What to Expect when Volunteering at an Animal Shelter
Would you like to help homeless animals in your area? One way is to volunteer at a local animal shelter, thus freeing up paid employees for other tasks. Working or volunteering in an animal shelter isn’t for everyone, but if you love animals and think you can handle all the eager faces behind the cages, then sign up. Here’s what you can expect.
1. Volunteer orientation. There’s a lot of training that needs to take place before you work with the animals. Jobs working directly with the animals like dog walking, cat grooming, or socialization will require more hours of training than stuffing envelopes for fund raising. During your orientation, you will be given a tour of the building. You’ll see where different kinds of animals are housed. The majority will be up for adoption but some may be quarantined for illness or observation. You’ll be taught how to sanitize your hands and shoes before and after entering the animal areas. You’ll see the exam rooms (the euthanasia room only if you want to), the lobby, pet adoption counseling areas, exercise areas, staff offices, etc.
Depending on your area of interest, you’ll be given specific training. Each shelter has specific rules for working with animals to guarantee their safety and yours. For example, if you want to be a dog walker, you’ll be shown how to correctly attach the leash and collar. Note: many shelters do not allow “choke chain” collars so it is important that you only volunteer to walk dogs that you can control. You’ll be given training about how to deal with the public. Your role will always be one of goodwill toward the shelter – not as someone giving your own opinion.
2. New friends. The animal care community is a tight one. You’ll make animal buddies but also human friends. You’ll be amazed at the dedication of staff working on low salaries and often dipping into their own pockets to provide medical care for an animal in need. You’ll meet other volunteers and you’ll get to participate in volunteer banquets where your efforts will be recognized.
3. Heartfelt emotion. Many say they can’t work in an animal shelter because it’s too sad. You will have to find balance between joy and sadness. You will grieve for animals that can’t be saved, but you’ll also be witness to many happy adoptions. Along the way, you’ll need to set limits for yourself so you’re not tempted to adopt too many animals on your own. If your home has room for an extra furry body or two, enjoy your additions. But, if adding animals is going to stress your current pets or your pocketbook, then work toward realizing that you can’t save every animal you meet.
4. Controversy. In your conversations outside the shelter, you may need to be their defender on policies like euthanasia, fees for adoption, and length of time animals are held. Listen closely to the policies of the shelter. Even if you don’t agree, find a diplomatic way to express their philosophy.
5. Fund raising. Animal shelters always need money. As a volunteer, you will have opportunities to participate in fundraisers such as Dog Walks with pledges, Animal Fairs, and many others. This is another fun way to help your animal shelter by providing extra hands.
Most of all, volunteering at an animal shelter will provide you with a sense of accomplishment. If you go to sleep at night imagining all the heartbeats of animals in their cages, visualize the petting and encouragement you have given them that day. Because of you, their tails may wag a little harder. Because of you, their fur is well-brushed. Because of you, they will truly have a chance of finding a forever home.
