Y12 Olivia Lau - Animal Welfare
Before visiting the shelter, I saw volunteering as an extra way to help—something shelters appreciated but didn’t necessarily depend on. However, spending my CAS challenge week there made me realize that volunteers aren’t just a bonus—they are essential to keeping the shelter running.
The shelter’s location, far from public transport, made sense given the need for space, but it also meant fewer people casually dropping in to adopt or volunteer. Inside, the dogs were kept in individual cages just large enough to move slightly. While necessary for safety, the setup highlighted how restricted their freedom was. With only two part-time staff, maintaining basic care was an immense challenge, making volunteers indispensable.
The daily workload was overwhelming. Cleaning floors, replacing bedding, and disinfecting cages took the entire afternoon, underscoring the effort needed to keep the shelter running. With limited staff, ensuring regular exercise for every dog was unrealistic, making volunteer support crucial in providing them much-needed time outside their cages.
This experience fundamentally shifted my perspective. I had assumed shelters were run by staff, with volunteers offering additional help, but the reality was different. These organizations depend on volunteers to meet even the most basic needs of the animals. Without them, the standard of care would drop, showing just how vital consistent volunteer support is in sustaining animal welfare.
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