Re: Volunteering at Humane Society

SaRina · ‎04-17-2015

@chrystaltree wrote:
Taking dogs to car dealers?

Maybe Rover wants to buy a Rover ??

Moonchilde · ‎05-23-2010

@elated wrote:
@Marp wrote:
At our local Humane Society volunteers do everything from clean cages to helping at meet and greet adoption locations. There are a couple that are strictly kitty cuddlers or work the phone and desk because infirmities prevent them from doing other activities.

Even the staff at the Humane Society thrift shop are all volunteers and do everything from receiving donations, sorting, laundry, etc.
I use to volunteer at the Thrift Store and did not mind standing or putting out clothing on the racks. The place was so disorganized I had to explain to the other volunteers what to do. The manager was so not a good leader. The employees were so upset and distraught with the management that they were complaining. I stopped volunteering when we had a couple that came in and would clock in and eat for at least 45 minutes. They brought their lunch from McDonalds and ate. Other people had to clean up after them. This was so unfair because I would clock in and do my 2 hours as required. I enjoy volunteering. I guess I just need to find my niche.

I think part of the point of some posters is that they would like to, or wouldn't mind doing, more physical work but for physical reasons they can't, so although they want to volunteer, their options are limited. I'm in the same boat. All kinds of things I'd love to do, but I can't stand for more than 15-20 min., can only bend over for just so long, and am unable to kneel or get down on the floor. Nothing I can do about it. My opportunities are desk, phones, data entry, period.

Life without Mexican food is no life at all

Isobel Archer · ‎04-04-2015

I think when you volunteer you should know specifically what you will be required to do - before you start. This is not a paid job and people should not have to be surprised with unexpected tasks - and then be subject to criticism if they don't want to do something they never signed up for in the first place.

ciao_bella · ‎03-13-2010

My daughter, who is an adult, volunteers at the county SPCA as a cat socializer. She picks the days she wants and hours and they don't put any pressure on her for other jobs. She loves it!

Cinderella is proof that a new pair of shoes can change your life!

Isobel Archer · ‎04-04-2015

@ciao_bella wrote:
My daughter, who is an adult, volunteers at the county SPCA as a cat socializer. She picks the days she wants and hours and they don't put any pressure on her for other jobs. She loves it!

That sounds like a great job!

123SuzyQ123 · ‎03-09-2010

I think my heart would break if I worked with dogs that need to be adopted. I have loved and lost five of the most wonderful doggie pets that anyone could imagine. Three of them lived to be almost 16 years old!!

I would just not be able to leave them there in those cages when it came time to go home every day. So, I protect my heart by not going there.

Blessings to all who are stronger and braver than me. You guys who work with pets are heroes to me!

Meowingkitty · ‎06-19-2010

I used to volunteer at a local animal shelter and stopped because they always invited developmentally challenged teens and they made me nervous to be around them. I'm not what you would call "kid friendly". Any type of kid makes me uncomfortable. I also volunteered one other place when I worked because we would have volunteer week and we had to choose an organization. They had us sorting clothes and they wanted us to pull weeds. Mind you this was in the summer in Phoenix where the temps are well over 100 by 8:00 am. I just got discouraged.

PinkSunset · ‎09-01-2016

I'm going to jump in here because I have volunteered at several local shelters and humane societies. they depend on volunteers for everything. they don't have the funds to hire a lot of people so the volunteers are invaluable. Everyone who volunteers wants to walk the dogs or play with the kitties, Who wouldn't? But there are so many more things important to the animals as well.

They deserve and need clean cages, freshly washed towels and blankets, clean litter boxes, clean cages, socialization, someone to take them to adoption events who knows them and can "talk them up".

The reason they are now wanting people to take classes for dog walking is this. Many voluntters are way out of their league walking dogs, especially strong dogs. The staff at shelters identifies dogs that are strong, pullers, those who can easily drag you across the trails and so forth. I have seen volunteers who on a walk had to drop the leads because the dog started dragging them. Trust me, it is not easy to walk all those dogs. They are cooped up in a kennel for many hours and when they finally get their time to exercise, they have tons of pent up energy and can easily overwhelm a handler. But the classes they offer show people correct wsy to get them out of c ages, put on a halter, how to walk them properly and so forth. Dogs have actually run away and got lost from walkers when the walker couldn't handle it,

I think if you volunteer then you should know that the duties are going to be whatever they ask you, provided you are physically able. If you can't do any hard physical work, then of course tell them when you sign up and it will be their decision if they can use you for the lighter work.

Volunteering is so important for these animals. I also volunteered at Best Friends in Utah and walking those dogs through the desert is very taxing, but so worth it. Take the classes and in the meantime show them how valuable you are with doing other chores whle you are there.

Peaches McPhee · ‎04-19-2010

I have worked with volunteers, and as a volunteer, on and off for years. I think it is up to the volunteer to decide what job(s) they want to do. The agency can offer and ask, but it is not like they can force you into it.

Speak up, make your desires known. As long as they still need you in the capacity you are comfortable with, they will continue to be happy to have you.

-- pro-aging --

Rochester, New York

elated · ‎06-09-2010

@PinkSunset wrote:
I'm going to jump in here because I have volunteered at several local shelters and humane societies. they depend on volunteers for everything. they don't have the funds to hire a lot of people so the volunteers are invaluable. Everyone who volunteers wants to walk the dogs or play with the kitties, Who wouldn't? But there are so many more things important to the animals as well.

They deserve and need clean cages, freshly washed towels and blankets, clean litter boxes, clean cages, socialization, someone to take them to adoption events who knows them and can "talk them up".

The reason they are now wanting people to take classes for dog walking is this. Many voluntters are way out of their league walking dogs, especially strong dogs. The staff at shelters identifies dogs that are strong, pullers, those who can easily drag you across the trails and so forth. I have seen volunteers who on a walk had to drop the leads because the dog started dragging them. Trust me, it is not easy to walk all those dogs. They are cooped up in a kennel for many hours and when they finally get their time to exercise, they have tons of pent up energy and can easily overwhelm a handler. But the classes they offer show people correct wsy to get them out of c ages, put on a halter, how to walk them properly and so forth. Dogs have actually run away and got lost from walkers when the walker couldn't handle it,

I think if you volunteer then you should know that the duties are going to be whatever they ask you, provided you are physically able. If you can't do any hard physical work, then of course tell them when you sign up and it will be their decision if they can use you for the lighter work.

Volunteering is so important for these animals. I also volunteered at Best Friends in Utah and walking those dogs through the desert is very taxing, but so worth it. Take the classes and in the meantime show them how valuable you are with doing other chores whle you are there.

I would like to go up to the next level to walk the dogs but I have asked several times. I was told a class would be offered in January. We were required to take a training class on how to put on gentle leaders and chain collars,how to enter and leave the kennels and how to get the dogs to do what you want with treats. I have walked dogs that were on my level and pulled me and wanted to run. I would run with the dogs. I am in good physical health (70 years old) and can handle most dogs. I owned two pitbulls and never had a problem. I have never been afraid of large dogs, in fact, I prefer them. I do not need light work. I can walk/run 5-6 miles so I have no need to pare down my activities. I will need to re-think this decision.