Beaufort County has become a haven for retirees, who make the transition south, east, even north for the affordable real estate, access to the rivers, low property taxes and low cost of living. With retirement, comes time — time to do all the things a person wanted to do had they had more time. In Beaufort County, there are plenty of things to do with newfound time, but primary among them is volunteering.

Beaufort County’s many nonprofits rely on the help of their friends. From the resale store that raises funds for the domestic violence shelter and the group that supplements the library’s services, to senior center entertainers and those stocking the shelves at the local food pantry, there are plenty of opportunities to volunteer.

But for those who have a lifelong love of animals, there might just be a good fit at the Betsy Bailey Nelson Animal Control Facility. Last Saturday, staff and volunteer-drive organizers invited potential helpers over to see the place. They’re looking for volunteers ages 13 and up; those who’d be interested in helping out with the daily care of the strays and surrenders that come through the shelter — dogs and puppies, cats and kittens, pigs, birds, rabbits and pocket pets. With 28 dog runs and 31 cat cages, some of them housing multiple animals, there are plenty of potential pets to take care of.

After 15 hours of donated time, level 1 volunteers can graduate from primarily cleaning and feeding to level 2 hands-on work, including socialization, bathing and one-on-one time with the animals. Volunteers can be asked to help at special events: rabies clinics, adoption and education events.

If any animal lover has time on their hands, perhaps those hands could be put to work for the animals of the shelter. They need all the help they can get.

Volunteer orientation is held every third Saturday of the month, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. For more information about the volunteer program, call program director and animal control Officer Sally Midyette at 252-946-4517 or volunteer liaison Stacy Pack at 252-943-7225.