I am a new ED at an Animal Shelter that opened about 8 months ago. 

We are very short staffed and overworked. Like everyone! 

I haven't gotten much of anything set up such as Policies and Procedures, daily observation paperwork, programs. Anything really. 

So I was thinking you all have been there and done that. What's something you wish you had done, something you wish you hadn't done. Anything you can share to help me not reinvent the wheel?

Thanks in advance!

What I wish I knew then is that help is needed in order to manage the day to day activities and free up time to be able to develop solid procedures and practices. Volunteers can help a lot as long as they are directed properly. It's up to the staff to show them what to do and how to do it. Volunteers are there to help, but they can't do that if they don't know what is needed. Not to mention, volunteers aren't there to do whatever they feel like. Yes, everyone wants to walk dogs and play with puppies, but caring for the animals is the priority. Especially during a period of growing pains. Once the standards of operation are established and put into place, more of the fun aspects if the shelter world can happen when things run smoothly. But it is definitely a learning process to figure out what works for you. 

I am a new ED at an Animal Shelter that opened about 8 months ago. 

We are very short staffed and overworked. Like everyone! 

I haven't gotten much of anything set up such as Policies and Procedures, daily observation paperwork, programs. Anything really. 

So I was thinking you all have been there and done that. What's something you wish you had done, something you wish you hadn't done. Anything you can share to help me not reinvent the wheel?

Thanks in advance!

You hit the nail on the head! I have very few volunteers and even fewer that want to clean. Everyone wants to walk dogs or play with kitties. Even had someone take to Facebook and go on a rant about how that is all volunteers should have to do! I am trying to work on a better volunteer training program and a volunteer appreciation plan. But I spend most of my day doing cleaning, medications, and running the front desk. There's no time for me to be an ED! I've got a million ideas but on 1 minute a day to work on them. 

What I wish I knew then is that help is needed in order to manage the day to day activities and free up time to be able to develop solid procedures and practices. Volunteers can help a lot as long as they are directed properly. It's up to the staff to show them what to do and how to do it. Volunteers are there to help, but they can't do that if they don't know what is needed. Not to mention, volunteers aren't there to do whatever they feel like. Yes, everyone wants to walk dogs and play with puppies, but caring for the animals is the priority. Especially during a period of growing pains. Once the standards of operation are established and put into place, more of the fun aspects if the shelter world can happen when things run smoothly. But it is definitely a learning process to figure out what works for you. 

I am a new ED at an Animal Shelter that opened about 8 months ago. 

We are very short staffed and overworked. Like everyone! 

I haven't gotten much of anything set up such as Policies and Procedures, daily observation paperwork, programs. Anything really. 

So I was thinking you all have been there and done that. What's something you wish you had done, something you wish you hadn't done. Anything you can share to help me not reinvent the wheel?

Thanks in advance!

As a long time volunteer at NYCACC  our work requires everything. We feed, clean kennels, wash and fold laundry, put away supplies, help w adoptions, etc.

Once that's done we spend some time interacting w the animals. 

It's what we are there for and enjoy our work.

------------------------------
Iris Lugo
Nycacc & aspca

Original Message:
Sent: 02-11-2023 03:43 PM
From: Jessica West
Subject: What you wish you knew then

You hit the nail on the head! I have very few volunteers and even fewer that want to clean. Everyone wants to walk dogs or play with kitties. Even had someone take to Facebook and go on a rant about how that is all volunteers should have to do! I am trying to work on a better volunteer training program and a volunteer appreciation plan. But I spend most of my day doing cleaning, medications, and running the front desk. There's no time for me to be an ED! I've got a million ideas but on 1 minute a day to work on them. 

What I wish I knew then is that help is needed in order to manage the day to day activities and free up time to be able to develop solid procedures and practices. Volunteers can help a lot as long as they are directed properly. It's up to the staff to show them what to do and how to do it. Volunteers are there to help, but they can't do that if they don't know what is needed. Not to mention, volunteers aren't there to do whatever they feel like. Yes, everyone wants to walk dogs and play with puppies, but caring for the animals is the priority. Especially during a period of growing pains. Once the standards of operation are established and put into place, more of the fun aspects if the shelter world can happen when things run smoothly. But it is definitely a learning process to figure out what works for you. 

