A group Volunteer Spotlight!
This trio are part of the volunteer group called the Together Project, which is funded and managed by Bath Cats and Dogs Home. The Together Project provides veterinary care for pets of people who are vulnerably housed or homeless. We run clinics to provide preventative treatment such as vaccinations and also treat patients when they are unwell.
Please meet Liat (Vet), Debbie (Vet Nurse) and Antje (Admin Support).
Please tell us a little bit about your life outside of BCDH
Liat: I am a mum of one and a vet working at Bath Vet Group. In my spare time I enjoy walking and running with my dog Isla who was rescued from BCDH, spending time with friends and family and yoga.
Debbie: I’m a Registered Veterinary Nurse and am currently studying at University Centre Sparsholt to become a Clinical Feline Behaviourist. I also work at Citizens Advice in Bath and enjoy spending time at home with my two cats.
Antje: I work full time in the affordable housing sector and have a dog, who has become my whole personality. I like going for walks (with and without the dog) and relaxing in front of the TV or with a book. Hermit activities, mainly.
How long have you been volunteering for the Together Project?
Liat: For about 5 years now.
Debbie: For about 18 months.
Antje: Just 3 or 4 months.
Why did you want to volunteer for the Together Project?
Liat: I wanted to give something back to the local community using my skills as a vet. I also enjoy talking to the clients we see and providing care for animals in need.
Debbie: I really enjoy helping those less fortunate than myself and as a vet nurse I felt that the Together Project would be the perfect charity to volunteer for.
Antje: I love animals, dogs in particular, and it deeply upsets me how many of them end up in bad situations through no fault of their own, so it is important to me to try and help where I can to make their lives better.
What do you most enjoy about volunteering?
Liat: Meeting the clients and the animals. They are often really grateful and happy to see us which is lovely. It’s a lovely team of people to work with as well.
Debbie: I love seeing how well our clients care for their pets and the bonds they have. Their pets really are their best friends and it’s so rewarding to be able to help them when they need it. Our clients are always so grateful.
Antje: I hope that I can make even a tiny difference to someone and have a positive impact, and I mainly enjoy that it eases the guilt I feel for not being able to do more! I also enjoy the interactions with the animals tremendously.
What would you like to say to anyone considering volunteering for BCDH or the Together Project?
Liat: Go for it! There are plenty of opportunities to volunteer and you can learn new skills and meet lots of nice new people as well as the animals.
Debbie: BCDH have a wide range of opportunities for volunteering and it’s such a great thing to do in your spare time.
Antje: I would recommend it as all the other volunteers and volunteer coordinators are lovely and supportive.
We are looking for Together Project volunteers!
If you are a vet or vet nurse, check out the role on our website. We ask only for being part of a clinic once every 2 months, and you’ll be part of a supportive team who are passionate about helping pets.
» Go to our Volunteering page