Animal Talk with Tammy Ven Dange | April 25

This is her story…

“I originally completed a Bachelor of Nursing before coming to the RSPCA in 2015 as a volunteer, and in 2016 I joined the staff.

I primarily work in the Domestic Animals area which includes chickens, ducks, rabbits, birds, reptiles (anything that isn’t a dog or cat really!).

I start my day by checking the area and making sure all the animals are bright and healthy. We have the most wonderful volunteers who come in every morning to feed and water the animals. However, if a volunteer isn’t able to make it that day, I’ll give the animals their required food, along with fresh fruit/vegetables and water. 

The team provides the animals with regular enrichment activities which is essential for their well-being. This includes dust baths for the chickens, water baths for the ducks, fresh branches for the various birds, bark chips or branches for our reptiles, amongst other things! 

We have roosters here that have been waiting for their forever home for over a year, so it is always a celebration when they get adopted. When one finds a home that already has hens, I’m especially happy.

I have to admit that I also spend A LOT of time cleaning, especially lately when we have had hundreds of poultry in care. We clean the enclosures as-needed so they always have clean straw and fresh grass to scratch through.  

Every animal at the shelter requires a commitment from us to ensure they are well cared for while at the shelter, and it feels good to do that. I work with a great team where everyone gives 110 percent for each and every animal. We wouldn’t be able to do our jobs without the support of our co-workers and volunteers.

The best thing about working at RSPCA ACT is seeing a long-term animal finally find its forever-home. 

Interested in working for RSPCA ACT? Visit http://www.rspca-act.org.au/get-involved/employment-opportunities