3 Hobbies for Animal Lovers

Spending time with animals can bring a lot of happiness to your life. The great thing is that you don’t even need to own pets to make this possible. Here are a few activities you can consider to spend more time with nature’s most wonderful creatures.

Horseback Riding

Many people enjoy horseback riding because you can do it competitively or recreationally. One of the most important things is to have proper equestrian gear. Without it, you can hurt yourself or the horses. There are plenty of places you can take on this endeavor as well. From state parks to dedicated horse ranches, you have a wide variety of options from day trips to committed clubs. Make sure you have an experienced guide or trainer to help you along the way.

Bird Watching

Nature is full of birds. Bird watching, or birding, is a hobby enjoyed by 47 million people around the United States, according to the National Audobon Society. It is a great way to get out into nature and get some exercise. While you can watch these winged wonders with the naked eye, you will be better served with a pair of binoculars. Be sure to acquire field guides and connect with other birders in your area.

Volunteering At an Animal Shelter

According to the ASPCA, 6.5 million companion animals are taken to animal shelters annually in the United States. Although it would be nice if this number were zero, that is not realistic at this point. The good news is that this offers plenty of opportunities to go hang out with the animals and help make them happy. Make sure you contact your local venue before showing up there. Each place may have different guidelines for new volunteers. Some set up strict time commitments. 

As you can see, there are more than enough ways to interact with animals without needing to own them. Figure out which ones are best for you and enjoy!

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