Since becoming a volunteer at a local animal shelter I have been working with small animals (cats, rabbits, etc.) to learn how the shelter operates. I have been familiarizing myself with the layout of the facility, adoption process, how to read kennel cards (super important) and general understanding of the shelter. In the past weeks, I have spent my weekends doing all kinds of things, including:
- Hauling, washing, drying, and folding laundry for dogs and cats (donations of linens are always appreciated!)
- Cleaning litter boxes and cat cages
- Providing food, water, blankets, and toys to cats and kittens
- Helping people try to find their lost cats
- Showing people where to find rabbits and dogs
- Introducing cats to potential adopters
- Showing people where the office is so that they can adopt or ask questions
- Separating newspapers
- Restocking and organizing supplies
- Updating notebooks with cat information to inform potential adopters about behavior
- Getting to know other volunteers and supervisors
- Learning about training involved for additional volunteer opportunities
- Interacting with the public and answering all types of questions about discounts, how to introduce “new” pets to “old” pets, and how to choose the right animal to take home
While some of these things may sound mundane, knowing that what I am doing is improving the lives of these animals feels amazing. To provide a clean living environment for a cat, with a little blanket and some yummy wet food, then giving them some snuggles makes a difference for them and for me.
Sensory Overload
There are plenty of sights and sounds to get used to when you’re at a shelter. Lots of noise and lots of smells. Dogs barking, cats meowing, and roosters crowing can be overwhelming, but to be honest, when I’m pulling up to the parking lot and hear those dogs, I just get excited. I’ve waited all week to see them and it’s finally time! The smells on the other hand, I think we can all do without. That’s what volunteers are for. I’m sure that the animals would like all that mess cleaned up, and that’s part of what we do to make their time more pleasant until they find their forever homes.
Learning and Growing
Each time I am at the shelter, I ask lots of questions and am glad to get information from long-term volunteers and staff. The more I observe and volunteer, the more I learn and the more confident I become in my abilities.
I know that the shelter gets busy and that by asking supervisors where I am most needed that day ensures that important tasks get completed. For example, sometimes there are more than enough volunteers in the cat room, so that is a great time to fill up water jugs, check on the laundry, or see if there are any animals that need to be transported from receiving to a holding area.
What’s Next?
I am still new so there is plenty for me to discover at the shelter. As I get more experience and training I will be able to take on more responsibility and more options will become available to me. Next up is small dog walking class!
Rescue All Dogs 