An AWL NSW Animal Attendant
Want to know what it’s really like to work at the Animal Welfare League NSW animal shelter? We spent some time with Animal Attendant Tegan to give us an insight on what a day in the life of an Animal Attendant looks like, and to find out what Tegan loves about working at AWL NSW.
What motivated you to work at AWL NSW?
I was already working in an animal-related role however I was looking for something different, somewhere I could have more hands-on interaction with animals directly as well as have a positive impact on their wellbeing.
Do you have any pets at home? If so, what do you have?
I do! I have a 6-year-old Kelpie “Piper” and a 9-year old cat “Marble”. Both are rescue pets.
Why do you believe AWL NSW is so important?
Both animals and pets alike are prevalent in everyday life. I think it is extremely important that all animals have access to all they need for a long and happy life. That is why I believe AWL NSW is as important as it is. AWL NSW does so much to educate people, as well as provide the animals in our
care (and in the community) with the support they need and deserve.
What does the average day on the job look like for you?
While most days have a general routine, no one day is the same as the next! Depending on where I am assigned within the shelter, I am either working with the dogs who are looking for homes, or with the cats in our cattery. Being with the dogs involves interacting; playing, walking, training and feeding them, as well as taking them out to meet potential adopters. This is really important in allowing us to match people and dogs to ensure their lifestyles match. Working in our cattery is very similar. My day consists of interacting with cats, ensuring they are healthy and happy, while talking with customers who are looking to add a feline friend to ensure that the lifestyle for both the feline and potential adopter are purrfect for each other.
Do you have a favourite animal in which you have met during your time here?
There was a cat called Sable who I really fell in love with last year. She was the sweetest little girl with such a smoochy personality. She was diagnosed with FIV (feline immunodeficiency virus) these cats are often overlooked due to the stigma of the disease, but luckily pretty Sable was adopted last year to her furever family.
What is your favourite part of your job and why?
My favourite part of my job is assisting and watching animals find their new homes, especially if they have been with us at the shelter for a while, it is so rewarding when their ‘people’ come.