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Meet Alison!

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Allison

“I can’t wait to get my apron on and start my day of volunteering at my local Scottish SPCA centre.

“I love helping the permanent staff, who are all so welcoming, appreciative and kind. I have learned so much from them about how to care for all the animals at the centre.

“I usually work with the small animals and it’s always a surprise as to who I will find in the small animal room. There can be rabbits, Guinea pigs, rats, birds, reptiles, hamsters or my favourite - ferrets.

“When I arrive in the morning, the first job is to clean the units and feed the animals. I have learned that all the animals have different needs and preferences. It’s important to get it just right to keep them happy and healthy while we try to find their forever home.

“When working with the animals, it’s also important to socialise them, exercise them and get them used to being handled. They all come from different backgrounds; some have lost their owners, some are strays and some are unwanted. At the Society we want them to know that new people can be kind and can be trusted.

“Before I started volunteering, my only experience was with dogs and cats. Now I have learned how to care for lots of other animals. I was given all the information from the staff needed to keep myself and the animals safe. If anyone had told me before I started volunteering that I would be working with ferrets, I wouldn’t have believed them! However, the ferrets are so cute and have such an inquisitive and entertaining personality, that they have become my favourite.

“Volunteering is such a rewarding and enjoyable thing to do. I love animals and I work alongside a group of people who feel the same way. The animals respond so well to all the attention and patience that they are shown. It’s impossible to volunteer without having a smile on your face. The very welcome cup of coffee at break time is great too!”

 

Paw

 

If anyone is concerned about an animal, please do not hesitate to contact our confidential animal helpline on 03000 999 999.

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