While visiting "The Pelican Man Wild Bird Sanctuary" in the Tampa/St.
Pete area last month, I was thrilled to see a plaque proclaiming that
the founder of this unique bird sanctuary had been awarded a "Point of
Light" from former president George W. Bush. This meant that it wasn't
just those volunteering for human causes that were recognized, but that
those in service to animals were finally getting the recognition they so
richly deserve.
But we know that "animal" people don't volunteer for
recognition, prizes or other "stuff"; we do it for the love of the
animals. If you have decided to volunteer at your local animal shelter
or county facility, or if you are looking for avenues for volunteering
for the good of the animals, then take heart, this article is for you!
First, there are many ways in which you can use your
talents for the good of the animals. Some of the more common ways, of
course, are simply showing up at your local shelter and/or county
facility and volunteering to walk a dog or two, get him/her out of the
cage for a little while. I promise you, the look in the eyes of a
captive dog when you approach with a lead is a very rewarding
experience! Not so much a dog person? Cats always love grooming and
brushing and playing with catnip toys. Some shelters have initiated "Big
Brother" programs where you can take a dog or cat just for the day, and
bring him back before close of business. This is a great outlet for dogs
in cages..... take her for a run on the beach or a session of playing
ball in a fenced park. These programs work wonders for getting these
animals adopted as well. More people will get to see them, and they will
be at their best when at play. Activity will also tire dogs out
somewhat, so that they don't act quite so anxious when people come to
visit the shelter.
You may decide to become a full-time volunteer, coming
in at pre-set hours and taking on specific responsibilities. Here are
some important points to remember if you are to work as an animal
shelter or foster program volunteer.
* Anyone who has ever had to make decisions for the
lives of animals knows that this process is a deeply emotional one.
Accept this as a fact and remember it when offering your opinions. Do
not engage in arguments over policy with the workers. Most often, these
policies are born of many years of experience.
* Each shelter has its' own "personality". Keep in mind
that all animal shelters have the best intentions of the animals in
mind, but still, sometimes euthanasia is a necessary option.
* If a member of the public poses a question to which
you have no answer, don't guess. Many volunteers, trying to be helpful,
guess at answers, which could lead to misinformation and ensuing public
relations nightmares. Always ask a staff member if you don't know an
answer.
* Do the best you can and try to enjoy your time with
the animals. Burn out is as much a problem with volunteers as it is with
paid staff. Try not to engage in or encourage gossip about other
volunteers, staff or directors, because if you cause dissension among
the ranks, you may very well be asked to leave!
* ..... Another note on volunteering within a shelter
organization: There are always things to do. If you see a crate that has
urine in it, or a dog that needs to be walked, a water bowl that needs
to be filled, or a litter box that needs to be cleaned, pitch in and do
it! Don't walk over to a staff member and point it out, expecting them
to drop everything and take care of it. Just do it! Many times,
volunteers will complain to the management, the public or even the
media! This could result in lost income for the shelter from people who
won't donate now because of what a volunteer has said! This hurts the
animals directly and does nothing for staff morale. Resist the urge to
complain about minor things left undone, just do them. Of course, if you
witness overt signs of animal abuse, hitting a dog or something of that
nature, be sure to speak up, but do so within the organization first.
* One last thing, remember that sometimes, the
"processing" of an animal just coming into a shelter can look very cruel
and punishing. A frightened animal is coming into a strange place, being
handled by another species (humans), where the smell of death and
illness is heavy in the air. They are restrained, poked with needles and
fecal sticks, and they are prodded as shelter workers search for spay
scars or intact testicles. This is a difficult thing to watch for a
novice shelter worker or volunteer. The thing is, getting an idea of the
general health of the animal is a very necessary precaution not only for
the incoming animal, but for the resident animals, the staff and
volunteers as well. It isn't a pretty sight, so if you aren't ready for
it, perhaps you can find another area in which to serve.
* If you can't bear to work 'hands-on" with the shelter
animals, remember that there are always other functions: answering lost
and found calls, stuffing envelopes, offering to work at a community
event handing out information and other administrative or committee
duties. Foster-care centered rescue groups take animals to places like
PetsMart and other outlets for showing animals looking for permanent
homes. They are always looking for volunteers to work a Saturday or
Sunday accepting applications for homeless animals. These groups
frequently have fund-raisers, garage sales and other events the success
of which relies on volunteers.
* Also, look into wildlife rescue facilities, they
usually have volunteer-run gift shops and thrift stores. Wildlife
hospital facilities have animals in rehabilitation and not "looking for
homes" as the shelter animals are. You won't be tempted to "take them
all home" or feel so sorry for them when you leave.
If you are allergic to animals, as I am, you can still
help them by getting on all the action alert lists that you can and
writing, writing, writing letters. Letter-writing campaigns are the
single most effective method of getting activists from around the
country and around the world to concentrate on the current issues at
hand. Not so long ago, Animal Rights Online asked that you write to
Subway thanking them for their veggie delite subs; or to Plow and
Hearth, thanking them for stopping the manufacturing of a shockingly
cruel device designed to kill mice. Since websites and e-mail addresses
are almost always included in these calls to action, one only needs to
take a minute or two to get the letter out. In writing letters, be sure
to keep your letters short, polite and right to the point. Something as
simple as "Dear Senator, please vote yes on bill xyz, the bill to stop
animal fur trade, thank you, signed so and so". You see, the politicians
and big-shot CEO's don't really read this mail, their administrative
support personnel does, and they simply report what the main point of
the letters are anyway. So you may as well keep it simple. Or consider
attending an animal-rights demonstration in your area. Not the
"demonstrator type"? So write a letter of support for the demonstrators
to the editor of the local paper. Every little voice for the animals
makes a difference.
Remember that your motives are for the animals. So many
volunteers who work fund-raising functions such as Dog Washes or Dog
Walks expect free t-shirts, free lunch tickets and more. While these are
nice little incentives, remember that the money spent on these niceties
is money taken away from the animals. Do it for the animals, not the
"stuff". Letters or certificates of appreciation; or your name mentioned
in a newsletter is never too much to ask however, because you can and
should list your experience on your resume. Volunteer activities count
when listing employment skills!
So get started today! Call your local advocates and get
involved. Make a difference for the animals who need your voice and your
talents, as only you can give!
Go on to
Vegetarian Union of North America's Vegetarian Food Fair
Return to 13 October 1999 Issue
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