You’re Not Alone.
Compassion fatigue among our nation’s shelter staff is common and getting worse. How could it not? People working in animal shelters are working harder than ever because there is not enough staff. Owner surrenders are increasing, and pets are staying longer. Families are getting squeezed out of their homes due to higher rent and cost of living, leaving them unable to find affordable housing where they can take their pets. Shelter staff must witness these agonizing “surrenders” day after day. They walk pets into their facility, away from their crying owners, as the pets knowingly pull back toward their families. Overcrowded organizations face excessive criticism simply because they must make impossible decisions as they take every pet that comes through the door. Shelters and their hardworking staff are doing everything they can to make a difference, including searching for foster homes and providing resources to keep pets with their families.
Compassion fatigue is not a new term to the animal welfare industry. Many staff and volunteers had the hopeless feeling that it can bring along with depression, sadness and even anger. It can be brought on by the very nature of the animal welfare industry, stressful workplace, lack of resources, or long hours. Sound familiar? If it does you are not alone. Learn more about compassion fatigue and find resources below.
Take a free self-assessment for burnout, compassion fatigue, and compassion satisfaction: The Professional Quality of Life (proQOL) Measure
