How Volunteers Want to Be Paid: Understanding the Currency of Impact

Volunteers are the lifeblood of animal welfare organizations. They give their time, energy, and compassion to improve the lives of animals and communities, seeking no monetary reward. So, what drives their dedication? How do we “pay” them? This question is at the heart of every interaction with volunteers, and the answer lies in understanding the unique currencies they value.

The Currency of Making a Difference

For many volunteers, the greatest form of “payment” is knowing that their work saves lives. In animal welfare, this could mean assisting with adoptions, helping rehabilitate neglected animals, or even just spending time socializing with animals to make them more adoptable. The tangible outcome of seeing an animal thrive, find a loving home, or overcome a difficult past can be deeply fulfilling. This currency—creating a positive impact—is often what draws volunteers in and keeps them coming back.

Building Connection and Community

Volunteers also value the social bonds they form. Many come to shelters seeking fellowship with like-minded people who share their passion for animals. This sense of belonging is an intangible but invaluable form of compensation. By creating opportunities for volunteers to connect—whether through team events, appreciation gatherings, or collaborative projects—organizations can foster a community that makes every hour spent feel rewarding.

Feeling Seen and Appreciated

Recognition is a critical aspect of volunteer retention. While volunteers don’t seek monetary payment, they thrive on feeling seen, valued, and appreciated. Simple gestures like personalized thank-you notes, highlighting volunteer achievements, and celebrating milestones go a long way. According to Best Friends Animal Society, acknowledging volunteers’ contributions helps build loyalty and a deeper emotional connection to the mission. It shows that their work matters and that their unique skills are noticed and appreciated.

The Power of Flexibility

Flexibility is another critical “currency.” Volunteers come from all walks of life and juggle numerous responsibilities. Providing flexible schedules and adaptable roles allows them to contribute meaningfully without overwhelming their personal lives. This flexibility shows respect for their time and strengthens their commitment by making volunteering accessible and stress-free.

Purpose and Alignment

Volunteers need to see how their contributions fit into the bigger picture. When they understand how their work advances the organization’s mission, it enhances their sense of purpose. It’s not enough to simply ask volunteers to help—explaining why their efforts matter makes their work feel more impactful. For example, instead of solely focusing on urgent cases, volunteers can be educated on the importance of working with adolescent dogs to prevent behavioral issues before they escalate. This alignment of purpose helps volunteers see the value of their efforts in a broader context.

Creating Enriching Experiences

Finally, volunteers often seek out roles that enrich their own lives while making a difference. Whether it’s walking dogs for fitness, engaging in training for skill-building, or just finding joy and fulfillment through animal interaction, organizations need to find out what fills each volunteer’s “cup.” Matching volunteers’ interests with meaningful roles that bring them personal satisfaction is a win-win.

Retaining Volunteers by Valuing Their Currency

To retain volunteers, organizations must understand what “currency” they value most and find ways to provide it. Whether it’s making a measurable difference, building community, feeling recognized, having flexibility, or finding purpose, these currencies are far more motivating than money ever could be.

So, the next time you interact with a volunteer, ask yourself: How do they want to be paid? Understanding the answer unlocks the potential for a truly impactful partnership—one where everyone wins, especially the animals we all care so deeply about.