animal caretaker

volunteer coordinator

animal care supervisor

Burlington Humane Society

If you've ever wondered what it would be like to work in an environment that feels like the TV show Severance, BHS offers a similar experience—though unlike the show, you won’t forget everything when you leave the office. The company’s structure and management have an almost eerie resemblance to that of the show, with a few individuals in upper management acting as gatekeepers to higher-level decision-making. These few, who communicate exclusively with those at the very top, create a sense of isolation and distance from the rest of the team. Employees may often feel disconnected from the bigger picture and struggle to see how their work contributes to the overall mission.

Management's oversight can be overwhelming, with a tendency to hover in ways that can feel invasive. Whether in person, through screens, or even from the comfort of their own homes, the constant monitoring can lead to a stifling atmosphere that may make employees feel as though they’re under constant scrutiny. For some, the experience of feeling watched, while trying to do your job, can be draining.

Beyond the high level of supervision, employees have noted a culture of blame-shifting, secrecy, and a lack of accountability. Issues in the workplace can often go unresolved, and employees may find themselves left to deal with difficult situations on their own. In some cases, those who raise concerns might be met with silence or indirect responses, making it clear that open communication is not encouraged. This can lead to an environment where your voice feels silenced or ignored.

While working with animals is a fulfilling aspect of the role, the overall environment can be mentally taxing. Unfortunately, there are instances of inappropriate behavior and aggression that often go unaddressed, leaving employees feeling unsafe and unsupported. The combination of unaddressed conflict, internal tension, and lack of proper management intervention creates a workplace that could have lasting impacts on one's mental and emotional wellbeing.

Those seeking a forward-thinking, collaborative, and innovative environment may be disappointed. Fresh ideas are often stifled, and there seems to be little room for change. Teamwork and creativity are pushed aside in favor of maintaining the status quo, and attempts to modernize the company are frequently met with resistance. Bringing concerns or suggestions to management may result in no response or a vague answer, further discouraging any drive for improvement.

In conclusion, while there are some rewarding aspects of the role, particularly for those passionate about working with animals, it's important to consider the challenges you may face in the workplace. The management style, lack of communication, and unresolved conflicts can create a difficult work environment that may not be suitable for everyone. If you're looking for a place where your voice is heard, where you feel supported, and where your safety is valued, this may not be the right fit. While I aimed to provide an honest review, platform guidelines limit how much I can share about the challenges faced, preventing a full and transparent account.

The frontline staff and volunteers at this organization are truly the heart of the shelter. Their compassion, dedication, and tireless work—despite minimal compensation—are the reason the animals receive the care they deserve. However, staff members often find themselves overworked and undervalued due to a lack of effective leadership and support. In the past six months, the organization has seen a complete turnover of highly skilled and dedicated staff. High turnover at this scale is often a sign of deeper issues.

At first glance, the shelter presents itself as a well-run, mission-driven nonprofit. But beneath the surface, issues with leadership and workplace culture create challenges that can’t be ignored. Communication from management often lacks transparency (if communication happens at all), and employees are subject to micromanagement rather than mentorship. Surveillance measures—such as excessive camera monitoring both on and off site—contribute to an environment that feels more scrutinized than supported.

Employees are closely monitored, with cameras being watched even when leadership isn’t present in the building. Rather than fostering a culture of trust and accountability, this creates an atmosphere of discomfort. Additionally, staff members have been copied on internal discussions that critique employees in a way that is not constructive. When concerns are raised, they are dismissed rather than addressed.

Conflict resolution is non-existent, and addressing workplace concerns can sometimes lead to negative repercussions rather than solutions. Open communication is not encouraged, and the resulting environment can feel stressful and discouraging. Something as simple as ordering lunch with coworkers has caused unexpected issues. The general atmosphere often feels tense, making it difficult for employees to feel fully supported in their roles.

Despite the best efforts of frontline staff, challenges persist due to outdated operational methods. There is limited encouragement for innovation or the adoption of evolving best practices in animal welfare. Financial decisions sometimes take priority over ethical considerations, leaving employees in difficult positions. The Board, while responsible for oversight, remains somewhat disconnected from the day-to-day realities of shelter operations, which impacts decision-making.

Yes, working with animals is the best part of the job—but that alone cannot make up for an environment that can feel stressful and restrictive. Until significant leadership improvements are made, this organization may continue to struggle with staff retention, operational inefficiencies, and workplace morale. While the mission of helping animals is commendable, those considering employment here should carefully evaluate whether the work environment aligns with their expectations and values.

I have done my best to share my personal experience in a way that I believe is fair and honest while remaining in accordance with this platform’s guidelines.

Burlington Humane has the potential to be great. The building is relatively new and there is large community support. Unfortunately management have created a really toxic work environment. 

You are monitored on cameras during your shift (I was not told this would happen). If management has an issue with something you’ve done or your work, it’s likely to end up in the weekly email to staff and even be brought up in front of other staff in morning meetings. Often before it’s even been addressed with you privately. 

Most staff walk on eggshells and worry about making any mistakes. Especially given you are not provided with rules, policies or procedures for staff. Management can say something is against rules or policies without telling you before hand or providing any reference to said rules or policies. If you don’t know or have access to the policies how can you be sure to follow them all? 

New ideas are shut down. Staff are not allowed to address the board directly and must ask management to pass along suggestions and ideas. This doesn’t always happen. There is no HR or alternative person to speak with other than management, which makes it pretty difficult to address a concern with management itself. 

