11 Tips for New Cincinnati Animal CARE Volunteers

Advice from CAC Volunteers about Volunteering at the Hamilton County Animal Shelter
Volunteering at Cincinnati Animal CARE (CAC) is a rewarding experience, but it comes with its unique challenges and memorable moments. We know it can be intimidating to start volunteering at a county animal shelter. To help new volunteers get started, we’ve gathered sage advice from our seasoned volunteers. Here’s what our amazing volunteers have to say:
Practical Tips for New Volunteers
Theres are many volunteer opportunities if you don’t want to physically come and volunteer at the shelter. But if you do come to the shelter, be prepared for all the sights, sounds and smells. We promise – you do get used to it!
- Dress Wisely:
- “Don’t wear white shoes. Don’t wear clothes or shoes that you love.”
- “Make sure you get some ‘dog walking shoes’ because you will step in poop at some point.”
- “Never wear good shoes! Non-slip shoes are a must.”
- Be Prepared for Smell:
- “You will be covered in literal poop and feel like you might never get the smell out of your nose. You get used to it!”
- “You get used to the smells. Sort of.”
- “Faux leather (plastic) shoes CAN go in the washing machine! My husband is not as enamored with the smell as I am!”
- Bring Essentials:
- “Bring hand sanitizer. You will touch poop.”
- “Have a poop bag already opened and ready. And don’t bother to shower first.”
- “Walk group: your arms will hurt! Bring water and good shoes.”
Emotional Insights
Volunteering in animal welfare can be emotionally draining – we all have good days and not so good days. But when you become a CAC volunteer, you’re joining a seasoned group of animal welfare volunteers that have your back.
- Give it Time:
- “Give it some time—this can actually be life-changing and you will not regret it.”
- “Take your time, ask questions, go at your own pace. Slow is better when starting out. You being there is what counts.”
- Embrace the Rollercoaster:
- “Expect to laugh, cry, stink, sweat, and love!”
- “Be prepared to cry. Tears are a part of the gig. Some of them will be crush your soul kind of tears, but some of them will also be because you’re so ridiculously happy! Animal welfare is an emotional rollercoaster.”
- Lean into the Community:
- “Lean into the community. You may be volunteering for the animals, but there are people all around you with the same goal in mind: help save lives and enrich the lives of the animals we care for.”
- “Don’t be afraid of the other volunteers! They all are there to help. Ask questions and ask for help if needed. We all are there for the same reason. And they are all nice. Even if they look focused and mean, they are not!”
Focus on Flexibility and Fun
Your volunteer journey is ultimately about YOU. Focus on the impact you want to make and make sure you’re taking care of yourself along the way.
- Stay Flexible:
- “Just go with the flow! All the animals at CAC are unique, which can make them unpredictable, but that’s why we love them! At the end of the day, what matters is the love and care that you give to all the animals at CAC, because it makes their day every time.”
- Find Your Niche:
- “I think people think volunteering is this huge commitment. There are literally hundreds of ways to help and everything helps! Can only stop by for an hour? great, walk a few dogs or make some enrichment! Are you far from the shelter? There are remote opportunities like bio writing, admin assistance, and marketing/social media. Prefer to talk to people? Fundraising and Adoption Events are your way to go. There is something for everyone.”
- Keep Your Sense of Humor:
- “You will get used to the smell. It’s funny, but when I’ve been away for a while and come back, that smell actually feels like happiness. Corny but true!”
- “Try to maintain a sense of humor and remember why you’re here. But if you need to take a break, take a break! We have to take care ourselves in order to take care of the animals.”
Encouragement and Inspiration
When you volunteer with Cincinnati Animal CARE, you’re a part of our team. Between our staff, volunteers and foster base – we have a group of amazing animal welfare advocates in Hamilton County who will inspire you every day!
- Stay Positive and Lead by Example:
- “Focus on those around you fighting the good fight. Keep your chin up and lead by example.”
- “Be an advocate for the dogs, the shelter, the staff, and the volunteers. Educate others rather than scold them.”
- “Keep an open mind, and lead with compassion. It likely will not look like you expected, or operate the way you feel it should, but most people are doing their very best with very little gas in the tank.”
- Remember the Impact:
- “Understand that one of the hardest parts of all is the apathy of others. Focus on the love and care you give to all the animals at CAC, because it makes their day every time.”
- “Keep an open mind, and lead with compassion. A kind word goes a long way. Animal welfare is messy.”
- “Eventually you will cry, feel completely overwhelmed, feel like people are rotten, and want to scream. All of that is okay. Everyone who has spent time in animal welfare understands. You’ll get through it and you’ll be a better person for it.”
Volunteers make a difference!
Volunteering at CAC is a journey filled with challenges, joys, and meaningful connections. Whether you’re handling adorable kittens, taking dogs on day trips, or simply providing a comforting presence, your efforts make a world of difference. As our volunteers have shared, it’s an experience that can change your life and the lives of the animals you help. So, take a deep breath, put on those non-slip shoes, and get ready to make a difference! Ready to take the first step? Sign up to volunteer with CAC today!