Volunteer Experience Research Articles

End-of-life conversations about death and dying from volunteer perspectives: A qualitative study.

Although often unrecognized, volunteers fulfill many essential roles in hospices and other end-of-life care settings. Volunteers complement the actions of professionals in fulfilling many extra care needs, such as delivering newspapers and tidying bedsides. We explored end-of-life conversations about death and dying between hospice volunteers and terminally ill people, with a particular emphasis on any expressed desire to die. Our 2 research questions were as follows: (1) What is the nature of end-of-life conversations between hospice patients and hospice volunteers? and (2) How do hospice volunteers experience conversations about death and dying with patients who are at the end-of-life? We conducted semi-structured interviews using an interpretive phenomenological analysis. We recruited hospice volunteers from 4 hospices in Calgary, Edmonton, and Red Deer; 3 larger cities in the province of Alberta, Canada. We interviewed 12 participants to saturation. Four themes emerged: (1) trusting conversations about death and dying in the context of a safe place; (2) normalcy of conversations about death and dying; (3) building meaningful relationships; and (4) end-of-life conversations as a transformative experience. Our results emphasize the importance of preparing volunteers for conversations about death and dying, including the desire to die. The safe environment of the hospice, the commitment to patient confidentiality, and the ability of volunteers to meet the basic and emotional needs of dying people or simply just be present without having formal care duties that need to be completed contribute to volunteers being able to participate in timely and needed conversations about death and dying, including the desire to die. In turn, hospice experiences and end-of-life conversations provide a transformative experience for volunteers.

Volunteer Engagement within Equine Assisted Services.

This study examines the effect of volunteering within a Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH Intl) premiere accredited center by exploring the experiences of volunteers leading horses in adaptive riding lessons. Adaptive Riding lessons are horseback riding lessons for individuals ages four through the lifespan, with special needs, varying from cognitive, physical, social-emotional, or other challenges. Volunteers directly impact the rider-horse bond by increasing accessibility to horseback riding for individuals with disabilities, fostering a meaningful bond between the rider and horse. The research questions were as follows: (1) do saliva measures of cortisol and alpha-amylase (stress), and oxytocin (affiliative bonding) change over time for volunteers; and (2) how satisfied are volunteers with volunteering for Equine Assisted Services (EAS)? Forty-one volunteers participated in Reining in Anxiety, an intervention combining adaptive riding and cognitive behavioral therapy. Physiological data (i.e., pooled saliva, saliva combined from various glands throughout the mouth, resting under the tongue prior to collection) were collected pre/post riding session at four time points during the 10-session intervention, measuring oxytocin, cortisol, and alpha-amylase. Post-intervention, volunteers completed a survey about their experiences as volunteers and as participants in the study. All saliva samples were collected successfully. There was a non-significant, positive trend in oxytocin and alpha-amylase, while cortisol remained level. The responses in the survey suggested that volunteers perceive their role positively, with nuanced experiences of a sense of responsibility to ensure safety, and enjoyment in assisting the riders. Volunteers are vital to the safety of the rider and horse. While their perceived and internalized responsibility is evidenced by an increase in stress (e.g., cortisol remaining level and an increase in alpha-amylase), it is not necessarily negative stress, as there is simultaneously affiliative bonding expressed (oxytocin). The complex emotions and experiences of volunteers are important to understand to create meaningful, sustainable volunteer engagement. This is particularly important in the EAS industry, which is reliant on volunteerism.

Companion animal adoption and relinquishment during the COVID-19 pandemic: The experiences of animal rescue staff and volunteers.

There has been a paucity of research into the experiences of animal rescue staff and volunteers during COVID-19. The aim of this qualitative research was to explore the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on companion animal rescue organisations and their staff and volunteers, and to develop a set of recommendations on how to reduce the risk to companion animal welfare during a crisis. Descriptive thematic analysis was used to explore the experiences of staff and volunteers from 28 animal rescue organisations, most of which were based in the UK. Other surveyed countries included Germany, the Republic of Ireland, France, Spain, the USA and Australia. We identify three key themes that reflect the challenges faced by pet rescue organisations during the pandemic: (1) impact on animals; (2) impact on identity; and (3) impact on organisational processes. Key recommendations include the promotion of co-operation and modifications within the sector, the need to understand, and change, detrimental pet-owner behaviours, and the need to clarify the identity of animal rescue organisations within the Government. Both positive and negative outcomes were experienced by animal rescue organisations during the COVID-19 pandemic. These findings should be considered for future crises and indeed the everyday operating procedures of companion animal rescue organisations.

