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I'm volunteering at a shelter. How do I approach nervous animals?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

I'm starting volunteering at my county Humane Society tomorrow. Any tips, tricks, and general good ways to approach animals that might not take kindly to newcomers?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on January 18th, 2017

When you start volunteering at the shelter, ask to be given a tour of the shelter and ask many questions about the individual animals. Before you approach or handle any animal ask someone there (who knows the animal) whether you need to watch out for certain behaviors, what the animal likes, what not and how to approach it. With time you will get enough experience to be able to judge for your self. Always greet the animal verbally first and see whether it wants to approach you. Do not run after an animal and do not "just" touch it. Make a fist and let the animal smell it first. It is much harder to bite into and hurt a fist. Ask the animal to come to you. I am sure, the shelter will not let you handle dangerous animals in the beginning. Ask many questions.

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    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    That is so lovely that you are going to be volunteering at your county Humane Society! I would approach them slowly, and watch for body language signs that show they are uncomfortable. Those include ears back, tense muscles, lips drawn back from the muzzle, tail down, or between the legs. Do not make any sudden movements around the dogs, and always speak to them in a calm and low voice. If you have any concerns about a dog's behavior, speak to a volunteer who has been working there for a while to get some help.

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