I am a new ED at an Animal Shelter that opened about 8 months ago. 

We are very short staffed and overworked. Like everyone! 

I haven't gotten much of anything set up such as Policies and Procedures, daily observation paperwork, programs. Anything really. 

So I was thinking you all have been there and done that. What's something you wish you had done, something you wish you hadn't done. Anything you can share to help me not reinvent the wheel?

Thanks in advance!

I wish I knew there were organizations like Maddies and Best Friends that help organizations like mine.

As a long time volunteer at NYCACC  our work requires everything. We feed, clean kennels, wash and fold laundry, put away supplies, help w adoptions, etc.

Once that's done we spend some time interacting w the animals. 

It's what we are there for and enjoy our work.

------------------------------
Iris Lugo
Nycacc & aspca

Original Message:
Sent: 02-11-2023 03:43 PM
From: Jessica West
Subject: What you wish you knew then

You hit the nail on the head! I have very few volunteers and even fewer that want to clean. Everyone wants to walk dogs or play with kitties. Even had someone take to Facebook and go on a rant about how that is all volunteers should have to do! I am trying to work on a better volunteer training program and a volunteer appreciation plan. But I spend most of my day doing cleaning, medications, and running the front desk. There's no time for me to be an ED! I've got a million ideas but on 1 minute a day to work on them. 

What I wish I knew then is that help is needed in order to manage the day to day activities and free up time to be able to develop solid procedures and practices. Volunteers can help a lot as long as they are directed properly. It's up to the staff to show them what to do and how to do it. Volunteers are there to help, but they can't do that if they don't know what is needed. Not to mention, volunteers aren't there to do whatever they feel like. Yes, everyone wants to walk dogs and play with puppies, but caring for the animals is the priority. Especially during a period of growing pains. Once the standards of operation are established and put into place, more of the fun aspects if the shelter world can happen when things run smoothly. But it is definitely a learning process to figure out what works for you. 

I am a new ED at an Animal Shelter that opened about 8 months ago. 

We are very short staffed and overworked. Like everyone! 

I haven't gotten much of anything set up such as Policies and Procedures, daily observation paperwork, programs. Anything really. 

So I was thinking you all have been there and done that. What's something you wish you had done, something you wish you hadn't done. Anything you can share to help me not reinvent the wheel?

Thanks in advance!

I wish I knew there were organizations like Maddies and Best Friends that help organizations like mine.

As a long time volunteer at NYCACC  our work requires everything. We feed, clean kennels, wash and fold laundry, put away supplies, help w adoptions, etc.

Once that's done we spend some time interacting w the animals. 

It's what we are there for and enjoy our work.

------------------------------
Iris Lugo
Nycacc & aspca

Original Message:
Sent: 02-11-2023 03:43 PM
From: Jessica West
Subject: What you wish you knew then

You hit the nail on the head! I have very few volunteers and even fewer that want to clean. Everyone wants to walk dogs or play with kitties. Even had someone take to Facebook and go on a rant about how that is all volunteers should have to do! I am trying to work on a better volunteer training program and a volunteer appreciation plan. But I spend most of my day doing cleaning, medications, and running the front desk. There's no time for me to be an ED! I've got a million ideas but on 1 minute a day to work on them. 

What I wish I knew then is that help is needed in order to manage the day to day activities and free up time to be able to develop solid procedures and practices. Volunteers can help a lot as long as they are directed properly. It's up to the staff to show them what to do and how to do it. Volunteers are there to help, but they can't do that if they don't know what is needed. Not to mention, volunteers aren't there to do whatever they feel like. Yes, everyone wants to walk dogs and play with puppies, but caring for the animals is the priority. Especially during a period of growing pains. Once the standards of operation are established and put into place, more of the fun aspects if the shelter world can happen when things run smoothly. But it is definitely a learning process to figure out what works for you. 