ECMR 1-16 - Fast Screening Cardiothoracic MRI Protocol in 0.55T Low-field Strength MRI: Initial Experience in Healthy Volunteers

ECMR 1-16 - Fast Screening Cardiothoracic MRI Protocol in 0.55T Low-field Strength MRI: Initial Experience in Healthy Volunteers

Payment and Motivation: Female Community Health Volunteers in Nepal

The paper attempts to critically discuss the payment issue among Female Community Health Volunteers (FCHV) in Nepal. It examines how the Female Community Health Volunteers experience such issues and the impact on them. The payment issues among Community Health Workers are very contentious, particularly in developing countries. The prevalence of this issue in Nepal merits critical attention. The paper further examines Female Community Health Volunteers’ motivation to work despite the numerous challenges. The paper is based on fieldwork in the Bardiya District of Nepal where most respondents expect to receive some basic remuneration for their service regularly. The question, therefore, arises for examination as to why they are unwilling to leave their position even though they do not receive any financial rewards for community service. Social status, mobility, gaining new knowledge, participating in various programs, and building relationships with others are some of the motivating factors for FCHVs.

DO INTERNALIZED AGE STEREOTYPES MEDIATE THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN VOLUNTEERING AND PURPOSE IN LIFE FOR ADULTS 50+?

Abstract The productive aging literature suggests that volunteering plays a crucial role in enhancing psychosocial well-being among older adults. A growing body of research based in stereotype embodiment theory also demonstrates significant negative health impacts of internalized age stereotypes. Yet, limited research explores which social engagement activities may both reduce internalized ageism and enhance psychosocial health as people age. This cross-sectional study investigated whether internalized age stereotypes mediate the relationship between volunteering and a sense of purpose in life for adults 50+. A convenience sample of volunteers (n = 154) 50+ years of age living in the U.S. Mountain West completed a 15-minute, online survey. The independent variable was number of volunteer hours per week (mean = 6.39, SD = 5.47). The dependent variable was purpose in life measured by six items from the positively worded, five-point purpose in life subscale of the Ryff psychological well-being scale (α = .75; mean = 3.93, SD = 0.61). Drawing from the self-stereotypes of aging scale, the indirect effects of five internalized positive (e.g., “wise” and “capable”) and five negative (e.g., “grumpy” and “helpless”) age stereotypes were tested. Results indicate that increased internalized positive, not negative, age stereotypes partially mediated the relationship between volunteer hours and purpose in life while holding constant age, gender, race, functional limitation, education, employment, self-rated health, and previous volunteer experience. The findings suggest that internalizing positive age stereotypes may function as a form of esteem and contribute to an enhanced sense of purpose in later life.

Interpretation of the war in Ukraine: ukrainian, polish, bulgarian, and lithuanian poetry (based on the anthology «Armed spring»)

The study analyzed the anthology «Vesna ozbroiena (Armed Spring)», initiated for publication by The National Writers’ Union of Ukraine. The book was published during the unfolding of a full-scale war in Ukraine, in the spring of 2022. The anthology is based on several principles — the coverage of regions with different levels of authorship is particularly noticeable, the principle of generational experiences is sporadically manifested, on the other hand — in the organization of anthology shows the consideration of the tendency to cover the phenomenon, especially how exactly the topic of war is highlighted in Western European poetry. The experimental nature of the anthology «Vesna ozbroiena (Armed Spring)» is that the editor, the author of the foreword, Mykhailo Sydorzhevsky, qualified it as an anthology of military lyrics and under one cover collected small selections (up to six works) of Ukrainian, Polish, Bulgarian and Baltic poets about the acute feeling-reflection of two stages Russia-Ukraine war (1st stage — 2014‑2022, 2nd stage — ongoing since 24.02.2022). The authors of the «Vesna ozbroiena (Armed Spring)» anthology belong not only to different artistic circles and generations, they are more or less known to the readership, but the fact is that their style palette is very diverse, from masterful maturity to imitative manners that are easy to follow by those who have already established themselves in the literature. Predominant in the anthology is the understanding of the helplessness of a peaceful person amid the tragic events of war. At the same time, the depth and knowledge of events and details differ — this is volunteer experience, and the experience of refugees, emigrants, the experience of mothers waiting for their sons and daughters from the front, the experience of soldiers and descendants of soldiers, the experience of orphans and those who covered these events in the media and in research, which provides sufficient discourse throughout the war and keeps the phenomenon visible, because it is the same age as the relayed disaster.

