Inside the Forney Animal Shelter: An Exclusive Interview with Ashley Veldheer

The Forney Animal Shelter plays a vital role in the community by taking in stray and abandoned animals, helping them find forever homes, and promoting pet health and welfare. We wanted to highlight the shelter’s important work and the dedicated people behind the scenes who make it all possible.

In this exclusive interview, we spoke with Ashley Veldheer, an Animal Control Officer at the Forney Animal Shelter. Ashley is a passionate advocate for animal welfare, actively working to raise awareness about rescue efforts and the shelter’s needs. Her dedication has contributed to increased live release rates, ensuring more animals find loving homes.

Can you tell us a little about the Forney Animal Shelter and its mission?

Here at the Forney Animal Shelter we Strive to do our absolute best to reduce the number of stray animals, reuniting them with their families, and adopting the ones out who don’t have a family looking for them.

What kinds of animals do you typically have at the shelter?

We typically only have cats and dogs but once in a while we will get some wildlife in.

What does a typical day look like for you as a shelter employee?

A typical day for me changes everyday, but we always start our mornings by feeding, cleaning and giving medicine to the animals here in the shelter. Then we take calls and work on finding homes or rescues for the animals here.

How do you help animals find their forever homes?

I post animals on our facebook page with stories to try and find them homes.

Can you share a heartwarming adoption story that stands out to you?

I have so many adoptions that warm my heart, but Spice was one of my favorite ones because she was with us for 6 months and was adopted twice and returned at no fault of her own. Now she is living the best life with her parents who absolutely adore her.

What programs or events does the shelter offer to engage with the community?

We will host a couple vaccine clinics a couple times a year and we usually have an adoption event once or twice a month.

How can people support the shelter, whether through volunteering or donations?

We have volunteering opportunities where you can fill out an application on our city website under the Animal Control section. Once you are approved and complete an orientation you can come walk dogs, help clean, or play with cats, the opportunities are endless there is something for anyone who wants to become a volunteer. We also have Doggy Day out where you can take a dog for the day and get them out of the shelter environment. We also have foster opportunities, but you must be a volunteer to become a foster.

What steps does the shelter take to ensure the health and well-being of the animals?

We make sure to wear gloves while cleaning the cats and change them between each cat and we require people who want to interact with our cats/kittens or puppies to sanitize their hands before and between each animal.

What advice do you have for someone thinking about adopting a pet?

My advice is to do your research on what breeds might fit your lifestyle the best. When adopting an animal it is for life and it should not be made lightly if you can’t commit to 15 years plus then now may not be the right time to adopt. And to remember that animals need 3 days to days to decompress, 3 weeks to feel comfortable and 3 months to show their personality.

What is the most rewarding part of your job at the Forney Animal Shelter?

The most rewarding part of my job is to watch the animals walk out the door for the last time when they get adopted or rescued!