Should I get a job at animal control???

[Kermit]

I need some advice. I just found out that our local animal control is hiring, the position is "animal caretaker". It is the best hourly wage I have seen offered in this college town. It's part time, about 18 hours a week, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

I could easily do those hours and still be able to do my animal portrait work. The money would be a great supplement and also get me out of the house. (I have hermit-like tendencies. Note- I am at home on a Friday night, sitting at the computer, trying to decide if I should get a part-time job ).
Animals are my passion, and I have loads of experience caring for dogs and cats in a kennel setting.

BUT... will the stresses of the animal control atmosphere make me horribly depressed?? Or will I gain a feeling of satisfaction knowing that the animals are in my care and I am doing everything I can for them?? Or is there another factor I should be looking at?

Hmmm. I just don't know. Help?

[macybean]

I think that you would be doing a good thing-it's always nice to have a job that makes an impact like that; that said, if it's a kill shelter, I don't know if I could deal with it. But there are people out there who are strong enough to, and thank goodness for that. The animals there need people like that.

If you think you can do it without bringing them all home, then I would go for it. It's just another way to help animals.

Edited because I'm tired and not writing clearly! 

[Lyn]

I volunteered at a vet clinic behind the scenes so to speak. Cleaning, bathing, feeding, walking, doing whatever was needed basically.

I wanted to go to school to become a vet or vet tech.. so they made sure I experienced the job as a whole and unfortunately that included euthenasia. They had me assist(not by choice) and that was by far the worse part of the job. It was expecially bad if there was no need for the animal to be euthanized.

While the rest of the job was a great experience and I loved working with the animals, it was also a heartbreaking experience. Kind of a double edged sword.

There were times that I was depressed and cried my eyes out. But most days it was a rewarding experience.

I met breeds that I wouldn't normally see, I met my very first Pyr and Kuvasz there. I fell in love with Big Paws thanks to that job.

Would I do it again? Heck yeah! Do I want to become a vet or vet tech now? No.. LOL

[Kermit]

I think I'm gonna go for it.

[Nicole]

Hey, Rebekah!
 I worked at our HS. It was stressful some of the time, but always rewarding. It can be sad, yes. But, you get to hang out with doggies and kitties and give them love and care and that is just awesome.
 I know you've already decided, but I affirm your decision! Go for it!