Unpacking the Volunteer Experience: The Influence of Volunteer Management on Retention and Promotion of the Organization

Volunteers play a vital role in nonprofit organizations. While considerable research examines volunteer recruitment and volunteer management, less is known about how to manage volunteers in such a way that inspires volunteers to continue to volunteer and to promote the organization. Using original survey data, we examine how volunteer experiences influence retention and volunteer promotion of the organization using the Net Promoter Score (NPS). The findings suggest that investing in training is paramount, along with making volunteers from diverse backgrounds feel welcome and included. Organizational support, very likely, plays a role too, in that interactions with paid staff and experience with the organization are positive predictors as well. These findings along with qualitative feedback from volunteers offer new insights on how to help nonprofit organizations bridge recruitment and retention efforts.

Views and experiences of volunteers for the Commonwealth Partnerships for Antimicrobial Stewardship Extension Programme

Abstract Introduction Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global public health issue, which can be addressed through improved antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) knowledge and practice. The CwPAMS programme, launched in 2019, is funded by the UK aid Fleming Fund and managed by Commonwealth Pharmacists Association (CPA) and Tropical Health and Education Trust (THET).1,2,3 It expanded in 2021 to support 14 health partnerships to enhance AMS capacity by leveraging UK expertise between the UK and 8 Commonwealth countries: Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia. CwPAMS was supported by UK and LMIC volunteers. Aim The aim of this study was to explore views and experiences of volunteers who took part in the CwPAMS Extension Programme. Methods A cross-sectional survey was developed using Survey Monkey by CPA internal AMS experts and programme managers. The questions explored the key benefits to health organisations and professionals, including the development of AMS skills and competencies, barriers to AMS, and personal/professional development opportunities. Open-ended questions were included to gather further insights into volunteers' views and experiences of volunteering and participating in CwPAMS. The survey was emailed to the 14 health partnerships who took part in the CwPAMS programme between October 2021-May 2022 to be disseminated to all volunteers. Data were collected between 14 April-1 June 2022, transferred to Microsoft Excel and analysed thematically, with frequency counting where appropriate. As it was an internal CPA programme evaluation, no ethical approval was required. Results A total of 83 survey responses were received. The majority respondents were female (60%) and were pharmacists (54%). Volunteers recognised the programme’s positive impact on a personal/professional and organisational level, by fostering knowledge exchange and enhancing AMS practices. Amongst volunteers, 87% noted that their organisation had benefited through their participation in CwPAMS, with 72% stating they had increased AMS capacity in their team. Volunteers highlighted several areas where they applied their newly acquired skills and experiences from their participation in CwPAMS. The most frequently mentioned impactful areas were: 1) Leadership and project management: Volunteers reported improved competencies in establishing local expertise in AMS and infection management, strengthening stakeholder and partnership engagement and improved confidence in project leadership, monitoring, and evaluation. 2) Use of new tools (digital/virtual) for training and AMS use 3) Mentoring, teaching and sharing their knowledge and experiences to support others in their professional development. In addition, volunteers reported they had the opportunity to network and form international partnerships, fostering multidisciplinary collaborations. They also experienced personal development by acquiring leadership, communication, problem-solving, grant application writing, and project management skills. Discussion/Conclusion CwPAMS offers volunteers within health partnerships a distinct opportunity for personal and professional growth, while simultaneously improving AMS related healthcare practices in their organisations. We will continue to expand upon the achievements of the programme by enhancing volunteer experiences, such as the Africa Leadership Fellowship-AMS offering as part of CwPAMS 2, to upskill and enable pharmacists in LMICs to develop leadership roles. Additionally, we aim to strengthen the evaluation of CwPAMS to showcase its impact to the UK and LMICs, respectively.

