More and more often it seems people don’t have the same amount of time they once did. Work has taken over, or maybe family commitments have gotten in the way, but one thing is clear: people no longer have the time to own a pet.

This doesn’t mean they don’t want a pet, at least not for all people in this situation. It just means they don’t have the time to share with a furry friend, such as feeding the animal, walking it, and giving it the attention it needs. If anything, by making the choice to not buy a pet, this can be seen as a responsible sacrifice.

But that doesn’t mean you can’t still enjoy animals. Here are some ways you can do so without ever owning a pet.

1. Volunteer at a local animal shelter.

If you have the time to volunteer at your local animal shelter, you should do it. This is a very rewarding experience as you will get to see the animals up close and personal and help take care of them. It’s a great way to socialize with other animal lovers too.

To get involved, you should contact your local animal shelter and inquire about their volunteer program. There might be a waiting list to become a volunteer, but it will be worth the wait.

But if you don’t have the time to dedicate yourself to volunteering, you can buy the shelter supplies to look after the animals. Including products like cat or dog food, blankets, toys for all breeds and ages, etc. is a fantastic idea; it shows your care, even if you can’t physically be there.

2. Go for walks in nature.

One of the best ways to appreciate animals is to go for walks in nature. This way, you can see animals in their natural habitat and get a better understanding of how they live.

If you don’t live near any nature trails, you can always go to your local park. Chances are, you will see some animals there as well. This is a perfect way to spot creatures other than the domesticated breeds that some people choose to keep as pets; you might see squirrels, birds, ducks, and more.

3. Visit a zoo or aquarium.

Zoos and aquariums are great places to learn about animals. You can see a variety of animals from all over the world, and some of them are very rare. Zoos and aquariums also have educational programs that can teach you a lot about the animal kingdom.

It might be an even better idea to visit a charity-run establishment, or maybe even find an animal reserve that saves animals from horrible situations around the world.

4. Become a pet sitter.

If you love animals but can’t have one of your own, why not become a pet sitter? This way, you can spend time with animals and get paid for it. It’s a win-win situation.

To get started, you can sign up with a pet sitting website or app. Once you create a profile, you can start applying to jobs. Make sure to read the requirements for each job carefully so that you know you can handle it.

5. Watch animal videos online.

There are endless videos of animals online, and they can be really entertaining. You can find videos of cute animals, funny animals, and even educational animal videos.

If you’re looking for something specific, you can probably find a video of it. For example, if you want to see a video of a cat playing the piano, you can find one. The same goes for videos of dogs, birds, lions, and any other animal you can think of.

6. Go on safari.

If you really want to see some animals up close, you can always go on safari. This is a once in a lifetime experience, and you will get to see some of the most amazing animals on the planet.

Of course, safaris can be expensive, so this might not be an option for everyone. But if you can afford it, it’s definitely worth it.

7. Listen to animal sounds.

There are many recordings of animal sounds available online. You can listen to them to relax, or even to fall asleep. It’s a great way to connect with nature, even if you’re indoors.

Some people even find that listening to animal sounds helps them concentrate and feel more productive. So if you’re looking for a way to boost your productivity, give it a try.

8. Read books about animals.

If you want to learn more about animals, you can always read books about them. There are many books available on all kinds of animals, from the popular to the obscure.

You can read about their habitat, their diet, their behavior, and more. Reading about animals is a great way to gain a better understanding of them.

9. Draw or paint animals.

Another great way to appreciate animals is to draw or paint them. This is a great way to express your creativity, and you can make some really beautiful art.

You don’t have to be a great artist to do this. Just grab a piece of paper and a pencil, or some paints, and start creating. You might be surprised at what you can create.

10. Donate to animal charities.

If you want to help animals but don’t have the time to dedicate to them, you can always donate to animal charities. There are many charities that help animals in need, and your donation can make a difference.

Or, if exotic animals are more interesting to you, you can sponsor an animal. Many charities have this option, and it comes with some unique perks, like a cuddly toy of your animal, monthly updates, facts and information on your animal, and more.

So there you have it, 10 ways to enjoy animals without ever owning a pet. This is perfect for growing families, busy workers who’re barely home, or college students who’d like a bit of companionship.

Give these ideas a try and see how you feel!