That’s not to say volunteers don’t have favorites. Especially when a certain pet has been here a long time, you start to see volunteers giving them extra attention. They try harder to get them adopted.”

One of the county SPCA's biggest fundraisers is coming up—the 21st annual Walk for the Animals. The walk is 8 a.m.-1 p.m. on April 29 at Quiet Waters Park in Annapolis.

“The walk is continuous, so you aren’t walking the whole time,” Teter said. “You can come do your walk and leave. And animals are welcome as long as they are leashed.”

If you want to help the SPCA but are short on time, they are always accepting donations. They have an ongoing wish list that you can access online.

Anyone interested in filling out an application to volunteer, or who wants more information on the Walk for the Animals should visit the SPCA of Anne Arundel County’s website, or stop by the shelter in Annapolis.