Disappointed

[~Tucker&Me~]

I am really disappointed right now.
Today, I went to the local SPCA in the hopes of doing some volounteer work. I was really looking forward to it and bought a big bag of treats for both cats and dogs that I would donate. Anyhow, when I got there, my friend and I asked if we could pet the cats or visit the dogs. Now, I knew there wasn't much hope of visiting the dogs for safety reasons, but I thought I may as well try. So, the lady behind the desk told me that I wasn't allowed (in a somewhat brisk, possibley rude manner). I then asked her if we could clean out a cage, or help around the shelter for an hour (cleaning cages and stuff). In a louder voice, she told me no and glared at me until I left. I had totally forgotten about the bag of treats until just as I was walking out the door she said, "Aren't those for the animals here?". In shock and angry, I handed her the treats and left.
I am 14, so I understand them being cautious about letting us in with animals, but the fact that they wouldn't let us even clean out a cage??? Or pet the cats?
And the lady was quite rude to me.
I really want to help, but it's hard when they are so unfriendly.
Grrrrr.
Sorry, I just needed to get that off my chest.

~Tucker

 

[Swiftwind]

Ugh I hate people like that, they really have no reason to be rude, especially towards someone young like you. There are better ways of saying that they don't need more volunteers or can't allow you to help out there. It was nice of you to still hand over the treats, but if I was you I would have said something to the lady.. although I'd probably never want to go back there again if I did!

 

[brock23]

Show them you are not some little kid and you should be taken seriously. Write a letter explaining your desire to help out around there to the director/head of your local SPCA.

 

[tempura tantrum]

Hey there-

I know what you're talking about in terms of being frustrated at not being able to volunteer. At 14 I definitely felt I was mature enough to be volunteering at my local Humane Society, but I had to wait until I was 16 to do so.

While the woman's rather terse manner wasn't called for, there was a good reason behind the fact that they didn't let you clean the cages. Most animal shelters require their volunteers to fill out a great deal of paperwork, and take several orientation classes before volunteering. This is done for not only for your safety and health (as well as that of the animals), but to reduce the risk of incidences that could get them sued.

They need to know that their volunteers have a basic understanding of the tasks required of them, know all protocols (most humane organizations have a specific way they want you to do everything- from cleaning, to handling dogs, to transferring animals from one room to another, to bathing, etc.) Without having been through an orientation, you wouldn't know this protocol.

If you had been bitten by a dog while cleaning cages or visiting the animals, the shelter could easily have been sued. A lawsuit is the last thing any shelter wants to be spending its money on. The forms I was required to fill out (complete with references, background checks, etc.) protect them from that sort of liability.

There is hope though- some programs allow you to come volunteer with a parent or guardian. There's others that let you organize it through school groups as well. Next time you go to the shelter, go up to the front desk and ask if they have any information for people who would like to volunteer. You might be able to find such information on the web too- both the shelters I volunteer at have websites.

Good luck and don't despair- it's great that you want to volunteer, so just stick with it, you'll get in somehow!

 

[~Tucker&Me~]

I know where you are coming from Tempura Tantrum.
I wasn't really meaning DOG cages, more along the line of hamsters and guinea pigs, LOL.
I wish they would let me pet the cats though .
My local SPCA, doesn't normally let people in with the dogs, and I respect that.
*sigh*

~Tucker

 

[moxiegrl]

You should be able to volunteer. Call ahead and ask about their volunteer programs, and you will probably have to get a parent to sign, or even go in to talk to the director about it. Dont give up though, most shelters need all the help they can get.

 

[~Tucker&Me~]

Swiftwind: I was in shock, so I didn't really think about the treats. Either way though, I probably would have given them to her.
Besides, I knew the dogs would still enjoy them, and that was what I wanted.

~Tucker

 

[Swiftwind]

Swiftwind: I was in shock, so I didn't really think about the treats. Either way though, I probably would have given them to her.
Besides, I knew the dogs would still enjoy them, and that was what I wanted.

~Tucker

It's a very nice gesture. I agree with either writing to them or phoning them up (or both) and letting them know that you would like to volunteer. You never know, they might take you on when you're on your summer holidays (if you arn't already).

 

[Dreeza]

i know what you mean...just understand that the lady is working, or volunteering, and either way, she probably isnt getting paid enough, or getting a lot of respect.

I am a dog walker at my humane society, and like tempura said, i had to go through an orientation and fill out paperwork.

If you want to pet the kitties...you just need to get a pass (at least its how mine works), and fill out a form, like you are gonna adopt one. They told us in the orientation that they have tons of people coming in with no intention of adopting a pet...they just want to play with a cat, or walk a dog or something. They dont care at all. They just need your info, so you dont go stealing one

 

[Carolyn]

Well done for wanting to volunteer

I have volunteered at shelters and farms, and it is hard work but very rewarding. Please don't let this discourage you from trying again. You could always write a polite letter to the manager of the shelter explaining what happened, and that you were very upset at the rudeness of the person. You don't have to give any names.

Put in your letter, that you are very keen to help out, and was just a tad offended by the persons attitude. Also state that you would really appreciate being notified if any help is needed, as you would be there immediately to help


Good luck

 

[taratippy]

Well done for wanting to help out and please dont be put off. Im not sure if the same rules apply over there but here volunteers have to be over the age of 16 by law to work in shelters, its a health and safety thing.

 

[Caninegirl]

Ugh, how rude.
We need more people like you and less of people like her!