I am a new ED at an Animal Shelter that opened about 8 months ago. 

We are very short staffed and overworked. Like everyone! 

I haven't gotten much of anything set up such as Policies and Procedures, daily observation paperwork, programs. Anything really. 

So I was thinking you all have been there and done that. What's something you wish you had done, something you wish you hadn't done. Anything you can share to help me not reinvent the wheel?

Thanks in advance!

Indeed!  I am new to project management and I too wish I had know about the many great partnerships that offer help and funding for shelters and animal welfare orgs.  We have been able to save the lives of so many pet because of the additional grant funds.  

I wish I knew there were organizations like Maddies and Best Friends that help organizations like mine.

As a long time volunteer at NYCACC  our work requires everything. We feed, clean kennels, wash and fold laundry, put away supplies, help w adoptions, etc.

Once that's done we spend some time interacting w the animals. 

It's what we are there for and enjoy our work.

------------------------------
Iris Lugo
Nycacc & aspca

Original Message:
Sent: 02-11-2023 03:43 PM
From: Jessica West
Subject: What you wish you knew then

You hit the nail on the head! I have very few volunteers and even fewer that want to clean. Everyone wants to walk dogs or play with kitties. Even had someone take to Facebook and go on a rant about how that is all volunteers should have to do! I am trying to work on a better volunteer training program and a volunteer appreciation plan. But I spend most of my day doing cleaning, medications, and running the front desk. There's no time for me to be an ED! I've got a million ideas but on 1 minute a day to work on them. 

What I wish I knew then is that help is needed in order to manage the day to day activities and free up time to be able to develop solid procedures and practices. Volunteers can help a lot as long as they are directed properly. It's up to the staff to show them what to do and how to do it. Volunteers are there to help, but they can't do that if they don't know what is needed. Not to mention, volunteers aren't there to do whatever they feel like. Yes, everyone wants to walk dogs and play with puppies, but caring for the animals is the priority. Especially during a period of growing pains. Once the standards of operation are established and put into place, more of the fun aspects if the shelter world can happen when things run smoothly. But it is definitely a learning process to figure out what works for you. 

I am a new ED at an Animal Shelter that opened about 8 months ago. 

We are very short staffed and overworked. Like everyone! 

I haven't gotten much of anything set up such as Policies and Procedures, daily observation paperwork, programs. Anything really. 

So I was thinking you all have been there and done that. What's something you wish you had done, something you wish you hadn't done. Anything you can share to help me not reinvent the wheel?

Thanks in advance!

I am a new ED at an Animal Shelter that opened about 8 months ago. 

We are very short staffed and overworked. Like everyone! 

I haven't gotten much of anything set up such as Policies and Procedures, daily observation paperwork, programs. Anything really. 

So I was thinking you all have been there and done that. What's something you wish you had done, something you wish you hadn't done. Anything you can share to help me not reinvent the wheel?

Thanks in advance!

I completely understand your question. I have only been in the ED seat for one year. The most important things that I have found are these: 

1. Accept all the advice you are given and weed out what works best for you.
2. Maddie's is an amazing source of information. If you have even the most obscure questions, you can find the answers here.
3. DO NOT try to do it all on your own.

Good luck and enjoy your new adventure.

I am a new ED at an Animal Shelter that opened about 8 months ago. 

We are very short staffed and overworked. Like everyone! 

I haven't gotten much of anything set up such as Policies and Procedures, daily observation paperwork, programs. Anything really. 

So I was thinking you all have been there and done that. What's something you wish you had done, something you wish you hadn't done. Anything you can share to help me not reinvent the wheel?

Thanks in advance!

I am a new ED at an Animal Shelter that opened about 8 months ago. 

We are very short staffed and overworked. Like everyone! 

I haven't gotten much of anything set up such as Policies and Procedures, daily observation paperwork, programs. Anything really. 