The relationship between volunteer management, satisfaction, and intention to continue volunteering in sport events: An environmental psychology perspective

AbstractThis study aimed to investigate the relationship between volunteer management, motivation, satisfaction, and continuance intention to volunteer through the lens of Mehrabian and Russell's (1974) environmental psychology model. Moreover, the moderating effect of the volunteer experience was examined in the relationships between constructs. Data were collected from volunteers participating in various sport events in Singapore (N = 290). Results showed volunteer management positively influenced volunteers' satisfaction, which in turn affected their continuance intention. Moreover, motivation had a positive impact on both satisfaction and continuance intention. In addition, the moderating role of volunteer experience was identified. Based on Mehrabian and Russell's (1974) environmental psychology model, the findings of this study offered an alternative perspective on volunteers' satisfaction and continuance intention and provided insights into specific groups of volunteers.

Female community health volunteers' experience in navigating social context while providing basic diabetes services in western Nepal: Social capital and beyond from systems thinking.

The global burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) has led to an increased mobilization of community health workers (CHWs) in the prevention and management of NCDs, particularly in resource-poor settings. However, little is known about the experiences of CHWs as they navigate the complex social context while proving home-based NCD management. This study aims to explore the experiences of female community health volunteers (FCHVs) in a community-based pilot project in western Nepal, specially regarding the social challenges they face while delivering basic type 2 diabetes (T2D) services. Using a qualitative phenomenological approach, the study conducted two focus group discussions and nine in-depth interviews with a total of 14 and 9 FCHVs, respectively. Social Capital theory was employed to understand the sociological aspects. The findings shed light on the challenges encountered by FCHVs in expanding their social networks, building trust, and fostering reciprocity among T2D intervention recepients. Notably, social trust was a significant challenge, compounded by power dynamics related to gender and socioeconomic status. FCHVs managed to overcome these challenges through their perseverance, self-motivation, and leaveraging their strong bonding and linking social capital. The recognition they received from the community played a crucial role in sustaining their motivation. The study highlights the importance of FCHVs' strong social capital, supported by available resources and personal motivation, in overcoming social obstacles. It is imperative for community health interventions to anticipate challenges across various elements of social capital to ensure the long-term retention and motivation of CHWs. Establishing appropriate support systems that address personal motivating factors and the strengthen social capital is essential.

The Influence of Patient Care, Shadowing, and Volunteer Experience on Diverse Applicant Matriculation Into Physician Assistant/Associate Programs.

To better understand factors contributing to low matriculation rates for health professions students from backgrounds underrepresented in medicine (URiM), this study examined the influence of healthcare-releated preadmission experiences on physician assistant/associate (PA) program matriculation. We analyzed data from the Centralized Application Service for PAs 2018 to 2019 admissions cycle to compare characteristics of non-URiM and URiM PA program applicants and matriculants. The primary focus was on preadmission healthcare-releated experiences. To control for the strong influence of grade point average (GPA) on the likelihood of matriculation, we divided applicants into 2 groups: those with GPA < 3.6 (the median GPA for matriculants) and those with GPA ≥ 3.6. Analyses consisted of descriptive statistics and logistic regressions. Our sample consisted of 25,880 PA program applicants. Higher proportions of URiM compared with non-URiM applicants identified as first-generation college students (39.3% vs. 19.9%) or indicated economic disadvantage (32.3% vs. 12.5%). Overall, higher proportions of URiM compared with non-URiM applicants reported no patient care experience (24.3% vs. 17.9%), no shadowing (31.7% vs. 21.7%), or no volunteering (32.2% vs. 26.9%). Among all applicants with GPA < 3.6, reporting any type of experience was associated with increased odds of matriculation. Among URiM applicants with GPA ≥ 3.6, patient care experience did not influence odds of matriculation (odds ratio [OR] = 1.22, P = .23), whereas shadowing was associated with twice the odds (OR = 2.01, P < .001). Although academic metrics are known to predict PA program matriculation, we found that preadmission experiences also play a role. The study findings suggest that lack of experience hours may hinder URiM student access to PA education.

Trends in successfully matched neurosurgery residency applicants.

