Volunteering for animal shelter...allowed to do this?

Question

My first day is Friday being a volunteer. I have $147 right now and in 4 weeks will be getting $268 to add up to $415. I was thinking of spending half of the money on getting beds for all the dogs in the shelter(15 dogs). Am I allowed to do this? I'll order 15 beds and have them sent over to the shelter. The shelter is in terrible condition with concrete floor they sleep on and no pillows, beds or blankets whatsoever. It smelled too.

Then there's another shelter that I'm not volunteering at that I want to give dog beds as well...it's much more clean however still hard floors with nothing for the dogs to lay on comfortably. Can I do this too with this shelter? Help please?

Answer 1

I wouldn't do it.

They get strays with fleas and ticks.

Sure it sounds like a nice idea, but you'll be throwing them out every other day.

There is a reason they don't use bedding.

It's cool to think about the animals comfort, but you have to use logic, even if it seems cruel.

Answer 2

I think thats a great idea!  I don't know of any animal shelter that will discourage it.  I also think that wherever you get them from will give you a discount for bulk.  However, make sure you get really sturdy, washable beds.  You don't want puppies or other dogs tearing them up.

Answer 3

I would definetely ASK the shelter before doing it.

There might be a reason why they don't give bedding.  Dirty shelters and shelters with no volunteers might not have bedding because it is easier to just hose down the poo and pee instead of having to wash bedding.  They might just throw it out after you give it to them.

The money might be better spent in another way, although its really to bad that they don't have beds :(

So make sure to ask them for what they need before buying anything.

Also, if you do show proof sometimes Petco or Petsmart will give you discounts, or even some products for FREE!!! Just try different Petcos because each has a different owner/manager and some will be nicer than others.

By the way, thats very generous of you and a great idea if the shelter takes the bedding.  That is really really nice of you to spend YOUR own money on homeless animals, I wish we had more people like you out there.  Thanks :)

Answer 4

I would find out if the shelters would use towels as bedding - they at least can be washed to circumvent the flea problem.