So I was thinking you all have been there and done that. What's something you wish you had done, something you wish you hadn't done. Anything you can share to help me not reinvent the wheel?

Thanks in advance!

Hi Jessica- congrats on the new role! So it looks like your shelter is about halfway between me here in Memphis and St. Louis. My first recommendation is to visit another shelter near you to establish a mentor in the industry. And I have just the right person- @Sarah Javier  at APA of Missouri! She is a rock star and I'm sure she would be willing to help! You re also welcome to come here, and we can help you bring best practice, policies, and so much more back to your org.

I am a new ED at an Animal Shelter that opened about 8 months ago. 

We are very short staffed and overworked. Like everyone! 

I haven't gotten much of anything set up such as Policies and Procedures, daily observation paperwork, programs. Anything really. 

So I was thinking you all have been there and done that. What's something you wish you had done, something you wish you hadn't done. Anything you can share to help me not reinvent the wheel?

Thanks in advance!

Thank you @Alexis Pugh ! I appreciate your kind words.  @Corretta Bishop , we are in St. Louis -- Animal Protective Association of Missouri -- and would be happy to chat or meet. The more we can support one another, the more animals we can help.

Sarah Javier

CEO, APA Adoption Center

www.apamo.org

------------------------------
Sarah Javier
President & CEO
APA Adoption Center
St. Louis MO
3146454610

Original Message:
Sent: 02-09-2023 11:06 AM
From: Alexis Pugh
Subject: What you wish you knew then

Hi Jessica- congrats on the new role! So it looks like your shelter is about halfway between me here in Memphis and St. Louis. My first recommendation is to visit another shelter near you to establish a mentor in the industry. And I have just the right person- @Sarah Javier  at APA of Missouri! She is a rock star and I'm sure she would be willing to help! You re also welcome to come here, and we can help you bring best practice, policies, and so much more back to your org.

I am a new ED at an Animal Shelter that opened about 8 months ago. 

We are very short staffed and overworked. Like everyone! 

I haven't gotten much of anything set up such as Policies and Procedures, daily observation paperwork, programs. Anything really. 

So I was thinking you all have been there and done that. What's something you wish you had done, something you wish you hadn't done. Anything you can share to help me not reinvent the wheel?

Thanks in advance!

I am a new ED at an Animal Shelter that opened about 8 months ago. 

We are very short staffed and overworked. Like everyone! 

I haven't gotten much of anything set up such as Policies and Procedures, daily observation paperwork, programs. Anything really. 

So I was thinking you all have been there and done that. What's something you wish you had done, something you wish you hadn't done. Anything you can share to help me not reinvent the wheel?

Thanks in advance!

I am a new ED at an Animal Shelter that opened about 8 months ago. 

We are very short staffed and overworked. Like everyone! 

I haven't gotten much of anything set up such as Policies and Procedures, daily observation paperwork, programs. Anything really. 

So I was thinking you all have been there and done that. What's something you wish you had done, something you wish you hadn't done. Anything you can share to help me not reinvent the wheel?

Thanks in advance!

I am a new ED at an Animal Shelter that opened about 8 months ago. 

We are very short staffed and overworked. Like everyone! 

I haven't gotten much of anything set up such as Policies and Procedures, daily observation paperwork, programs. Anything really. 

So I was thinking you all have been there and done that. What's something you wish you had done, something you wish you hadn't done. Anything you can share to help me not reinvent the wheel?

Thanks in advance!

I wish I spent more time in the beginning on organizing the data (donors & dollars).   While we all are passionate about the programs and services we provide, the donors and dollars are how we can make it happen and grow.   

In addition, knowing when you are reactive, you most likely missed a proactive step.   Take 30 mins a week to strategize and also look at the "what if" scenarios. 

I am a new ED at an Animal Shelter that opened about 8 months ago. 

We are very short staffed and overworked. Like everyone! 

I haven't gotten much of anything set up such as Policies and Procedures, daily observation paperwork, programs. Anything really. 

