Ragdoll Cat Forums

I am thinking about volunteering at the local shelter as a cat socializer, and I'm wondering if it's safe to do that and then come home to my own cats-- will I be jeopardizing my cats' health by possibly bringing viruses and bacteria home on my clothing? The local shelter is wonderful (my county is an anomaly in that the only shelter in the entire county is a no-kill SPCA, which handles animal control duties for the county, and the animals are very well taken care of) but it's still a shelter environment.
I've just been thinking lately about how my cats are so lucky because they have never experienced anything but love from humans, and I want to share some of my love and attention with cats who aren't as lucky. But I don't want to risk the health of Winston and Ollie.
Any advice would be hugely appreciated!

People do this and manage to keep their pets safe. You should talk with folks at the vet and at the shelter on what to do to be safe. (I have read of volunteers who change clothes and shower before being with their pets, but think that is an unusual level of precaution.) You can expect the shelter to let you know when there is known illness present so that you can increase any precautions at those times. (Other than distemper, the most deadly infections are blood borne and should not be a risk to your cats.)

I was actually going to liken this to my job...an RN in a hospital. Just change your clothes when you get home, wear shoes you only wear to the clinic and make sure to wash your hands carefully after handeling the cats. I think it should be fine.

Yes, I agree with Ruthann- I am also an RN and work in a hospital and have not had any problems. Most importantly,good handwashing- all digits 30 seconds- you always want to change your clothes when you get home from "work" . You should have no problems giving love to less fortunate animals. Go for it. Judy and Puff Apollo

Thanks everyone! This info helps a lot!

I think that is a wonderful gesture, giving up time to help animals that have fallen on hard times I hope you go ahead with it It's such a worthy cause,