• 11. August 2025.

• Volunteering

• Marko

• 0

Behind the kennel door

What really goes on in a dog shelter

When I stepped onto the grounds of a foreign dog shelter, I thought I had a rough idea of what to expect. I’d worked in a UK rehoming centre for over five years, and I wasn’t naïve about the demands of rescue work. But nothing prepared me for the raw reality — or the incredible spirit — that lives behind the kennel doors in countries where animal welfare is often under-supported and overwhelmed.

This isn’t a sugar-coated story. It’s not a rescue-centre fairytale. This is a glimpse into the everyday grind, the heartache, the filth, the joy, and the extraordinary resilience of dogs and humans alike. I want to take you there — into the heat, the howls, the heartbreak — and show you why I’d do it all again in a heartbeat.

The Rhythm of Shelter Life

One of the things I truly appreciated was the structure of our days. We’d start early — 7am or 8am depending on the heat — and trust me, in the height of summer, the earlier the better. Mornings were all go: feeding, cleaning kennels, refilling water, administering meds, and checking on injuries or new dogs. It was hard, sweaty, smelly work — but purposeful.

There was also an afternoon shift that ran until 8pm, meaning the dogs were never left alone for more than 12 hours. Often, it was even less than that. With volunteers living on site, someone was nearly always around to check in, offer comfort, or respond to barking that signalled trouble. It might not sound like much, but in a shelter housing up to 180 dogs, this level of presence can mean the difference between safety and suffering.

That rhythm gave the dogs a sense of security and gave us a deeper connection to them. You began to notice who barked at what time, who always finished their breakfast first, and who waited quietly, hoping for a walk or a kind word. It made the shelter feel more like a community than a facility.

More Than Just Work

I’ll be honest — when I first arrived, I wasn’t sure I’d manage to get through it. The heat, the noise, the sheer number of dogs, the physical demands… it was overwhelming. Part of me quietly wondered, What have I signed up for?

But something incredible happened.

Not only did I get through it — I thrived. Every day, I grew more confident, more capable, more connected. The work was hard, yes, but it was also deeply meaningful. Suddenly, I had a purpose that went far beyond myself. I wasn’t just filling food bowls or scrubbing kennels — I was helping scared, abandoned, sometimes broken animals feel safe and seen again.

And I fell completely in love. With the cheeky grin of a dog who used to cower in the corner. With the ones who barked too much, the ones who trusted too quickly, and the ones who still didn’t trust at all. Each one had a story, a soul, and a spark that deserved a future.

I was truly amazed by the resilience and trust that these beautiful animals show us humans even though some of them had really suffered trauma at the hands of people before they came to the shelter. And not only the resilience of the dogs it’s the people that run the shelters too. It is not an easy life – there is a lack of funding, resources and space – we struggled to find room for the many dogs that are abandoned and unwanted. I don’t think we turned any animal away whilst I was working at the shelter but at some point it is bound to happen as there is only so much they can do.

The people

The staff worked hard and were helpful, kind and supportive which made a huge difference to our overall equilibrium.

Most of the volunteers were truly amazing – giving all of themselves to this worthwhile and rewarding cause. We were from many different parts of the world so had come from a range of cultures but we bonded over the animals and some will hopefully be friends for life.

Riding the rollercoaster

Not only is the work hard but it can be an emotional rollercoaster. You have to be prepared to come across injured, wounded and damaged dogs all who need medical and emotional support. And then the next day you can be sending a long term dog to their new home which is the most satisfying and incredible experience and makes all of the hard work worthwhile. Witnessing a shy dog coming out of it’s shell and approaching us for love and affection was also an indescribable feeling. And whatever you are going through – you are never alone. The workers and the other volunteers are always there to lend a hand or a listening ear or just a plain old hug. Would I go back? I am counting the days until I return!

Authored by Tina Digby

volunteering