There are many ways to spend your time as a volunteer in an animal shelter. Since I started volunteering last year, I have spent time cleaning and caring for cats and rabbits, caring for and walking small dogs and big senior dogs, putting blankets in big dog kennels when it gets cold, doing laundry, and assisting people who have questions about adopting the right animal. I’ve also gone to mobile pet adoptions off-site, like Toyota of Glendale’s Adopt a Pet Event and the NKLA Super Adoption to help get dogs adopted outside of the shelter. All of these things make a difference in the lives of animals, but the thing that I love most about volunteering is spending my time with the dogs in the dog hospital.
Why Is a Dog in a Hospital at the Shelter?
Dogs may be placed in the dog hospital rather than the main kennels for any number of reasons. Some dogs need medical care for skin conditions, dental disease, or heart murmurs, while others have limited vision, upper respiratory infections, or have recently given birth to puppies. Each dog has their own unique health situation requiring additional care and treatment. Dogs with temporary health issues who heal upon treatment are placed out in the main kennels where they are visible by the public.
Take Time and Be Careful
The veterinary staff and animal care technicians have important duties in the care of these animals. As a volunteer, I am in a position which I feel is very special. In addition to cleaning up their kennels and providing food and water, I get to use my time to provide the dogs with attention and affection.
Every visit to the dog hospital starts with me greeting the dogs and basically taking an inventory of who is there. Are there new dogs? Are any familiar dogs still there? What type of ailments do the dogs have and what limitations may they have as far as being handled or out of their cage? If I’m unsure, I check with the vet staff, which helps make sure that I’m not causing any harm to an animal, such as walking an animal that is on cage rest due to an injury.
Spending Time with Special Dogs
I know that these dogs are going through a lot. They are in an unfamiliar place, with people they don’t know, and they don’t feel well. It’s really important for me to give each of the dogs the chance to experience love and attention like they would in a home of their own. When I am spending time with a dog and they crawl into my lap and allow me to pet them while they relax, it’s a really special moment. I want every dog to have the chance to feel special, be held and pet, and be told that they are beautiful and good.
Depending on the health of the dog, I may take them outside for a while for some one-on-one time. Sometimes we take a walk, sit in the shade and snuggle, or I pet them while they lay in the sun. In some situations, we will stay in the dog hospital and just snuggle and eat treats. It all depends on how the dog is feeling.
Networking Makes a Difference
While I am with the dogs, I take pictures and video of them to share with shelter staff and to post on Instagram in an effort to network and find them a loving home or a rescue who can get them out of the shelter and continue getting them the medical treatments they need.
Goodbye and Good Luck!
I have been lucky enough to escort some of our hospital dogs to the cars of the rescuers, and wish them good luck in their future. It’s such a great feeling knowing that they will be getting the care they need, and being fostered or adopted into loving homes. It’s also very cool to be able to see updates from rescues and foster parents on Instagram of the dogs I’ve spent time with. Thanks to the kind people who take on the responsibility of caring for dogs who need extra help. This is where I ask anyone reading to please donate to rescue groups, such as A Purposeful Rescue, The Forgotten Dog Foundation, Infinite Love Animal Rescue, Home Fur Friends Rescue, Dogs Without Borders, K911 ResQ, or local rescues in your area who are making a difference in the lives of shelter animals.
Note: Each dog pictured above has been rescued or adopted.
Hospital Highlights
Click on the links below for information about medical dogs who are currently available for rescue and or adoption in Los Angeles.
Rescue All Dogs 