Creating a Paw-sitive Impact

Volunteer Coordinator Tracy Sanchez, who comes from an education and 4-H background, has made it her mission to grow a strong community of volunteers while enriching the lives of the animals in the shelter’s care. One of her most popular initiatives, the Books and Buddies program, invites children to sit outside kennels and read to shelter dogs and cats.

“You can’t volunteer here until you’re 14,” shared Sanchez, who began the program in 2021 and officially opened it to the public in 2022. “But younger kids want to be involved too. Reading to the animals is hugely beneficial — it helps the kids improve their reading skills, and the animals learn to stay calm when someone is nearby. They don’t care if you mispronounce a word or read the phone book.”

When asked about the youngest child she’s had read to the animals, Sanchez laughed. “We’ve had parents bring in their two-year-olds and the kids will pretend to read and talk to the dogs like old friends – it is so heartwarming to see.”

The benefits extend beyond the shelter walls. Sanchez recalled a young participant whose mother shared that her reading skills and ability to focus had significantly improved thanks to regular visits. Some children who started with Books and Buddies have returned as official volunteers when they were old enough, sometimes bringing their parents into the fold as well.

For Kelly Chappell, a 7th grade science teacher at Pine Lake Preparatory School, the program has been an annual highlight for her students. Over the past few years, she has brought more than 70 students to participate.

“This program is a win–win for both the shelter animals and the students — everyone gets some of their basic needs met,” Chappell said. “For students, there’s a deep sense of fulfillment that comes from reading to dogs who, at first, may greet them with excited barking, but soon settle into a calm, content state as they listen to the stories. For the dogs, it’s a chance to soak up much-needed attention and affection. Plus, many of them get an extra boost when students share their photos and stories on social media, helping to promote these adoptable pups to a wider audience.”

Chappell says the experience often sparks a desire to continue giving back. “Many students struggle to find volunteer opportunities they genuinely look forward to — but that’s not the case with the animal shelter. Here, they’re eager to come back time and time again. In fact, some enjoy the experience so much that they return on their own, outside of our group visits, just to spend more time with the animals they’ve come to love.”

The shelter currently has about 82 active volunteers, ranging in age from 14 to 81. Opportunities are flexible, allowing participants to tailor their service — whether that’s helping at adoption events, working in the laundry and donation area, socializing cats, joining the dog enrichment team, greeting visitors, or even photographing animals to help them find homes. Volunteers progress through training tiers, with the most experienced helping to mentor newcomers.

For Sanchez, the goal is to match volunteers to the roles where they’ll thrive. “We have families who volunteer together, retirees who donate their time, and students earning service hours. Whatever someone’s abilities or schedule, there’s usually a way for them to contribute.”

The shelter also hosts creative events to connect the public with its mission, such as the annual Reverse Trick-or-Treat, where children can don their costumes one more time and give treats to the animals before heading out for a staff-organized trunk-or-treat, and the spring open house, which draws hundreds of visitors. These events double as volunteer recruitment opportunities, helping people see firsthand the care and dedication behind the scenes.

Sanchez says programs like Books and Buddies plant seeds that can grow into a lifetime of service. “It’s about inspiring compassion early, educating people about what we do here, and making them proud of their shelter. If I can get one child or family hooked on volunteering, that’s a success.”

Want to volunteer?
The Iredell County Animal Shelter welcomes new volunteers year-round. Orientation and training are provided, with opportunities for a variety of skills and comfort levels. Learn more at Iredell County Volunteer Information.

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About Iredell County Government
Iredell County Government is committed to serving residents and businesses by providing high-quality public services, fostering economic development, and enhancing the overall quality of life. Incorporated in 1788, Iredell County is located in the central section of North Carolina and encompasses the city of Statesville and towns of Harmony, Love Valley, Mooresville and Troutman.