Spotsylvania Career & Technical Center (SCTC) Veterinary Science program students and members of the American Heritage Girls Troop 1027A in Fredericksburg will visit Old Dominion Humane Society (ODHS) to learn about rescue dogs and animal care this month. A nonprofit, no-kill rescue led entirely by volunteers, ODHS encourages the public to hold team building exercises, scouting and school group events, and community organization gatherings at the facility. They’ll gain an understanding of how ODHS plays a role in the community, get a tour and meet and learn about the rescue dogs.
SCTC students working toward a career in the animal care field will hold an off-site class at ODHS on February 15. As high school students from throughout Spotsylvania, they’ve committed to monthly, large group service hours that go toward their veterinary assistance program training.
“The teens have a great opportunity to witness dog body language and learn more about high-volume care at ODHS,” said Sarah Smith, a volunteer with the organization for five years. “The students divide into small teams led by experienced ODHS volunteers and tackle deep cleaning tasks prior to the adoption event that day.”
Smith said the students work in the Intake room, where the newest rescues are examined, vaccinated, microchipped and given medication if needed. They visit “Little Dog Land,” where smaller breeds of dogs are housed; the main facility for the larger dogs; and the puppy side that’s set up for the youngest residents. After the morning’s work, students have the opportunity to get some puppy snuggles or spend time with another dog of their choice.
The education and volunteer work at ODHS is invaluable to SCTC students, who are pursuing careers in the animal care field, such as at boarding and training facilities, grooming businesses and county animal shelters. It’s an important step to take for individuals focused on veterinary or veterinary tech school.
“I can’t say enough about SCTC,” said Smith. “It’s an amazing program, and ODHS is happy to work with the students.” Smith’s daughter, Elizabeth Sivia, has been an ODHS volunteer since she was 15. Now 20, Sivia graduated from the SCTC program in 2023. Her studies at SCTC and hands-on experience at ODHS helped prepare Sivia for a job at Virginia Kincheloe Spay & Neuter Clinic in Fredericksburg.
The American Heritage Girls Troop 1027A, a Fredericksburg-based youth group with members ranging in age from 12 to 14, will be at ODHS on February 28. The troop is working to obtain pet care badges. Under the supervision of an ODHS volunteer, they’ll assist on the puppy side with cleaning, socializing the puppies (cuddles included) and learning about dog care. They’ll also have the chance to check out the dogs in the general population, helping with tasks like filling peanut butter bones.
Smith said visiting ODHS is a great way to host group volunteer projects for schools, troops and businesses. She believes the best way to know if you could be passionate about something is to roll up your sleeves and jump into it. She said it’s often less intimidating to work on a project or volunteer when you’re with friends.