Celebrating the Heart of Dakin: Our Volunteers

Dakin volunteers at the 2024 Will Run for Cookies check-in desk (Photo by Dot Barnard)

Dakin Humane Society relies on nearly 500 dedicated volunteers to support its adoption center, clinics, and programs like Kitten ICU (KICU), fostering, and pet food aid. In 2024 alone, volunteers donated over 66,000 hours of service—valued at more than $1.2 million.

April is National Volunteer Month, and Dakin celebrates the incredible impact volunteers make every day. Community Engagement Manager Kaitlyn Holloway and Volunteer Coordinator Luis Roche lead the program and host an annual Volunteer Appreciation event in April to recognize milestones and share gratitude.

When KICU reopened for several months last year, volunteers cared for over 250 critically ill kittens, and many noted that the experience was emotional and gratifying. At the conclusion of the KICU season, Kaitlyn and Luis organized a celebration where the team shared stories and honored their life-saving work.

Jen Daponde, a fifth-grade teacher who volunteered in the KICU, said, “I’ve done things I never imagined I was capable of, like administering subcutaneous fluids for sick kittens, fostering, and socializing shy kittens. It has brought me a deep sense of purpose and fulfillment. I even shared Kitten ICU photos with my students. It has truly been one of the most rewarding experiences I’ve had in a long time.”

According to Heather Lannon, who volunteers at Dakin events, “With so many volunteers, it is no small task to keep things organized, ensure that people are well-trained and supported, and provide new opportunities and ways to show appreciation. Not only is Dakin’s volunteer program a well-oiled machine, but there is a lot of mindful effort put into welcoming, including and enriching the volunteers' experiences.”

As Kaitlyn noted, “Our volunteers are an integrated part of our team, and there are really good connections between them and our staff. Things change all the time in the shelter, and we need to loop our volunteers in, and give them guidance if protocols or policies change. They’re part of our overall mission, part of our team, and we all work together as one.”

Roxanne Borowiec, a cat care volunteer, stated “I definitely feel fulfilled knowing that even though I am only there for my three-hour shift, I have given the cats my attention in addition to feeding them and cleaning their accommodations. Also, knowing that they get the same from all the other volunteers on their shifts makes it even more rewarding.”

Heather added, “Dakin has a great balance of finding the fun and light in serious work. I and most other volunteers live busy lives but we constantly make time to volunteer there due to the value and pride it brings us. The work I have done is truly energizing and I always leave my interactions feeling refreshed.”

Want to make a difference? Dakin needs in-shelter dog care and foster volunteers, especially for kittens, adult cats and adult dogs. Learn more and sign up here.

We are deeply grateful for the passion and commitment of our volunteers—and we celebrate them this month and always.