Three challenges most animal shelters face

Managing an animal shelter can be challenging. For a shelter that is housing many cats and dogs, sometimes the number of volunteers isn't enough. As a shelter volunteer, Janique Goff Madison knows that caring for these abandoned animals requires much effort. Through the years, she has noticed the challenges these places face. Here are some of them.

Not enough manpower

In many shelters, some pets need more care than others. Having a veterinarian drop by every once in a while can be challenging. On top of this, some shelters are experiencing a shortage of volunteers who will not just watch over the pets. Experienced volunteers also administer medication, clean, feed, bathe, and play with the shelter animals. Janique Goff Madison shares that for a shelter with 20 or more pets, having only two or three volunteers might already be difficult to run.

Limited space

Janique Goff Madison shares that there are seasons when a lot of cats and dogs are being sent to the shelter. While this is better than not giving them a home, the limited space in shelters can also cause problems. Overcrowding can affect the health of animals as they can sometimes be exposed to other pets with diseases.

Insufficient funding

Some shelters need sponsors to keep the place running. Sadly, not a lot of people are aware of the needs of these places. On top of that, the shelter team already have their hands full to think about fundraising projects and other programs that will introduce their shelter to the rest of the community. While one-time giving can help, these places need partners who will continuously support their needs and if possible, help these animals find their new home.