For many nonprofits, volunteers are the lifeblood. They work tirelessly without pay, so that more funds can go where they are needed most. Volunteers work at odd hours and often rack up “overtime” without a thought. For over a decade, Terri Clarke is one such volunteer with Joint Animal Services. Why does she do it? The answer is simple.
“I simply love animals and want to help in any way I can,” Terri says. She has been a volunteer with Joint Animal Services since 2013. Before that, she worked as an accountant. While she is still certified, she says she does not work full-time in an office anymore.
Instead, she spends her days helping animals in need.
A Day in the Life at Joint Animal Services
Joint Animal Services was established in 1977 as the regional animal shelter and animal control agency in Thurston County. Currently, they operate on 5 acres with an 8,000-square-foot facility. The nonprofit is run by staff and volunteers who provide care to animals in need. They partner with local veterinarians when animals need medical treatment, including altering, treatment of injuries, medication for illness and more. Their prime mission is to care for the animals and provide education to pet owners.
For Terri, her position is an important one for a couple of reasons. “It’s important because it keeps me active in something I love and is so important,” she shares. “Animals have feelings too!”
As a volunteer, she says there is no such thing as a typical day. Her duties included writing media material and caring for the animals at the shelter. “Each day is different,” she says. “If I am greeting visitors in the lobby for events, helping in the clinic on surgery days, or creating and sharing Public Service announcements.”
But her job as a volunteer doesn’t stop there. She often takes her work home with her, fostering kittens. “When fostering, each day is different as the kitties grow or become more socialized,” Terri says. “Of course, some things have to be done several times a day, like feeding, changing litter and loving on them. Medications when needed too.” A round-the-clock job, it’s something she does with a full heart and no complaints.
“The animals need love and care, and people who truly love them like I do,” Terri says when asked why Joint Animal Services is so important. “There is a lot more that goes into their care than just feeding them while they are there!”
Terri adds that she always looks forward to the next adoption event, when animals find their forever, loving homes.
She mentions that people often don’t think about the behind-the-scenes work that goes on to ensure the animals are provided for. Things like daily laundry and facility maintenance, cage and crate cleaning and more. “I think it’s important to know about and appreciate all the people who work and volunteer there, and mention the areas of JAS nobody thinks about,” she adds.
If you are looking for a volunteer position that is hard work yet fulfilling and fun, consider volunteering with Joint Animal Services.