The United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) Step 1 recently transitioned to a pass/fail outcome, renewing interest in how programs select neurosurgical residents. This study investigates the association between match status and key academic metrics over time. Data are from the National Resident Matching Program from 2009 to 2022 for matched and unmatched US allopathic (MD) seniors. Investigated metrics included the mean number of contiguous ranks; mean number of distinct specialties ranked; mean USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 Clinical Knowledge (CK) scores; mean number of abstracts, presentations, and publications; mean number of research, work, and volunteer experiences; Alpha Omega Alpha status; attendance at a top 40 NIH-funded institution; PhD degree; and other degree. Multiple linear regression without an interaction term was used to evaluate how these have varied between the two groups during the study period and whether there is a difference between unmatched and matched MD seniors applying for a neurosurgical residency. Multiple linear regression with an interaction term was then used to test whether the difference in variables between the two groups changed over time. Regardless of match status, MD senior neurosurgical residency applicants exhibited an increase in USMLE Step 1 and 2 scores; average research experiences; abstracts, presentations, and publications; and work and volunteer experiences (p < 0.001). The percentage of applicants from a top 40 NIH-funded school decreased (p = 0.018), and the percentage who held an additional degree increased (p = 0.007). Between groups, there were significant differences in all categories except work experiences and other degree obtained. Over time, the difference between USMLE Step 2 scores between matched and unmatched seniors diminished (p = 0.027); in contrast, the difference in abstracts, presentations, and publications between the two groups increased over time (p < 0.001). From 2009 to 2022, neurosurgical residency applicants grew in their achievements across many metrics. In the advent of Step 1 becoming pass/fail, this study suggests that Step 2 is not viewed by programs as an adequate replacement. However, the Step 1 grading transition may serve as an opportunity for other factors to be considered that may better predict success in neurosurgical residency.

«Образование, здоровье, милосердие». Подготовка сестер милосердия в Ярославском медицинском университете

In the modern world, traditions of social work are highly demanded both by the professional medical corporation and entire society. The experience of hospital volunteering is particularly relevant in relation to palliative patients. Volunteers involved in practical healthcare should have the corresponding level of qualification. The issue is solved by training and retraining of hospital volunteers and specialists of various levels at medical educational institutions. Junior medical nurses (sisters of mercy) have been trained at the Yaroslavl State Medical University since 2023. The specialized department of palliative medicine on the basis of Clinical Central Hospital of St. Alexy Metropolitan of Moscow of the Moscow Patriarchate of the Russian Orthodox Church was created at the Yaroslavl State Medical University. It is the interaction with state, social and confessional structures that allows to solve issues of practical implementation of the skills obtained by volunteers considering a wide range of community demands.

APPLICATION OF QUALITATIVE METHODS TO STUDY THE TRAUMATIC EXPERIENCE OF MARIUPOL STUDENT VOLUNTEERS DURING THE WAR

The article analyzes the experience of using qualitative methods of collecting sociological information to preserve, systematize and disseminate the experience of student youth of the city of Mariupol, who during the war and occupation of the city took an active social position and provided social assistance and support to civilian residents of the city, engaged in volunteer activities. The purpose of the study was to consider the possibilities of applying qualitative methods of sociological research during the study of socially significant practices of social work and volunteering in complex extreme situations (on the example of the traumatic experience of Mariupol student volunteers during the war). The peculiarities of the analysis of electronic diaries submitted by the authors for participation in the social competition as a means of obtaining high-quality sociological information are considered. The article is based on materials from e-diaries submitted for participation in the «Volunteer Heart of Mariupol» competition. The purpose of the Competition is to collect and preserve the stories of volunteer students who lived and studied in the city of Mariupol before the war, now have been forced to move to another city of Ukraine or abroad, and continue to selflessly help others, carry out volunteer initiatives and bring the Victory of Ukraine closer. The competition was held in January 2023 among Mariupol students. Volunteering is considered as a type of socially significant activity, a means of personal response to being in an extreme situation, which, above all, helped student youth to overcome stress and start looking for internal stability, stability in an extreme situation through helping others. The model of students' behavior after leaving the zone of active hostilities and evacuation, related to the activation of volunteer activities, was also considered.

