While three-year-old cat Codi is still described as a spunky guy, SPCA staff say they have seen him warm up to people considerably since he first arrived at the shelter almost a year ago, thanks to the socialization he has had with staff and volunteers. Codi and board vice president Linda Tooth have a special bond, having spent many happy hours together.--NEWS PHOTO KENDALL KING
kking@medicinehatnews.com@kkingmhn
As Canadians celebrate National Volunteer Week, the Medicine Hat SPCA is highlighting the impact volunteers have in their organization, and inviting community members to consider volunteering.
SPCA staff invited the News to the organization’s shelter building Wednesday, to learn more about the various volunteer opportunities at the building, and experience what volunteers do first-hand.
“Volunteers are very critical for us,” Kaylee Getz, animal health lead and registered veterinary technician, told the News. “Volunteers help with those extra things that staff, unfortunately, just don’t have the time for like, brushing (the animals), playing with them and giving them that one-on-one socialization.”
Getz explained the organization’s volunteer base saw a significant reduction through the pandemic, and has yet to recover; with the organization having had approximately 50 volunteers prior to the pandemic, and now having only around 20.
With the SPCA routinely running at maximum capacity for dogs, and occasionally hitting the maximum capacity for cats, board vice president, Linda Tooth, says volunteers play a vital role in operations, as well as enhancing the overall welfare of the animals in SCPA care.
“We rely on volunteers … and we have a few volunteer opportunities that people can take advantage of,” said Tooth.
“First of all, volunteers help us out with our fundraising, which is great (as) it allows the shelter an opportunity to generate some much needed revenue … And any other events that we have outside of this building, are also a great opportunity for volunteers to come and help.
“Then, in the shelter, volunteers can come in, and they can walk the dogs (which) helps them become socialized and gets them out of the shelter to get some exercise. Volunteers can also come in and socialize with the cats.”
Tooth explained that many of the dogs and cats which come to the shelter have had few experiences interacting with humans, or have had negative experiences, and therefore don’t know how to act around people or aren’t able to trust people.
But by spending time with the animals, they are able to develop those skills, which improve their chances of being adopted.
Tooth invited the News to join in a 1.5-hour volunteer session focused on socializing shelter cats and kittens.
During the session, Tooth demonstrated how to greet the cats, talk to them and play with them, so they become more comfortable around humans. The majority of cats expressed happiness at being held and petted, with several erupting into purrs at the acknowledgement and a few offering kisses.
Tooth and Getz say the SPCA is also seeking volunteers to assist with shelter building maintenance and tasks, fostering and board leadership.
To learn more about such opportunities, visit medhatspace.ca or call 403-526-7722.
