Facing budget cuts, shelters should invest in volunteers

If you need volunteers, make sure you design a program that makes them feel welcome. STEVEN ROBERTSON/ISTOCKPHOTO.COM

Whether your shelter is funded by government or private sources, the troubling news about the economy will likely have a big impact on your operations.

Your organization may be facing serious funding decreases. At the same time, the safety net it provides is becoming more critical than ever as people lose their homes or jobs and can no longer care for the companion animals in their lives. Volunteers are key to maintaining a high level of service in the face of staffing cuts and budget shortfalls, and managing these volunteers must be a priority for shelter leadership.

So what steps should the forward-thinking organization take in times like these? This is the time to prepare for an increased dependence on volunteers by creating the structure and supervision that will support a successful volunteer program when you will need it the most.

 Read the full article.