I am going to put in an application, but I want to know what it will be like. Here is the link to the shelter and I am really thinking about the kennel assistant or canine specialist.
http://kearneyhumane.com/volunteer.html
2007-02-24 11:25:50 · 10 answers · asked by nedoglover 4 in Pets ➔ Dogs
I was a shelter volunteer for three months before I got a job there. I was a cat room volunteer, front desk volunteer and a dog walker.
I am now the health and housing coordinator of that same humane society. I basically oversee the care of all the animals.
Working in the kennels is by far the most demanding job physically. We have a power spraying system and it can do a number on your shoulder and back. Working directly with the dogs can be challenging. Not every dog is nice, not every dog has manners, not every dog is good around men/women/other animals. I've been lunged at, growled at, urinated on, deficated on, vomited on- you name it! I've been screamed at by angry abusive pet owners.
That being said, working at a humane society has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. I get to work with animals, get a chance to educate the public, rehome animals into their new forever homes, work with other people who believe in the same things I do. I've been hugged by families who are excited to be bringing home a new animal. I get thank you cards and up-dated pictures of almuni. I've brought home many special needs critters who are members of my own family. I've been thanked by that abused dog that just needed patience and understanding (lick on the hand)
The one thing you have to realize, when you work for a non-profit organization like a humane society, it's not for the money!!
2007-02-24 11:47:57 · answer #1 · answered by paris26 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
It is extremely rewarding.... I volunteer at an animal shelter here in Australia and I love it. You will have some days that may get you down when you see what people are capable of doing to animals and how some people dismiss them without a thought, but you have to remember that your not one of them and you and the organisation that you work for are now going to give that animal the best possible chance for a great life. Give it a go.... you may just love it.
P.S. If working at the shelter is not for you then there are other options such as fostering in your own home etc.
Good Luck :)
2007-02-24 11:37:01 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
I volunteer and it is very rewarding. Sad sometimes. But the employees are under paid and not enough people working there, so they really need help. You can do anything from cleaning cages and the shelter, washing bowels, walking and playing with the animals, brushing and cutting nails and many other things that need done. I only get a chance to go once a week but would like to go more.
2007-02-24 12:31:48 · answer #3 · answered by manetna2 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Very satisfying and heartbreaking, you cannot help but get attached to some if not all the animals, you feel their pain and take such joy in their unconditional love. You will feel sad for the pain some of them have had. What a wonderful thing for you do do. Good luck and try not to take too many home. You sound like you have a good heart. There is also the nasty part like cleaning kennels, but that comes with the territory.
2007-02-24 11:33:09 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
What a great help it will be! I've volunteered and fostered animals for our local shelter for several years and it is really really rewarding. Sometimes you'll see dogs that you've worked with around town with their new family and I'll ask them if they got them from the shelter. It's really cool to see that a dog you helped teach sit or helped walk or bathe got a new home. It's sad that you cannot help all of them, but for the ones that you can help, it makes all the difference. See the story below.
2007-02-24 11:31:42 · answer #5 · answered by Cave Canem 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I volunteer for an All-Breed dog rescue. It is wonderful. The animals are great, it's a very positive experience. It's a wonderful gift you can give to all the animals, and they appreciate it more than you know. Way to go!!!
2007-02-24 11:39:51 · answer #6 · answered by Mommy2myangelMark 4 · 3⤊ 0⤋
It's great! I hjave been volunteering for about one year now. It's great to work with the dogs, and I love seeing the faces of owners when the find their dogs, or when someone adopts one. It realy gives you a sense of accoplishment.(sp?) It's the best. Hope you have fun!
2007-02-24 11:36:44 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
having fun with animals i guess
2007-02-24 11:30:30 · answer #8 · answered by ♥Tingting♥ 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋
girl take the job ok
2007-02-24 11:37:33 · answer #9 · answered by lenasha a 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋
very sad
2007-02-24 14:09:33 · answer #10 · answered by bobbyrios25 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