Iredell County

At the Iredell County Animal Shelter, volunteerism isn’t just about walking dogs or cleaning kennels — it’s about building connections, fostering compassion, and inspiring a lifelong commitment to service.

Volunteer Coordinator Tracy Sanchez, who comes from an education and 4-H background, has made it her mission to grow a strong community of volunteers while enriching the lives of the animals in the shelter’s care. One of her most popular initiatives, the Books and Buddies program, invites children to sit outside kennels and read to shelter dogs and cats.

“You can’t volunteer here until you’re 14,” shared Sanchez, who began the program in 2021 and officially opened it to the public in 2022. “But younger kids want to be involved too. Reading to the animals is hugely benef

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