So I was thinking you all have been there and done that. What's something you wish you had done, something you wish you hadn't done. Anything you can share to help me not reinvent the wheel?

Thanks in advance!

I am a new ED at an Animal Shelter that opened about 8 months ago. 

We are very short staffed and overworked. Like everyone! 

I haven't gotten much of anything set up such as Policies and Procedures, daily observation paperwork, programs. Anything really. 

So I was thinking you all have been there and done that. What's something you wish you had done, something you wish you hadn't done. Anything you can share to help me not reinvent the wheel?

Thanks in advance!

I am a new ED at an Animal Shelter that opened about 8 months ago. 

We are very short staffed and overworked. Like everyone! 

I haven't gotten much of anything set up such as Policies and Procedures, daily observation paperwork, programs. Anything really. 

So I was thinking you all have been there and done that. What's something you wish you had done, something you wish you hadn't done. Anything you can share to help me not reinvent the wheel?

Thanks in advance!

I am a new ED at an Animal Shelter that opened about 8 months ago. 

We are very short staffed and overworked. Like everyone! 

I haven't gotten much of anything set up such as Policies and Procedures, daily observation paperwork, programs. Anything really. 

So I was thinking you all have been there and done that. What's something you wish you had done, something you wish you hadn't done. Anything you can share to help me not reinvent the wheel?

Thanks in advance!

I am a new ED at an Animal Shelter that opened about 8 months ago. 

We are very short staffed and overworked. Like everyone! 

I haven't gotten much of anything set up such as Policies and Procedures, daily observation paperwork, programs. Anything really. 

So I was thinking you all have been there and done that. What's something you wish you had done, something you wish you hadn't done. Anything you can share to help me not reinvent the wheel?

Thanks in advance!

I am a new ED at an Animal Shelter that opened about 8 months ago. 

We are very short staffed and overworked. Like everyone! 

I haven't gotten much of anything set up such as Policies and Procedures, daily observation paperwork, programs. Anything really. 

So I was thinking you all have been there and done that. What's something you wish you had done, something you wish you hadn't done. Anything you can share to help me not reinvent the wheel?

Thanks in advance!

I have been  ED for 20 years. Animal welfare in all facets has grown so much in that time and I am so grateful.There are boundless resources out there to help you get the groundwork in place. 3 additional shelters opened up in our area over the time we have been here and another rebranded. I have sent all of my policies and procedures upon request to them to help them with their programs.I developed ours back in the day by looking at examples that were available on line then. There is the " Guidelines for Standard of Care in Animal Shelters". Get copy of your State Statues concerning  animals. (all animals), Get your state Board of Animal Health rules and regulations. I will freely send anyone anything I have if it helps them navigate . Policies and procedures the backbone of operational competence.

I am a new ED at an Animal Shelter that opened about 8 months ago. 

We are very short staffed and overworked. Like everyone! 

I haven't gotten much of anything set up such as Policies and Procedures, daily observation paperwork, programs. Anything really. 

So I was thinking you all have been there and done that. What's something you wish you had done, something you wish you hadn't done. Anything you can share to help me not reinvent the wheel?

Thanks in advance!

I am a new ED at an Animal Shelter that opened about 8 months ago. 

We are very short staffed and overworked. Like everyone! 

I haven't gotten much of anything set up such as Policies and Procedures, daily observation paperwork, programs. Anything really. 

So I was thinking you all have been there and done that. What's something you wish you had done, something you wish you hadn't done. Anything you can share to help me not reinvent the wheel?

Thanks in advance!

I am a new ED at an Animal Shelter that opened about 8 months ago. 

We are very short staffed and overworked. Like everyone! 

I haven't gotten much of anything set up such as Policies and Procedures, daily observation paperwork, programs. Anything really. 

So I was thinking you all have been there and done that. What's something you wish you had done, something you wish you hadn't done. Anything you can share to help me not reinvent the wheel?

Thanks in advance!

I am a new ED at an Animal Shelter that opened about 8 months ago. 

We are very short staffed and overworked. Like everyone! 

