Prioritizing Mental Health in Animal Rescue: How to Care for Yourself While Caring for Pets

Liz Adams
Oct 10, 2024
4 min read

Updated: Jul 9

Happy World Mental Health Day! It's a great time to discuss the importance of mental well-being, especially for the everyday heroes who dedicate their time and energy (lives!) to animal rescues, shelters, and pet adoption efforts—staff members, volunteers, and pet parents.

Animal rescue work is a labor of love. You give so much of yourself to every dog, cat, and critter. But while you're busy saving lives, it's easy to forget about your own mental and emotional health. So, let’s talk about the importance of balancing the love you give to animals with the care you give yourself.

an animal rescue volunteer and senior dog

The Emotional Weight of Rescue Work

Working in animal rescue is incredibly rewarding, but even more challenging. Watching pets come in from difficult circumstances, horrific abuse, neglect, and even struggling to find homes for long-time residents, takes an emotional toll. You might feel sadness, frustration, or even guilt on top of the joy of seeing successful adoptions. This emotional rollercoaster can lead to something known as compassion fatigue, which is common among caregivers, including those who work with animals.

What Is Compassion Fatigue?

Compassion fatigue happens when you give so much of your heart and energy to caring for others—humans or animals—that it starts to drain you. It can manifest as exhaustion, irritability, or even a sense of detachment. Over time, it might feel like you're running on empty, which is why it’s so important to practice self-care and recharge.

Mental Health Matters in Rescue

Just like the animals you care for, your mental health needs regular attention and care. When you’re at your best, you can give your best to the animals in your care (and the important people in your life, too). By making your mental health a priority, you ensure that you can continue to support animals in need for the long haul. You’re not only an advocate for animals—you have to be your own advocate too!

Self-Care Tips for Animal Rescue Volunteers and Workers

Here are some ways to help maintain your mental health while working or volunteering in animal rescue:

Take Breaks

It’s okay to step away when you’re feeling overwhelmed. More often than not, rescuers do not take breaks or even perceive the need for breaks as a weakness. Taking a moment to breathe, walk outside, or chat with a friend can help reset your mind and body. Even a 5-minute break can make a world of difference!

Set Boundaries

This is also not a strength of so many rescue workers. While it’s natural to want to help every animal that comes your way, every person has limits. You can’t pour from an empty cup. Know when to say no, and don’t feel guilty about it. The animals need you at your best!

Connect with Fellow Rescuers

Build a support network. Sometimes the only people who truly understand what you’re going through are other rescue workers. Share your experiences with colleagues or volunteers—whether it’s the joy of a successful pet adoption or the stress of a tough day.

Practice Mindfulness

Take time to be present in the moment, whether you're petting a dog, cleaning a cat’s cage, or going about your day. Mindfulness can help reduce stress and improve your overall mood, making each task a little lighter.

Celebrate Wins, Even the Small Ones

Not every day will end with a perfect adoption story, some days end horribly, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t victories to celebrate. Maybe you helped a shy pet take their first steps toward trusting humans, or you made a shelter dog feel loved for the first time. Celebrate those moments—they matter!

The Connection Between Rescue Work and Mental Health

While the challenges of rescue work can be mentally and emotionally taxing, it’s also important to recognize the benefits it can have on your mental health. Helping animals gives you a sense of purpose and accomplishment, boosts happiness, and reduces stress levels. There's something special about knowing that your efforts are changing lives.

Working or volunteering in an animal shelter or rescue connects you with like-minded people who share your passion. It can give you a strong sense of community and belonging, and that is crucial for mental well-being.

How Pet Adoption Can Boost Mental Health for Adopters

The positive impact doesn’t stop with the rescuers! Pet adoption is a win-win for pets and their new families. Research shows that adopting a pet can lower anxiety, reduce stress, and even improve physical health by encouraging more exercise and social interaction. Plus, the love and loyalty of a rescue pet? Unmatched.

You Matter, Too

Whether you're rescuing animals from shelters or helping connect families with their new furry friends, you do invaluable work. But always remember—you matter, too. Your mental health is just as important as the animals you care for. Take time today to show yourself the same love and compassion you give them.

Final Thoughts

Animal rescue work is hard, even the good days. It’s vital to care for yourself as much as you care for the animals. If you're ever feeling overwhelmed, reach out to a friend, colleague, or mental health professional. Prioritizing your well-being means you'll be able to continue making a difference in the lives of countless pets.

Happy World Mental Health Day to all the incredible rescue workers, volunteers, and animal lovers out there. Keep up the amazing work—and take care of you, too.