Stepping inside the SPCA, you’re immediately immersed in the everyday sounds of the animal shelter. High-pitched barks, soft meows and the noise of scratching claws fill your ears, instantly giving you a sense of warmth and happiness.
This is a day-to-day experience for many students who choose to spend their free time at the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) of Southwest Michigan. Some people volunteer to find personal fulfillment or earn community service experience, while others simply want to support the shelter’s mission to provide a loving home for stray animals.
For some, helping at the shelter provides a meaningful way to improve their overall well-being. According to the National Alliance on Mental Health, volunteering in general can boost happiness, increase confidence and reduce stress. Additionally, it promotes social wellness and fosters a social network. Students who volunteer at the SPCA experience this firsthand.
Sophomore Anna Fried chooses to volunteer at the shelter because it brings her a sense of joy and fulfillment.
“It’s so heartwarming because all of the animals are so sweet,” said Fried. “Sometimes I get distracted playing with all the puppies and lose track of time.”
Volunteering also gives students a way to support the SPCA’s overall cause. The SPCA website states that it works to accommodate a nurturing environment for all animals, advocate for their welfare and create an adoption-based community throughout Southwest Michigan.
Another reason Fried devotes time to the shelter is to ensure the animals are able to receive proper care and attention.
“I’m helping animals that can’t help themselves. I just want them all to feel loved,” said Fried.
Beyond personal satisfaction and mission support, volunteering at the SPCA gives students valuable practical experience through community service.
An article by Junior Achievement USA notes that volunteering can help students develop leadership, time management and professional skills.
A Loy Norrix club, Knights of the Neighborhood, even organizes group sessions at the SPCA, providing students with hands-on opportunities while simultaneously contributing to the community. During these sessions, students work together to clean kennels, feed and socialize animals.
Junior Jenna Webster leads Knights of the Neighborhood and has experience with volunteering at the SPCA. She has discovered that her time spent at the animal shelter has been a valuable learning tool to help her and other club members grow and spark personal development and bonds.
“You don’t usually get the opportunity to learn how important responsibility is,” said Webster. “Volunteering has helped build a lot of connections within the club.”
Students find many advantages in spending time at the animal shelter. Whether choosing to volunteer on their own time or having the opportunity to volunteer through a school organization, the impact goes beyond just helping out at the shelter. Every time students take dogs on walks, clean a kennel or play with the kittens, they make a difference for both themselves and the animals.
