Volunteers at animal shelters love what they do, are loved in return
(Left) Pasadena Humane volunteers were celebrated at our annual Volunteer Recognition Luncheon, held at the La Cañada Flintridge Country Club on Sunday, April 13. This event honors the top 100 volunteers with the highest number of service hours across all programs. (Middle) Kristen Sullivan (center) received the prestigious Joen Mitchell Volunteer of the Year Award for her dedicated service at Pasadena Humane in 2024. She is pictured with columnist and interim President and CEO Chris Ramon (left) and Director of Volunteer Services Chris Briffett (right). (Right) Pasadena Humane volunteer Tyra Tse (center, and pictured with fellow Pasadena Humane volunteers Ruth Hailu, left, and Morgan Tse, right) was honored for her longtime commitment to our organization. Tyra began volunteering as a high school student. Her experience at our shelter inspired her to pursue a career with animals. Tyra recently graduated with a doctorate in veterinary medicine and is now a veterinarian.
I was in high school when I first signed up to volunteer at Pasadena Humane. Back then, I could never have imagined that the same organization where I once walked dogs and cleaned kennels would eventually become my workplace.
Those early experiences gave me a firsthand understanding of the vital role volunteers play in our organization, and my appreciation has only deepened over time. Now, working at Pasadena Humane, I carry that perspective with me every day, striving to support and empower the very volunteers who once stood where I did.
April is National Volunteer Appreciation Month, a wonderful time when we celebrate and recognize the contributions of our volunteers. In 2024, just over 2,500 volunteers logged an impressive 132,000 hours of service. That’s equivalent to the work of 63 full-time employees!
Kristen Sullivan, whom we introduced you to a few weeks back in this column, was named our 2024 Volunteer of the Year. Kristen is known for her willingness to help wherever needed and always doing so with a smile. She splits her time between many programs, including dog socialization and walking, humane education, and events.
Kristen’s dedication to our mission is a shining example of the many ways volunteers can make a meaningful impact here. While animal care may be the first thing that comes to mind, there’s a huge array of volunteer roles that are just as vital to keeping our organization running smoothly. In fact, we offer 51 different programs for volunteers.
Take our Pet Food Pantry volunteers. They’re a lifeline for pet owners in need, distributing food and supplies so beloved pets can stay where they belong — at home.
Or our adoptions volunteers. They’re the friendly faces who greet visitors, answer questions, and walk prospective adopters through one of the most joyful experiences we offer — finding a new best friend.
Volunteering at Pasadena Humane is a powerful way to make a real difference in the lives of both people and animals in our community. As a trusted and deeply rooted pillar of support, our mission resonates with those who care about compassion, connection and creating lasting impact for the animals.
What I enjoy most about the volunteers at Pasadena Humane is their unwavering dedication and generosity. Their support is truly the heart of everything we do. We simply wouldn’t be able to serve the animals and people of our community without them.
Every hour they give and every task they take on directly contributes to our mission and makes a lasting impact for the animals. It’s their passion and selflessness that allow us to reach those in need, and for that, I’m incredibly grateful.
Volunteering offers a long-lasting sense of satisfaction that comes not from recognition or reward but from knowing you’ve made a real difference in someone’s life. In our case, that someone might be a four-legged pet or a community member who just needed some help.
The beauty of volunteering is that anyone can do it, and every act of kindness counts. It’s a powerful reminder that when we show up for others, we strengthen the bonds that hold our communities together.
If you’ve ever wondered how you can make a meaningful impact, this is your sign: get involved, give back, and be part of a mission with other people for a cause that is important to you.
To learn more about volunteering at Pasadena Humane, visit pasadenahumane.org/volunteer
Chris Ramon is interim president and CEO of Pasadena Humane.
This blog post originally appeared as a column in the Pasadena Star-News on April 18, 2025.