POSITIVE EXPERIENCE OF POST-TRAUMA GROWTH IN THE ORGANIZATION OF VOLUNTEER ACTIVITIES

The article discloses post-traumatic events that destroy the usual stereotypes of behavior and dramatically cause a restructuring of the volunteers’ personality structure. The purpose of the article is post-traumatic growth in the context of the formation of a positive experience of volunteers in the conditions of war, whose role should be more supportive than mentor-authoritarian in providing assistance to the victims. During the study, the method «Diagnostics of the level of alexithymia (Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS))» and the questionnaires «The Changes in Outlook Questionnaire» (CiOQ) and «The Posttraumatic Growth Inventory» (PTGI) were used. which are applied in the context of the author’s ideas about post-traumatic growth. The general sample of people was made up of students, whose potential features revealed the peculiarities of post-traumatic growth as a factor of sustainable human life support in wartime conditions.The post-traumatic period is characterized by such signs as increased nervousness and sensitivity to suprathreshold stimuli. Victims’ actions are not always controlled, moreover, they are often tense in anticipation of negative events. PTSD situations are accompanied by apathy, panic and aggression. There is a need to provide self-help in the context of the volunteer’s post-traumatic growth.According to the results of psychocorrection, the volunteers of both groups experience qualitative changes in overcoming critical events that arise in the situation of overcoming extremely difficult challenges. Post-traumatic positive experience indicates the quality of interpersonal relationships, increased sensitivity and closeness to the personal environment. The post-traumatic growth of volunteers is based on a wise philosophy of life, in the realization of the values «We will manage. We are together».

Balance Service and Learning: Insights From Volunteer Experiences of UK Medical Students During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Balance Service and Learning: Insights From Volunteer Experiences of UK Medical Students During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

The co-benefits of biodiversity citizen science for well-being and nature relatedness.

Human well-being is dependent on the health of our planet. Biodiversity-related citizen science supports conservation research, and there is increasing interest in its potential as a health co-benefits intervention. This randomized controlled study investigates the health co-benefits of biodiversity citizen science participation. Seventy participants were randomly assigned to a citizen science project or control group for an 8-month period. Both groups completed pre- and post-intervention surveys, evaluating nature relatedness, self-efficacy related to biodiversity loss, subjective well-being, and climate change anxiety. A subset (N = 13) of participants engaged in the citizen science project also took part in focus group discussions. The intervention group reported a significant increase in nature relatedness and self-efficacy to help address issues of biodiversity loss. Although no significant changes were observed for other well-being or anxiety scales, most participants reported positive outcomes related to mental or physical well-being in focus groups. There were stronger positive effects for participants without previous environmental volunteering experience. These results suggest that citizen science participation has the potential to contribute to Planetary Health goals, with sustained co-benefits for well-being and nature relatedness. Future interventions evaluating co-benefits should consider previous environmental volunteering experience and focus on participants with little experience to maximize health outcomes.

Industrial-organizational psychologists and volunteer work

AbstractMany of the larger employers in this country and abroad have benefited from industrial-organizational (I/O) psychologists’ evidence-based practice. However, charitable and not-for-profit organizations have not always been aware of our services or able to afford them when cognizant of them. Volunteering professional services to charitable organizations provides an opportunity to extend these benefits. In addition, volunteers reap the intrinsic rewards of service, acquire opportunities to hone their skills, and learn from others, and pro bono work has the potential of informing our understanding of the science and practice of I/O psychology. This paper provides five case studies from five I/O psychologists who share their volunteer experiences in their own words. Each case study describes what the I/O psychologist did for the organization, how he or she became involved, and what he or she got out of the experience and learned. The paper offers ways SIOP and the SIOP Foundation might facilitate volunteer activities and concludes by inviting readers to share their own volunteer experiences and suggestions for encouraging volunteer work.

The Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Feline Strays in the Venice Area (2020–2022) in the Experience of Cat Rescue Organization Volunteers

Abstract This short communication introduces the reader to challenges faced by a cat rescue organization (Dingo-Venezia ONLUS) operating in the Venice area during and after the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions. The area around Venice houses more than 1,500 cat colonies, in the mainland and in a number of densely inhabited isles. During COVID-19 restrictions, providing for animals was recognized as a legitimate cause to circulate, but there was uncertainty about the procedure to obtain such recognition. Volunteers chose to go and feed the animals nonetheless, even with the risk of incurring legal consequences. During restrictions, there was an increase of cat adoption demands, but also in cat relinquishment, and a general decrease in donations due to the economic crisis. Although not reporting experimentally sourced data, this paper affords the reader an informed insight into the challenges due to COVID-19 restriction, directly from the experience of an established Italian cat rescue organization.