Springfield Animal Shelter Needs Volunteers After Parvo

The TJO Adoption Center in Springfield, Massachusetts, is proving that giving back can be just as good for volunteers as it is for the animals they help.

After closing for a week due to a parvo outbreak, the shelter is reopening with a longer to-do list than ever. Executive Director Jana Brown says volunteers handle everything from washing dishes and doing laundry to driving animals to vet appointments.

The shelter has added a new "pet chauffeur" role for people willing to transport animals to medical care. No matter what hours you have free, the center works around your schedule.

Brown knows firsthand how powerful volunteering can be. She started as a dog volunteer while working full-time as a meteorologist, cleaning cages and caring for animals.

"I did it because, honestly, it helps with my depression," Brown shared. "It helps with your mental health. It feels good to volunteer, but it also was really nice to do something for the animals."

Her volunteer work eventually led her to become the shelter's executive director. Now she's leading the charge to recruit more helpers during National Volunteer Week.

Why This Inspires

Brown's journey shows how helping others creates a circle of good. What started as self-care through animal care transformed into a career dedicated to serving her community.

The shelter proves that you don't need special skills to make a difference. Whether you have an hour or a whole afternoon, there's a way to contribute.

Volunteers also power the TJO Foundation's fundraising events, including the upcoming Jack Rome Memorial 5K on May 2nd. Without volunteer support, these events that fund the shelter's work simply couldn't happen.

Anyone interested can visit the TJO website to learn about opportunities that match their interests and availability—and maybe discover that helping animals helps them too.