While the shelter has a “no kill” designation and promotes this, staff must urgently seek placement for some animals if they are not deemed “adoptable enough”. We were told they would be euthanized if we couldn’t find another organization to transfer them to. It was very stressful. (These animals were not in pain, suffering or a danger to people). 

The shelter heavily relies on volunteers to care for the animals and provide reception. If volunteers don’t show up, staff will pitch in to provide the care, however that is on top of all the other responsibilities. It’s not unusual to need to stay later than when your shift ends. There’s no guarantee those hours will be approved (you’re supposed to get them approved in advance but it can be hard to predict if a volunteer won’t show up or an emergency happens). Staff frequently volunteer their time to get things done. It’s not uncommon for staff to need to stay 2-3 hours after their shift ends, especially during kitten season (April-October). Given how busy it is, it’s very difficult to take breaks or your lunch. 

Staff turn over is very high. It’s minimum wage. You need to have a high level of knowledge of animal care, really good customer service and ability to deal with difficult people, quick on your feet and in an emergency. The expectations are very high for a job that pays so little, no benefits, no guaranteed overtime (but the expectation you will do it with a smile). Add to that the emotional side of animal death, people surrendering animals and really sad cases of animal cruelty that you see and hear about. Mental health is not something that’s promoted at this job despite how important it is, given how prevalent compassion fatigue is in the industry. 

I sincerely hope the work environment improves so that staff and volunteers can better help animals in the community. 

During my time at this organization, I experienced an environment that was highly stressful and unprofessional. Employees are closely monitored at all times, sometimes by individuals who are not even present on-site. Micromanagement is extreme, creating an atmosphere of distrust.  

Decision-making is often taken out of the hands of trained professionals, including veterinarians, in favor of those who lack proper expertise. Concerns for animal welfare are not always handled ethically, and financial decisions sometimes seem to take priority over humane care.  

Conflict resolution is unprofessional, often involving shouting and public confrontations rather than civil discussions. Attempts to address these issues through proper channels, including filing reports, are dismissed or met with retaliation. Structural and policy changes are made in response to complaints rather than addressing them directly.  

Additionally, staff members are subjected to unwarranted scrutiny for simple actions like ordering lunch together, and job security is undermined through sudden replacements without clear communication. Rather than addressing concerns professionally, management fosters a divisive and hostile work culture.  

I would not recommend this workplace to those seeking a supportive and ethical environment.

Burlington Humane is a great place to work.  The team works together really well and communication is easy and continual.

Management has an open door policy and helps out in all areas of the shelter.  I have never worked in an organization where the managers are so hands-on.  The environment is very harmonious and collaborative.

Unfortunately, this has not always been the case.  Recently a group of volunteers refused to follow the rules and acted like they were in charge.  These volunteers gave the valued hard working volunteers a bad name.  Thanks to management, these disruptive volunteers are no longer here and the shelter has returned to the happy pleasant place to work that it was before.

It is nice to know that the staff and volunteers who are here now are here for the animals and not for themselves. 

Great place to help animals in need. The staff and volunteers really care about helping the animals and put a lot of time and care into their effort. The board of directors and shelter manager are pretty much ineffective and incompetent which leads to a high turnover of staff and volunteers. The open door policy is pretty much them kicking you out the door for making any comments or suggestions that do not fit their view.  Poorly managed shelter which hasn't shown much progress compared to other similar facilities. The animals are generally well cared for but overall there is much room for improvement. Can be a stressful toxic work environment. Not exactly a team effort or environment. Good place for someone starting out in their animal related career. 

Not an organization I will support any longer. The animals deserve better than what they are given.  It is poorly run shelter that fires their hardworking volunteers and is dishonest to others as to why.  Ineffective at making positive change, things just keep getting worse. It's incredibly unfortunate that such an organization continues to mitigate the issues here. Management is happy to say whatever possible to create an idyllic work environment. There are hundreds that would attest to this being fact. Those who join non profits and animal shelters know the wages are often minimum, and continue to become employed at them. This is because love of animals far outweighs the monetary compensation.

There is extreme resistance to any form of change and a significant disconnect between the volunteers, who do much of the day-to-day work, and management/Board. Events to promote adoptions are conceived by, and executed almost exclusively by, volunteers. Initiatives to get pets adopted is driven from the bottom up, rather than the top down. Training does not appear to be a priority. Staff and volunteers are not required to have fear-free certification (though some volunteers have obtained this on their own). Volunteers are summarily dismissed if they raise issues or try to have concerns addressed. 

As a staff member, you are expected to work in a fast-paced, emotional and stressful environment. There are no benefits or appreciation given by management despite how much effort you put into your work. There is a lack of support given by management and any ideas or opinions are frequently rejected if brought up. Decisions surrounding the work you perform are made by board members and you are not allowed to give any input. There is no opportunity for advancement, and pay raises are often denied. 

Some of the most amazing volunteers uphold this organization but they're often unappreciated and taken advantage of. Extremely high staff turnover makes for low morale amongst other staff and volunteers. Many volunteers are 'fired' if they question management/board members. The often tense atmosphere, distrust from management and lack of collegiality overtake the good aspects unfortunately. 
The positive aspects of involvement here include the animals and having volunteers selflessly devote their time to them. 

Top Job Titles	Average salary
Animal caretaker 4 salaries reported	$17.50 per hour
Volunteer coordinator 1 salary reported	$17.25 per hour
Animal care supervisor 1 salary reported	$18.50 per hour

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