I haven't gotten much of anything set up such as Policies and Procedures, daily observation paperwork, programs. Anything really. 

So I was thinking you all have been there and done that. What's something you wish you had done, something you wish you hadn't done. Anything you can share to help me not reinvent the wheel?

Thanks in advance!

Two things - I "cold-called" multiple larger groups around me to talk to them about what best steps are for building a rescue from the ground up and any financial advice they might have (we are aiming to get our own adoption space in addition to the PetSmart space we currently have), and only three replied out of so, so many. If there was a local mentoring/brainstorming group that met even informally to vent and share stories and ideas, that would have been amazing. I hope to keep making connections and aim for this to happen in our area! 

I also wish I had been knowledgeable about nonprofit governing boards. Our rescue is so tiny and our board was created out of necessity without anyone actually planning 'real' bylaws and board member rules. What?! So, I'm having to almost start over and work on getting that knowledge myself and bringing it back to our board to make our board much more effective and impactful! 

I am a new ED at an Animal Shelter that opened about 8 months ago. 

We are very short staffed and overworked. Like everyone! 

I haven't gotten much of anything set up such as Policies and Procedures, daily observation paperwork, programs. Anything really. 

So I was thinking you all have been there and done that. What's something you wish you had done, something you wish you hadn't done. Anything you can share to help me not reinvent the wheel?

Thanks in advance!

Two things - I "cold-called" multiple larger groups around me to talk to them about what best steps are for building a rescue from the ground up and any financial advice they might have (we are aiming to get our own adoption space in addition to the PetSmart space we currently have), and only three replied out of so, so many. If there was a local mentoring/brainstorming group that met even informally to vent and share stories and ideas, that would have been amazing. I hope to keep making connections and aim for this to happen in our area! 

I also wish I had been knowledgeable about nonprofit governing boards. Our rescue is so tiny and our board was created out of necessity without anyone actually planning 'real' bylaws and board member rules. What?! So, I'm having to almost start over and work on getting that knowledge myself and bringing it back to our board to make our board much more effective and impactful! 

I am a new ED at an Animal Shelter that opened about 8 months ago. 

We are very short staffed and overworked. Like everyone! 

I haven't gotten much of anything set up such as Policies and Procedures, daily observation paperwork, programs. Anything really. 

So I was thinking you all have been there and done that. What's something you wish you had done, something you wish you hadn't done. Anything you can share to help me not reinvent the wheel?

Thanks in advance!

I am a new ED at an Animal Shelter that opened about 8 months ago. 

We are very short staffed and overworked. Like everyone! 

I haven't gotten much of anything set up such as Policies and Procedures, daily observation paperwork, programs. Anything really. 

So I was thinking you all have been there and done that. What's something you wish you had done, something you wish you hadn't done. Anything you can share to help me not reinvent the wheel?

Thanks in advance!

I am a new ED at an Animal Shelter that opened about 8 months ago. 

We are very short staffed and overworked. Like everyone! 

I haven't gotten much of anything set up such as Policies and Procedures, daily observation paperwork, programs. Anything really. 

So I was thinking you all have been there and done that. What's something you wish you had done, something you wish you hadn't done. Anything you can share to help me not reinvent the wheel?

Thanks in advance!

I am a new ED at an Animal Shelter that opened about 8 months ago. 

We are very short staffed and overworked. Like everyone! 

I haven't gotten much of anything set up such as Policies and Procedures, daily observation paperwork, programs. Anything really. 

So I was thinking you all have been there and done that. What's something you wish you had done, something you wish you hadn't done. Anything you can share to help me not reinvent the wheel?

Thanks in advance!

I am a new ED at an Animal Shelter that opened about 8 months ago. 

We are very short staffed and overworked. Like everyone! 

I haven't gotten much of anything set up such as Policies and Procedures, daily observation paperwork, programs. Anything really. 

So I was thinking you all have been there and done that. What's something you wish you had done, something you wish you hadn't done. Anything you can share to help me not reinvent the wheel?

Thanks in advance!