Cross Breeds

How should I act around shelter dogs/cats?

I'm going to be helping out at one. I want to know how I should act. Obviously, not scared and hesitant because they can sense it. What else? Too happy/excited not good too? What is with all of the snotty answers? Every question I asked got at least one. I just want to make sure I do everything the right way the first time. Most of these questions I already know the answers to. I just want to make sure and see if people can tell me what to do...who actually did it.

Public Comments

1. act like yourself,theres nothing wrong with acting happy,as long as it doesnt scare them,they need happiness too.
2. How old are you? Act like you're 10 years older than you sound in your questions.
3. be your self but be calm.
4. act like you would around your own dog, there is nothing wrong with shelter dogs. if they were dangerous then they wouldnt let you near them
5. Just be yourself. Just show Love, Kindness & Caring. They will see you mean well & are a caring person.
6. Hi, I can so relate to this in my Junior year working on my PHD to be a VET. First of all you probably would be interviewed, most especially as a volunteer, who likely will not be covered by any insurance they may have, and that may include all your experiences with mostly domesticated animals. Second you should expect that they are stressed, fearful, perhaps lost and confused, and/or are there because of unsociable behavior in interacting with humans or other animals. Those are issues you should be aware of. Since you don't state what your helping out will involve, you could be asked to scoop out or hose down Dog cages? OR you could be a walker, greeter, attendant in a Cat or Kitten area, but they all do matter in your tolerance, and commitment. Usually as a Volunteer your tasks will be mundane in a sense, mostly you won't be allowed so much into an intake area, certainly not in a surgery or euthanasia situation, and your first best option, in my opinion is gentle, but non assertive interaction with one or two at first to build some level of trust, even if it's just talking to them as you pass cages/pens. Happy or enthusiastic is OK as long as you don't push it on the animal until you build some relationship. If the cages are small enough in the cross hatch wiring with Dogs, hold the back of your hand against it to let them smell and possibly lick as you speak to them. If it's Cats realize they may Scratch or bite no matter, though not always aggressively. If they have a history card on the cage read it, and call them any name as long as it sounds confident, but caring. Beyond that, if you can, ask the director of any possible issues not stated on the card. Keep in mind always they are animals not human children displaced. They all have traits and personalities the shelter may be unaware of, and caution should be exercised. That being said, any valid shelter will only allow you to have limited responsibilities, but you should enjoy what you are doing, and hopefully show the animals caring and compassion might be a reward for you as well as for them.
7. obviously you are supposed to act like a ninja, it makes them feel more comfortable, nun chucks are a plus, but never i say never say HI-YAAA! otherwise they will strike.