Caption: Maneuvering a big drop-off of Ridwell boxes (left) and Lil’ Safe basking in the sun at the facility (right).

 

This summer I learned the ins and outs of working in a nonprofit organization.

Written By Lauren F.

 

Being an intern with Pet Haven was amazing! I had the opportunity to try many different types of projects and learn the ropes of what it’s like to work, not only in an animal rescue but also in a nonprofit. As I begin my senior year of college and think about what my future holds, I’m becoming more interested in managing a nonprofit or doing something closely related. This was such a great opportunity to gain experience in the field and explore what it would be like to work in the nonprofit sector long-term. Kerry gave me this incredible opportunity this summer to learn on the job and I’m more excited than ever to keep exploring managerial roles.

 

Pet Haven has such an incredible community that I feel so happy and propelled to come back to work every day, and I hope to be lucky enough in the future to work in a field that fuels me the same way.

Caption: Luna “helping” me work and always bringing the cute vibes.

 

What were some of my primary roles as an intern?

 

On Thursdays, I was at the facility during open hours to help and chat with fosters who came in. I really enjoyed interacting with everyone because they often had stories to tell and it was a fun way to learn about our foster animals. Plus, I got to hang out with our awesome volunteers! It was also fun to put on my problem-solving hat and work out questions that people had when they came in. This felt like some of the most practical experiences I gained, and it happened just by talking to people and giving it my best shot.

 

I had some remote projects too. Laura Vanic aided me in learning Excel and together we worked on a couple of projects including sorting and analyzing owner surrender data and gathering info for other MN rescue resources. I had the chance to work with Rachel Misch on a couple of projects too, where I learned how to upload PetFinder profiles to get our pets viewable for adopters.

 

Of course, there were also the less-than-glamorous moments that involved scooping poop and cleaning cat dishes - haha! But these moments made all the others so much sweeter. I honestly didn’t mind doing tasks like these because I know that it helped the business run well, and so many people (and animals!) are counting on Pet Haven. 

Caption: Two adorable dogs who attended Summer Splash!

 What did I love most about this role?

 

The people! Kerry is incredible. She uses every minute of her day communicating with fosters, Pet Haven partners, her amazing staff and team, and everyone who comes into the office looking for guidance with their pet. She takes on an incredible amount of work, and she does it with a sense of humor and a smile on her face knowing that she is helping save hundreds of animals’ lives. I got to work closely with Molly (Volunteer and Events Manager) Annette (Operations Director) and tons of other volunteers who all have such kind hearts and creative minds. I believe the people in an organization truly make or break your experience, and these people all made me feel so warm and welcome.

 

The work environment! When you walk into the facility, there is music playing, laughs to be heard, and often a couple of cats running around the space. It is also a space where open mindedness is valued, and all ideas are welcome. I challenged myself to get outside my comfort zone several times trying new projects this summer and Kerry was such a great supervisor. She helped me when needed but gave me space to be creative, and she was understanding when I made mistakes so I wasn’t afraid to try again.

 

The events! I got to help at Summer Splash, a cat adoption event, and even a spay and neuter clinic. It was fun to be part of these, and it was a great learning opportunity to see how events are planned, marketed, and how the organization decides what to change for next year.

 

The animals! There were animals (mostly cats) in and out of the facility most days and they were an immediate way to put a smile on my face. There are also a few cats who stay at the facility temporarily while they wait for a foster, and when I got to hang out with them during playtime, they were such sweeties.

 

Caption: Garfield lounging in his room at the facility, most likely making his meows the loudest in the building.

 

If working in the nonprofit sector is something you’re interested in too and you’re looking to gain some experience, I would highly recommend interning at Pet Haven! The work is incredibly rewarding, everyone around you is excited about what they do, and it shows you what a nonprofit is really about. Even if you’re not looking to pursue a career in animal rescue, it’s still a great way to learn about the way nonprofits run in general, and it’s a fun way to do it when you’re helping save animals. Plus, you get to play with kitties!

 

I think so highly of Pet Haven and everyone who is working hard to make it run, and I hope to be back to volunteer again in the future!

 

 

 

Lauren was a staff team and volunteer favorite!  Everyone who worked with you or came in contact with you at Pet Haven was so impressed with her. Lauren will be graduating in 2024 and we are so excited to see her path. We hope she continues in the nonprofit sector as she has so much to give. We can not thank her enough for her joy, engagement, ready to do whatever was needed energy, and professionalism. 

Lauren was a gift to have around!  Kerry D'Amato