Re: Volunteering at Humane Society

Moonchilde · ‎05-23-2010

@RipleyGirl wrote:
@elated wrote:
I do love walking the dogs but if you are not a certain level, there are very few dogs that you can walk. One time when I came in to walk the dogs, there were only four or five dogs. So, you have other volunteers that are on your level and there is no way you can walk the same dogs every half hour or so. I have asked over and over how they rate the dogs. I used to walk one dog every week and he was at my level. The next week he was rated at a different level so I could not walk him. This dog was very gentle and was no problem. They have done this on many occasions and it did not make any sense to me. I have asked the full time employees why it changed and the answers were very vague. One time they had the small dogs (10 lbs and under) on a level above mine. I asked and was told some of the dogs were acting up. This was very disappointing. I have asked if I could give the dogs water and was told someone else would do it. One time the water was spilled in the kennel and I asked to clean it up. They told me it would be ok and not to bother. I have taken dirty blankets out of the kennel and replaced them with clean blankets. I don't mind helping but it is not encouraged.
@ elated wrote:

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.
I think I see what you're saying now. I walked dogs at my humane society for a few years and I remember some frustration. It can be difficult when you truly love animals to see things happening that you feel aren't in the animals' best interest. Unfortunately, I think like any agency/company, there's bureaucracy at play and, like any other place, employees who aren't particularly effective.

I've only read a bit about this, but I know some humane societies try to implement a "best practices" type set up. There's some well-known trainers that offer courses to humane societies in this area. From what I've seen, there's disagreement amongst trainers about some of the practices. Maybe this is what is happening at your HS. It could even be an insurance issue.

None of that can take away your frustration of course. One of the things that did help me was something my husband always said "Remember who you're doing this for - the animals." That being said, if you're asked to do something you're not comfortable with (for whatever reason), I still think you should stick to your guns.

And depending on the size of the town/city there is probably more than one shelter run by others, or perhaps in a nearby town. If so, the OP might well find one with a different POV on this and other issues. It's not like the Humane Society is the one and only.

Life without Mexican food is no life at all

Andreatoo · ‎04-04-2014

I signed up as a volunteer and did the orientation with a friend of mine.

I found it to be incredibly disorganized and the days I was avaiilable so were 100 others standing around twiddling their thumbs!

I did do a couple of adoption events but on a weekly basis there's no one to delegate duties nor does the volunteer coordinator answer ANY emails....

My friend, who I originally signed up with, is retired so she goes on the one day the facility is closed so she's not dealing with the old timers that think they're in charge and she actually feels like shes accomplishing something for the animals...

They also have volunteers at the county shelter but that takes a stronger individual than myself. I asked the volunteer who was assisting when I adopted my Fiona how she did it knowing their imminent demise if not adopted and she said helping them get adopted made it that much sweeter.....

I couldn't do it but I do adopt from there because I know I'm literally saving a life..