Shona is an animal care assistant at our Aberdeenshire centre, who first started out as a volunteer nearly seven years ago!

She used to drive past the centre on her way to work each day and, as an animal lover, always wondered what went on inside.

When her working hours changed, she decided to pop in and ask about volunteering… and she’s been coming in every week since!

Shona became one of the centre’s dog care volunteers, which involved helping clean the kennels, doing the laundry, and exercising the dogs.

Shona’s favourite part of the role was taking some of the centre’s long-term residents for extra-long walks, as well as keeping the blanket cupboard neat and tidy, which she says “is quite a challenge and still makes me happy!”

Shona had been considering a career change for a while and she was always at her happiest when volunteering at the centre. So, when a job as an animal care assistant came up last year, she jumped at the chance to apply!

Volunteering gave her the chance to decide that this was what she really wanted to do.

When asked if she had any advice for other people looking to work with animals, Shona said, “Volunteering is a great way to see if animal care suits you and to work out what aspect you’re interested in. It can be hard work and very physical (you’re on your feet all day, so it keeps you fit too). Go for it, it’s never too late!”

If you’re looking to start your career in animal welfare, or just have some time to offer, you can find all of our latest volunteering opportunities here: http://bit.ly/3JP1mJN