animal shelter?

Question

i am considering working at a animal shelter and i am curious if working at one is fun or sad. hoows the atmosphere?anything will help

Answer 1

I've volunteered for one... it's hard work... physically tiring and emotionally draining. You gain a whole new perspective on pets and pet ownership. You'll hear the same stupid excuses for why people are dumping the family pet over and over and over again... after a while, you want to slap people. Work there long enough and you'll even see the same people dumping pet after pet after pet.... they get them on whims and then dump them when the novelty wears off...
I remember one couple who dumped their lab claiming could not have pets in their new house... then came back 4 months later to dump a rat terrier due to allergies... uh huh. Then, I kid you not... they showed up the following year with a cocker spaniel and when I pulled their folder, it turns out they'd relinquished two other labs in the past... this one family dumped 5 dogs in less than 7 years! And you just KNOW they'll keep getting them.
You'll see the abuse cases, the rescues, the miriad of horrors that come out of puppy mills... you'll see the neglected and beaten... and there are days when you go home hating people... it can be the worst job in the world sometimes... but you know in your heart that someone has to be there to take them in... and someone has to be there to pet those sweet heads and hold those little bodies... and you sleep better knowing that even if only for a short time, they had someone truly care about them.

Answer 2

I volunteer my time at a local shelter in my area. It is both rewarding and sad.

The atmosphere depends on where you go, and which shelter or organization you decide to join.

Many times you get attached to the animals you work with, and it's sad to see them euthanized because no one is showing interest in adopting them, or because they are too sick or too aggressive to be put up for adoption.

Also, what do you plan on doing, and what animals do you want to work with?

Problem equines? Just cleaning kennels and feeding? Socializing kittens and puppies? Training dogs?

The possibilities are endless, and you should find an animal to work with and a job there at the shelter that fits your level of expertise and knowledge.

Answer 3

It's fun if you like interacting with animals and helping them with their problems and getting adopted into good homes. It's sad when you realize how many there are who won't find homes, and 3 dozen new ones just came in; where to put them? Which ones have to be killed to make room? That is the SAD part. I hear you get past it, it becomes routine and isn't as hard.

Answer 4

it will bring you into reality of how life at a shelter really is. it is very hard at times, but very rewarding. you will probably hate your job at times, but you have to know that you are doing your best in making the animals comfortable and adopting them out to great people. shelter pets always need someone who loves animals and is willing to work in conditions that arnt the best. if this sounds like you than go for it! hopefully you will save many lives and educate people and spay and neuter..

Answer 5

it would probly be a bit depressing if it's a kill shelter.
nicer at a no kill shelter... where you know the animals aren't being put down after a few days stay if they don't get adopted.
it can get stinky when the animals potty... if you can get used to that.
i think it's a great way to give to the animals and the community...
great job choice

Answer 6

i worked at one for a while doing volunteer.. it was very sad at times when a dogs time had run out.. yet it had its very rewarding times :) adopting out dogs, helping rehab the dogs who were scared.. playing with so many dogs.. i loved it,, kudos on you for considering it